Whirlpool and Maytag Washer Error Codes: What They Mean and How to Fix Them
Meanings and owner checks for common Whirlpool and Maytag washer codes such as F8 E1, F9 E1, Sud, Ofb and LdL, split by front-load and top-load.
Whirlpool and Maytag washers show short codes on the display when the control notices something it wants you to deal with. Some are simple prompts, like a locked control or an unbalanced load. Others point to a part that needs repair. The two brands publish the same list, so everything below applies to both.
The codes are different for front-load and top-load HE washers, and each entry here says which one it belongs to. The manufacturer also says its lists are not complete for every model, so your owner's manual is the final word. Your model number is usually on a label around the door opening on a front-loader, or under the lid or on the back of a top-loader.
Unplug the washer before checking behind it, and never open the cabinet or touch wiring.
A full washer is heavy and can move during spin: do not try to move or tilt it while it holds water.
Front-load washer codes
| Code | What it means | What you can safely check | When to call a technician |
|---|---|---|---|
| LOC (LC) | Control lock is on, so the buttons are ignored. | Press the Control Lock button (some models need a press and hold). | Only if it will not unlock. |
| Int | Cycle was paused or cancelled and the washer is still spinning down and draining. | Wait 20 to 30 minutes, then press Pause or Cancel twice and Power once. | If it stays after a 5 minute power-off. |
| Sud (Sd) | Too many suds, so the washer cannot spin the water out. | Use HE detergent only, check bleach type, check the drain hose for kinks. | If suds keep returning with HE detergent and a clear hose. |
| F5 E2 | Door is not locking properly. | Make sure nothing blocks the door and it closes fully, then press Pause or Cancel twice and Power once. | If the door shuts fully and the code returns. |
| F7 E1 | Motor cannot reach the speed the cycle needs. | Confirm shipping bolts are out and the load is not too big, then clear the code. | If it returns with a normal load. |
| F8 E1 (LO FL, LF) | Low water flow: the washer is filling too slowly. | Open both hot and cold taps fully, check inlet hoses for kinks, avoid anti-flood devices on the line. | If water supply and hoses are fine. |
| F8 E2 | Problem with the dispenser system (select models). | Make sure the detergent drawer or cartridge is not clogged with detergent. | If the dispenser is clean and the code returns. |
| F9 E1 | Draining is taking much longer than expected. | Check the drain hose for kinks or clogs, use HE detergent, check standpipe height. | If the hose is clear and it still will not drain. |
Whirlpool & Maytag washer LOC (LC) error
LOC, also shown as LC, is not a fault. It means the control lock is switched on, so the washer ignores the other buttons. Touch or press and hold the Control Lock button to turn it off. If you cannot tell which button does it, your owner's manual will show it.
Model note: Front-load washers only.
Whirlpool & Maytag washer Int error
Int appears while the washer finishes spinning down and draining after a cycle was paused or cancelled. This can take 20 to 30 minutes. Press Pause or Cancel twice and then Power once to clear it. If it is still showing, unplug the washer for 5 minutes and try again.
Model note: Front-load washers only.
Whirlpool & Maytag washer Sud (Sd) error
Sud (or Sd on some front-loaders) means the washer sensed too much foam. It lengthens the rinse on its own to break the suds down, so let it work. Use only HE detergent, and avoid thick no-splash style liquid bleach, which can add suds. A kinked or clogged drain hose or standpipe can also cause it. Top-load HE washers show Sud for the same reason.
Model note: Front-load wording shown. Top-load HE washers also list Sud, with the same advice to use HE detergent.
Whirlpool & Maytag washer F5 E2 error
F5 E2 on a front-load washer points to a door that is not locking properly. Check that no clothing or other item is caught in the door and that it closes all the way. Press Pause or Cancel twice and then Power once to clear the code. If it comes straight back, the lock needs a technician.
Model note: Front-load washers only.
Whirlpool & Maytag washer F7 E1 error
F7 E1 is a motor speed sensing error: the motor is not reaching the speed the chosen cycle calls for. Two things worth checking are whether the shipping bolts were removed after delivery and whether the drum is overloaded. Clear the code with Pause or Cancel twice and Power once. If it returns on a normal load, the motor or its control needs service.
Model note: Front-load washers only.
Whirlpool & Maytag washer F8 E1 (LO FL, LF) error
F8 E1, also shown as LO FL, means the washer is not getting enough water quickly enough. Make sure both the hot and cold taps are fully open and that the fill hoses are not kinked. Anti-flood hoses or controls in the water line can also restrict flow. Top-load HE washers show the same fault as LF, Lo FL or F8 E1.
Model note: Front-load wording shown. The top-load page lists LF, Lo FL or F8 E1 for a washer taking too long to fill.
Whirlpool & Maytag washer F8 E2 error
F8 E2 relates to the dispenser system and is shown on select models only. Pull out and clean the detergent drawer or cartridge if detergent has built up and clogged it. If the dispenser is clean and the code keeps returning, book a technician.
Model note: Front-load washers only.
