Whirlpool Dryer Error Codes (What They Mean + Fixes)

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If your Whirlpool dryer is displaying an error code, it means the appliance has detected a condition that may interrupt drying or affect performance. This guide explains the most common Whirlpool dryer error codes, what they usually mean, and safe checks you can try before calling service.

Common Whirlpool Dryer Error Codes

F01 — Control Board Error

What it usually means

  • An internal electronic control fault has been detected.

Try this

  1. Turn the dryer off.
  2. Switch off power at the wall for 5 minutes.
  3. Restore power and try a short cycle.

Call service if

  • The error returns immediately.

F02 — Keypad / User Interface Error

What it usually means

  • A button may be stuck or the control panel is not responding correctly.

Try this

  1. Power off for 5 minutes.
  2. Restart and try selecting a different cycle.

Call service if

  • Buttons remain unresponsive.

F03 — Moisture Sensor Error

What it usually means

  • The dryer cannot correctly detect moisture levels.

Try this

  1. Clean the lint filter thoroughly.
  2. Wipe moisture sensor bars inside the drum.
  3. Restart the dryer.

Call service if

  • The dryer stops early or over-dries clothes.

F04 — Heater Control Error

What it usually means

  • A fault has been detected in the heating control circuit.

Try this

  1. Clean lint filters and vents.
  2. Restart and test a normal cycle.

Call service if

  • The dryer does not produce heat.

F05 — Thermistor Error

What it usually means

  • The temperature sensor is reporting abnormal readings.

Try this

  1. Turn power off for 5 minutes.
  2. Restart the dryer.

Call service if

  • The error persists.

F06 — Motor Error

What it usually means

  • A problem has been detected with the drum motor.

Try this

  1. Reduce load size.
  2. Restart after turning power off.

Call service if

  • The drum does not rotate.

F07 — Motor Overheating

What it usually means

  • The motor has overheated due to airflow or load issues.

Try this

  1. Allow the dryer to cool completely.
  2. Clean all lint filters and vents.
  3. Restart with a smaller load.

Call service if

  • The error returns quickly.

F08 — Airflow Restriction

What it usually means

  • The dryer is not detecting proper airflow.

Try this

  1. Clean lint filter before each load.
  2. Inspect the exhaust vent for blockages.

Call service if

  • Drying times remain very long.

F09 — Door Switch Error

What it usually means

  • The door is not being detected as closed.

Try this

  1. Close the door firmly.
  2. Ensure no laundry is caught in the door seal.

Call service if

  • The dryer will not start.

F10 — Heater Relay Error

What it usually means

  • A relay controlling the heating system may be stuck.

Try this

  1. Restart the dryer after powering off.

Call service if

  • The dryer overheats or will not heat at all.

AF — Airflow Error

What it usually means

  • The dryer is detecting restricted airflow.

Try this

  1. Clean lint filter and exhaust vent.
  2. Check that the vent is not crushed or kinked.

Call service if

  • The warning appears repeatedly.

PF — Power Failure

What it usually means

  • The dryer experienced a power interruption.

Try this

  1. Press Start to resume the cycle.
  2. Restart the dryer if needed.

Call service if

  • The error appears without a power outage.

How to Clear a Whirlpool Dryer Error Code

  1. Turn the dryer off.
  2. Switch off power at the wall for 5 minutes.
  3. Restore power and start a short test cycle.

If the error returns immediately, it usually indicates an active fault.

When to Call Service

  • Heating errors that persist after cleaning vents
  • Motor or drum faults
  • Repeated overheating or airflow warnings
  • Control board or keypad errors

FAQ

Can blocked vents cause Whirlpool dryer error codes?

Yes. Restricted airflow is one of the most common causes of dryer errors and long drying times.

Do Whirlpool dryer error codes vary by model?

Yes. Some codes vary slightly by model and region, but the meanings above apply to most Whirlpool dryers.

Is it safe to keep resetting the dryer?

Occasional resets are fine, but repeated resets without fixing the cause are not recommended.