Whirlpool Dishwasher Diagnostic Mode | Troubleshooting & Error Code

Whirlpool is a top-notch brand known for producing home appliances for more than 100 years. They guarantee their products require little or no repair during their existence period. However, if you are dealing with a repair in a Whirlpool dishwasher the professionals suggest turning on the diagnostic mode.

The diagnostic mode in a Whirlpool dishwasher may sound new to you which you may be pondering about and searching to know its purpose. It generally refers to the procedure to test or troubleshoot the appliance and to find out what section needs to be repaired or the defective part that needs to be replaced immediately and enable the proper functioning of the dishwasher.

It is considered the ideal technique whenever the Whirlpool dishwasher seems to fail in performing a particular function and demands a quick retrieve.

In this article, you’ll get to know more about the diagnostic mode, how to troubleshoot the Whirlpool dishwasher, different types of error codes, and their solutions.

Accessing the Diagnostic Mode

There are certain ways to enable the diagnostic mode of the Whirlpool dishwasher depending on the model. We are discussing them one by one:

Press Three Buttons in a Sequence

From the control panel press any three buttons. Make sure to follow the sequential pattern with a delay of not more than one second in pressing.

There are certain limitations reserved in choosing the keys to press. You are not allowed to press the start, cancel or delay buttons otherwise access to diagnostic mode will be restricted.

Some models of Whirlpool dishwasher support this method, contrarily you can go with the below methods.

Press the Rinse and Start Button

Rinse ad start buttons are also commonly used to enable the diagnostic mode. To do that, turn off the power source. Then again connect the unit to a power source and open the door. Two times, press and hold the rinse and start buttons, and note the reconnecting time of the unit the process should be done in under one minute of reconnection to a power source. At last, close the door.

This will start the self-diagnostic process of the Whirlpool dishwasher and the error code will be displayed pointing towards the defective section.

Press On/Off and Start/Pause Buttons

The third possible method is to press the on/off and start/pause buttons collectively. It is quite similar to the above process however requires a small additional step.

When the unit is turned off and disconnected to the power supply don’t forget a delay time of at least 10 seconds before reconnection. Now you are allowed to turn on the main supply and open the door. Press and hold the on/off and start/pause buttons collectively within one minute of reconnection.

The system will begin the troubleshooting process if the method is properly followed.

Press Cycle+ Start/Cancel Button

If the diagnostic mode of the Whirlpool dishwasher is not responding even after implementing the above three methods then we have the last try for you.

Now you need to press the cycle + start/cancel buttons when the dishwasher is off and disconnected from the main supply. Press once again and hold for at least one minute and close the door.

Now that you have learned methods of accessing the diagnostic mode of the Whirlpool dishwasher, it is your turn to know the essential steps of implementing these ways.

Step 1: Turn off the dishwasher and main power supply.

Step 2: Open the door.

Step 3: Choose any of the above methods and give it a try as directed.

Step 4: The diagnostic mode will become on which is normally indicated with the LED lights flashing and blinking.

Step 5: Close the door and press the Start button.

Step 6: The dishwasher will troubleshoot all the functions and the error code will be displayed on the control panel after a little while.

Whirlpool Dishwasher Error Codes

When the self-diagnosis of the Whirlpool dishwasher is completed it will display the error on the control panel screen. The error codes can be of two types either the code is displayed beginning with ‘E’ and a number or the lights will start flashing and you’ll need to count the number of flashes to detect the code.

Starting from the error codes that start with ‘E’ and a number:

Error Code E1

If the Whirlpool dishwasher displays E1 code it means the machine is running with a defective water inlet system. The problem is detected when the flow meter fails to sense the water level in the dishwasher.

It shows a clear indication that the drain pump is leaking or not properly draining out the water and taking extra time. Therefore, the drain pump needs to be replaced immediately, and test the inlet water function. Also, notice the working of the flow meter by taking a short test.

Error Code E2

The E2 error code is the most-simplest one to deal with. It doesn’t indicate any faulty component in the case rather it means you are on the safe side and the code can be disappeared by doing a small work.

Simply do a service of the machine either at home or by consulting a Whirlpool professional. The other way around is to give a small rest to your dishwasher by disconnecting the main supply for a minute and turning on the dishwasher.

Adopting any of the above methods or both will help in fading off the error code.

Error Code E3

The E3 error code points toward the defective heater and thermistor. It indicates that the temperature is not rising to the standard value when the wash pump is under consideration.

To disappear the error code Whirlpool dishwasher’s heater needs to be examined properly and parts must be replaced to remove defectiveness.

Error Code E4

You’ll face the E4 error code when the dishwasher is flooding. This overflow indication might appear because of the inappropriate detergent used or because the water pressure is fixed to too high a level.

Your region of inspection is the inlet hose if the water pressure is examined to be too high. Also, the power flow switch, replace if found faulty.

To minimize flooding your dishwasher’s drain pump must be functioning properly, remove clogging, and repair leaks.

