Whirlpool Dryer Error Codes Explained

Quick answer: On many Whirlpool dryers, AF or Check Vent means airflow is restricted, L2 means low or no line voltage, and PF means the power was interrupted. F# E# codes, such as F3 E1 for the exhaust thermistor or F4 E1 for the heater, mean the control found a fault that usually needs service.

Whirlpool dryers show these codes on the display, and F# E# codes often alternate between the F half and the E half. Your owner's manual has the full list for your model. For most F codes, Whirlpool's first step is a breaker reset: switch off the dryer's circuit breaker (electric dryers use two) for one minute, turn it back on, start a Timed Dry cycle and watch for about a minute to see whether the code returns.

Whirlpool Dryer Error Codes list

AF / Check Vent / F4 E3

Restricted airflow

Common causes: A clogged lint screen or vent, a crushed or kinked duct, or a vent run that is too long or has too many turns

What you can try: Clean the lint screen and check the vent hose and outside hood for lint. Touch any key to clear the code; the dryer keeps running.

Call a technician if: The code returns after cleaning, or the duct runs through walls you cannot reach.

Low or no line voltage

Common causes: A blown fuse or tripped breaker (electric dryers use two), or an incorrectly installed power cord

What you can try: Check and reset both breakers, then run a Timed Dry heated cycle. Whirlpool notes this code appears during initial installation.

Call a technician if: L2 persists. Whirlpool recommends a qualified electrician.

Power failure interrupted the cycle

Common causes: A brief outage or tripped breaker

What you can try: Touch and hold Start to restart, or press Power to clear. After an outage, turn the breaker off for a minute, then back on.

Call a technician if: PF appears without any power interruption.

F3 E1

Exhaust thermistor problem

Common causes: A failed exhaust temperature sensor or a wiring fault

What you can try: Breaker off for one minute, back on, then start a Timed Dry cycle and watch for the code.

Call a technician if: The code returns after the reset.

F3 E2

Five loads in a row dried without moisture sensor readings

Common causes: A dryer that is not level, very small loads, or a moisture sensor fault

What you can try: Press Power to clear. Level the dryer (measure on the cabinet edge, since the top can be curved), and dry larger loads or use an automatic cycle.

Call a technician if: The code returns with full loads on a level dryer.

F3 E3

Inlet thermistor problem

Common causes: A failed inlet temperature sensor or wiring

What you can try: Breaker off for one minute, back on, then run a Timed Dry cycle.

Call a technician if: The code returns.

F4 E1

Heater or heater relay problem

Common causes: A heating circuit fault

What you can try: Breaker off for one minute, back on, then run a Timed Dry cycle and watch for the code.

Call a technician if: The code returns or the dryer will not heat. Heater circuits involve 240V wiring.

Other F# E# codes

The control detected a problem that requires service

Common causes: Varies by code and model

What you can try: A breaker reset may clear a one-time glitch.

Call a technician if: The code alternates on the display again after the reset.

How to clear the code

Breaker reset for F codes: switch off the dryer's breaker or breakers for one minute, turn them on, start a Timed Dry cycle and watch for about a minute.
AF and L2: touch any key to clear the code from the display. The dryer keeps running while they show.
PF: touch and hold Start to resume, or press Power to clear the display.
F3 E2: press Power to clear, then fix leveling or load size.

Codes that point to a heating or airflow problem

On a Whirlpool dryer, most heating complaints show up as one of three things: an AF code from poor airflow, an L2 code from a power supply problem, or an F3 or F4 code from a sensor or heater fault. Airflow is the one you can do the most about. A clean vent dries faster and reduces the lint that builds up around the heater.

On gas models, never loosen gas fittings or work on the burner. If you smell gas, leave the home and call your gas utility from outside. More help is in our guide to a dryer not heating.

Whirlpool dryer repair in Metro Atlanta

Mr. Fixer repairs Whirlpool electric and gas dryers across Metro Atlanta, with a written estimate before any work. See our dryer repair and Whirlpool appliance repair pages. Call (678) 866-3669 or book online.

Code still showing?

Our technicians repair Whirlpool dryers across Metro Atlanta, usually the same day. Diagnostic from $80, credited toward your repair.

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FAQs

Can I keep using my Whirlpool dryer with the Check Vent light on?

It will keep running, but drying takes longer and lint builds up faster. Clean the lint screen and vent soon. If the code returns, have the full vent run inspected.

What does F3 E1 mean on a Whirlpool dryer?

Whirlpool lists F3 E1 as an exhaust thermistor problem. Try the one-minute breaker reset. If the code returns, the sensor or its wiring needs testing.

Why does my Whirlpool dryer show L2?

L2 means low or no line voltage, so the heater may not turn on. Check both breakers for the dryer. If they are on and L2 stays, the outlet or power cord needs to be checked by a qualified professional.

Codes and meanings vary by model and model year. Check your owner's manual for your exact model.

Whirlpool Dryer Error Codes: What They Mean and How to Fix Them