Whirlpool and Maytag Dryer Error Codes: AF, F4E3, L2, PF and F# E#
What AF, F4E3, L2, PF and F# E# mean on Whirlpool and Maytag dryers, which ones you can clear yourself and when a technician is needed.
Whirlpool and Maytag publish a short list of dryer codes, and the two brands use identical wording. A few are simple messages you can clear yourself, such as a blocked vent warning or a power failure. The F# E# codes are different: the control has found a fault that needs service.
Dryer codes can vary by model and model year, and the manufacturer points owners to the owner's manual for anything not listed. Your model number is usually on a label inside the door opening or on the door frame. This page covers electric dryers only, and a gas dryer must be handled by a licensed gas technician.
Unplug the dryer before cleaning anything behind or beneath it, and never open the cabinet or touch the wiring.
A clogged vent is a fire risk, so do not keep running the dryer if the airflow warning keeps returning.
Dryer codes
| Code | What it means | What you can safely check | When to call a technician |
|---|---|---|---|
| AF (F4E3, F4 E3) | Restricted airflow: the lint screen or vent is clogged, crushed or kinked. | Clean the lint screen and check the vent for crushing, kinks or blockage. | If airflow is clear and the code returns, or the vent run is long. |
| F# E# | The control found a fault that needs service. | Nothing to try yourself: book a technician. | Any time a code alternating F and E numbers appears. |
| L2 | Low or no line voltage, which can keep the heater from turning on. | Check whether a breaker has tripped (electric dryers use two) and reset it, then run a Timed Dry heated cycle. | If the message persists: have an electrician check the supply. |
| PF | Power failure interrupted the drying cycle. | Hold Start to resume the cycle, or press Power to clear the display. | Only if it keeps appearing with no outages. |
Whirlpool & Maytag dryer AF (F4E3, F4 E3) error
AF, also shown as F4E3 or F4 E3, tells you the dryer is not moving air well. The lint screen or the vent is the likely cause, including a crushed or kinked vent or one with too many turns. The dryer keeps running while this shows, and touching any key clears the message. Clear the lint screen and any vent you can reach safely. If it comes back, have the vent run and the dryer checked.
Model note: Same wording on the Whirlpool and Maytag pages.
Whirlpool & Maytag dryer F# E# error
When the display alternates between an F number and an E number, the control has detected a problem that requires service. The manufacturer does not give a customer-level fix for these codes. Write down both numbers, because they tell the technician where to start. Do not open the dryer or touch its wiring.
Model note: Only F4E3 is explained on the manufacturer page. Other F and E combinations vary by model.
Whirlpool & Maytag dryer L2 error
L2 points to low or missing line voltage at the dryer, which can stop the heater from coming on. The manufacturer says it will only show during the initial installation. Check whether the dryer's breaker has tripped, since electric dryers use two, and reset it. If the message persists, a qualified electrician should look at the home supply.
Model note: Same wording on the Whirlpool and Maytag pages. The page says this appears only during initial installation.
Whirlpool & Maytag dryer PF error
PF means the power went out while a cycle was running. It is not a fault in the dryer. Touch and hold Start to restart the cycle, or press Power to clear the display. If it keeps showing when the power has been steady, have the dryer and its circuit checked.
Model note: Same wording on the Whirlpool and Maytag pages.
Code keeps coming back? Book a dryer repair and tell us the code and your model number.
Frequently asked questions
What does AF mean on my Whirlpool dryer?
AF, also shown as F4E3, means restricted airflow. The lint screen or the vent is clogged, crushed or kinked. Clean the lint screen and check the vent, and have it looked at if the code returns.
What does AF mean on my Maytag dryer?
AF, or F4E3, is the restricted airflow warning. The dryer keeps running, and touching a key clears the message. Clear the lint screen and check the vent for crushing or kinks.
What does F# E# mean on my Whirlpool dryer?
When the display alternates between an F number and an E number, the control has found a problem that requires service. There is no owner fix on the manufacturer page. Note both numbers and book a technician.
What does L2 mean on my Maytag dryer?
L2 means low or no line voltage at the dryer, which can keep the heater from turning on. Check whether a breaker has tripped and reset it. If the message stays, have an electrician check the supply.
What does PF mean on my Whirlpool dryer?
PF means a power failure interrupted the cycle. Hold Start to resume it or press Power to clear the display.
Related
Codes and their meanings vary by model and model year, so keep your model number handy. If a code keeps returning after the safe checks above, book a repair and a technician will test your dryer in your home.
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