Whirlpool & Maytag washer F9 E1 error
F9 E1 means draining has run well past the normal time, typically over eight minutes. A kinked or clogged drain hose is the first thing to look at. Too many suds from non-HE detergent can also slow draining. The standpipe should be between 39 and 96 inches (99 to 244 cm) high.
Model note: Front-load washers only.
Code keeps coming back? Book a washer repair and tell us the code and your model number.
Top-load HE washer codes
| Code | What it means | What you can safely check | When to call a technician |
|---|---|---|---|
| drn | Washer is not draining properly. | Look along the drain hose for kinks. | If it will not drain. |
| HC | Hot and cold inlet hoses are swapped. | Turn off the water and swap the hoses back to the right taps. | Not needed unless the hoses are correct and it still shows. |
| LdL | Lid is not locking. | Check for items under the lid and for detergent build-up around the lid lock. | If the lid is clear and still will not lock. |
| LdU | Lid cannot unlock because something is on top of the washer. | Remove anything, such as a laundry basket, from the lid. | If nothing is on the lid and it stays locked. |
| Ofb | Load is out of balance. | Redistribute the load in loose heaps, avoid single bulky items, close the lid and press Start/Pause. | If it keeps stopping with a balanced load. |
| OL | Load is too large. | Remove several items, add HE detergent, close the lid and press Start/Pause. | If it shows with a small load. |
| F# E# (F##) | Other F and E system codes: the control found a fault. | Press Start/Pause once to clear, then again to restart. On front-loaders, power off for 5 minutes. | If the code returns. |
Whirlpool & Maytag washer drn error
drn means the top-load washer is not draining properly. The manufacturer notes it can sometimes be an installation problem, such as the drain hose or standpipe setup. Check the hose for kinks. If water stays in the tub, a technician should look at the pump and drain path.
Model note: Top-load HE washers only.
Whirlpool & Maytag washer HC error
HC appears at the end of a cycle when the cold hose is on the hot inlet and the hot hose is on the cold inlet. Turn off the water supply, swap the two hoses to the correct connections, then run another cycle to confirm. It is an installation mix-up rather than a failed part.
Model note: Top-load HE washers only.
Whirlpool & Maytag washer LdL error
LdL means the washer cannot lock the lid. An item in the load can hold the lid up, so check directly under it. Detergent build-up around the lid lock can also get in the way. If it is clear and the code returns, the lid lock needs a technician.
Model note: Top-load HE washers only.
Whirlpool & Maytag washer LdU error
LdU means the washer thinks something is sitting on the lid and keeping it from unlocking. Remove any basket or other object from the top of the machine. Once the lid is clear it should release.
Model note: Top-load HE washers only.
Whirlpool & Maytag washer Ofb error
Ofb means the drum load is out of balance and the washer is running a correction routine, so let it carry on first. If it stops with the dial flashing, spread the items evenly around the drum, close the lid and press Start/Pause. Washing a single heavy item on its own, such as a rug, often causes this. Also check that the washer itself is level.
Model note: Top-load HE washers only.
Whirlpool & Maytag washer OL error
OL means the washer detected an overload. It drains the water and detergent, so the cycle needs restarting. Take out several items, add HE detergent and press Start/Pause with the lid closed.
Model note: Top-load HE washers only.
Whirlpool & Maytag washer F# E# (F##) error
Any other code made of an F number and an E number is a general system error. On a top-load HE washer, press Start/Pause once to clear it and again to restart. On a front-load washer, unplug it for 5 minutes, reselect the cycle and press Start. If the same code returns, a technician needs to diagnose it.
Model note: Steps differ by washer type. The front-load page asks for 5 minutes without power.
How to reset your Whirlpool & Maytag washer
On a front-load washer, you can try clearing a stubborn code by cutting power for five minutes. Unplug it, wait, plug it back in, then pick the cycle again and press Start. Top-load HE washers clear most codes with Start/Pause instead, as covered above.
- Press Pause or Cancel twice, then Power once.
- If the code is still there, unplug the washer for 5 minutes.
- Plug it back in, reselect the cycle and press Start.
Frequently asked questions
What does F8 E1 mean on my Whirlpool washer?
F8 E1 means the washer is not getting water fast enough, which the display may also show as LO FL. Check that both taps are fully open and the fill hoses are not kinked. If water supply and hoses are fine, book a technician.
What does F9 E1 mean on my Maytag washer?
F9 E1 is a long drain: the water is taking more than about eight minutes to leave. Check the drain hose for kinks or clogs and use HE detergent only. If it still will not drain, the pump or drain path needs a technician.
What does Ofb mean on my Whirlpool washer?
Ofb is a top-load HE washer code for an out of balance load. Let the correction routine run, then spread the items evenly and press Start/Pause if it stops. Avoid washing one heavy item by itself.
What does LdL mean on my Maytag washer?
LdL means a top-load washer cannot lock its lid. Look for something caught under the lid and for detergent build-up around the lock. If neither is the cause, the lid lock needs service.
What does Sud mean on my Whirlpool washer?
Sud means the washer detected too many suds. It extends the rinse by itself, so let it finish. Use HE detergent only and check that the drain hose is not kinked.
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 washer in your home.
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