Error Code E6

E6 error code indicates the open or short circuit of the temperature sensor. The error can be caused due to a wiring mistake, a defective sensor, or a faulty PCB.

All it is required is to make sure about the correct connection between the temperature sensor and PCB, inspect the sensor, and measure its resistance value, if the value is not correct replace the sensor, and if normal replace the PCB.

Depending upon the model you have the error codes may arises starting with ‘F’ and a number or the LED will flash with one pause requiring you to count a number of times it has flashed to detect the error code :

Error Code F1

The F1 error code appears on the control panel when the temperature sensor has malfunctioned. The error can also indicate the abnormal water temperature and not accurate for dishes to wash in like the temperature is too low or too high than expected.

The issue can be resolved by hiring a Whirlpool engineer on 0344 822 4224. The other is the DIY method where you need to replace the temperature sensor.

Error Code F2

The error code F2 can also be displayed as F2/E2, which means you are immediately required to notice the leakage in the dishwasher. Check the drain pump hose and water inlet valve, if the leakage is found replace the part.

You may also need to check the main control board if the F2 error is not disappeared. Check its parts and their working if found faulty take steps to resolve the issue.

Error Code F3

In a Whirlpool dishwasher, the F3 error code is related to the improper heating of the water. It indicates that the heating element is no more and needs to be changed. If the code still blinks on the control panel check the connection of the heating element with the main control board.

Error Code F4

Your Whirlpool dishwasher must be flooding inside if the F4 error code is knocking. It is because of the drain pump failure and not draining out the water from the dishwasher.

To resolve the issue, remove the drain pump and notice if any clogs or food items are blocking the way of water. Pick the food items, wash the filter properly, and fit it again to check it’s working.

Error Code F5

The mixing valve in the dishwasher is responsible for mixing cold and hot water so that the tempered water is delivered to wash the dishes. When the mixing valve is defective the water delivered is either too cold or too hot and an F5 error appears.

To address the issue, replace the malfunctioned mixing valve with a new one.

Error Code F6

The F6 error code is an indication of no incoming water in the dishwasher, either the water tap is closed or the inlet hose is kinked blocking the flow of water.

You need to inspect the proper working of the inlet valve and notice the connection of the flow meter and finally reach out to PCB if the error codes seem stubborn.

Error Code F7

When the water flow meter is working up to the task the F7 error code appears. To address the issue, the areas of inspection are nearly similar to the F6 error code. Check the water tap if is turned ON properly, and any blockage due to the inlet hose

Error Code F8

In such cases it is detected that the dishwasher is either overfilled with water or the drip tray is leaked. To inspect the main cause reach the bottom of the dishwasher and put your hand in the drip tray you’ll feel the moisture that reaches the sensor and is detected there is any kind of leakage.

Check the inlet valve which may be causing moisture, and tight its connection.

If the error is due to flooding, clean the filter and drain pump to overcome the blockage.

Error Code F9

The F9 error code on the Whirlpool dishwasher points toward the faulty water inlet valve that needs to be repaired or replaced. Also, check the connections with the main control board.

Error Code F10 or F0

The F10 error code proves a bit complex to deal with since it appears when the sensor has malfunctioned and fails to send and receive signals to the main control board. Therefore, if you are not a professional we recommend asking for help from a Whirlpool engineer on 0344 822 4224.

Error Code F11 or FA

The error code F11 or FA also points towards the defective sensor, not the malfunctioned completely but, sensing inaccurate information. Check if the sensing safe from clogging or dirt. For a more direct solution try replacing a sensor.

Error Code F12 or FB

To solve this error the diverter valve needs to be repaired or replaced. It is usually responsible for controlling the water flow in the upper and lower spray arms. The water is directed to the lower spray arm and then move to the dishes. Try removing the diverter motor and testing its functionality. If the motor is found faulty replace it.

Error Code F13 or FC

F13 or FC error signals when the water gets hard. This error suggests adding an amount of salt into the water to overcome the hardness otherwise check the sensor if the error doesn’t disappear after adding salt.

Whirlpool Dishwasher Exiting Diagnostic Mode

Now that you have got a detailed idea of how to start the Whirlpool dishwasher diagnostic mode? And the meaning of whirlpool dishwasher error codes with their solution, it is also essential for you to learn how to exit the service mode of the whirlpool dishwasher.

Exiting the Whirlpool dishwasher’s service requires no hard steps to follow but just to repair the diagnosed problem immediately and the mode will get off. Suppose it was detected that the heating element is faulty and needs to be replaced, now depending upon the model you have, once the problem is diagnosed simply press and hold the ‘start’ button for 3 to 4 seconds, with the door opened, and close the door. The Whirlpool dishwasher will get reset automatically.

Conclusion

In this read, we hope to have provided a comprehensive guide over the diagnostic mode of the Whirlpool dishwasher along with the detailed error codes and how to fix them. The service mode of the Whirlpool dishwasher best helps in troubleshooting the issue and identifying what’s wrong with the machine and why behaving abnormally. Now that you have got idea how to enable the diagnostic mode let us know in the comment box how it works for your case.