Whirlpool Refrigerator Error Codes

Modern refrigerators have digital displays which convey error messages when parts fail or something is simply not right.

Whirlpool refrigerators in the US display few error codes. Instead, they have a very extensive diagnostic capability built into most units. Thesel error codes and lights, as listed by Whirlpool, are found on both Side-by-Side and French-door bottom Freezer Refrigerators. For UK and EU units see the E# or F# codes listed in the UK section.

This light (icon) on the control panel gives you the status of the air filter. It isn’t really an error code. It will change color over time to remind you to change the air filter.

• Blue — Good Filter
• Yellow — It is almost time to replace the filter
• Red — Time to replace the filter
• Red with “Replace Filter” Flashing— Expired Filter

The good news is that you don’t have to change the filter to get it to “go away.”

• Press and hold the Air Filter button for three seconds the indicator resets.
• You should, of course, do this when the air filter is replaced.

An indicator light that tells you when the cooling operations on your fridge are disabled (cooling is off), not that your fridge is cooling down! If your fridge temperature starts to rise, check to see if this feature has been accidentally turned on.

• Pressing and holding the Lock and Measured Fill buttons will toggle the Cooling Off Function and its indicator light.

• The Door Alarm is an indicator light on the control panel that turns on when the door or freezer drawer is left open for 2+ minutes. Usually, a beep accompanies the light. It sounds every 2 minutes.
• The beep can be turned off by pressing any key while the door is open. It will reset when the door is properly closed. This is a good indicator if the door of your unit isn’t closing properly or a door sensor is not working.

• If you have this code, try resetting the fridge by unplugging it or turning off the circuit breaker for one minute.
• Make sure the cooling function is on (sometimes you actually have to turn on your fridge after power is shut off) Check to see if the code returns.

This indicator signals when the water filter should be changed. It will turn red to indicate this.

• Press and hold the Light and Ice Type buttons together for 3+ seconds to reset the indicator. The status light will turn off. See below for more information.

PO stands for power outage. It lets you know that the power to your fridge failed and came back on. It also indicates that the freezer temperature has risen to 18°F (-8°C).

• Press Measured Fill under the blinking “Confirm” light to shut this indicator off.

This alarm signals when the Fresh Food portion of your fridge is over 48°F(9°C) or the freezer is over 15°F (-9°C) for 1½ hours or more. The audible alarm shuts off when the temperature returns to normal, but the indicator light will flash until it is acknowledged.

• To acknowledge the indicator, press Alarm. This lets you know to check for food spoilage even after the power has returned.

When you replace the water filter, you need to reset the status indicator. Here are four ways:

1. Press the Max Ice and Max Cool buttons together for 3 seconds.
2. Press and hold the Light and Ice Type buttons together.
3. Press the Filter Reset button.
4. Press and hold the Water Filter button.

You should replace the water filter about every six months. If the flow slows down or the taste deteriorates, replace it sooner.

Here is a link to a site that walks through the process of using the diagnostic mode on Whirlpool Refrigerators.

These are for UK units usually Hotpoint brand. They are generally smaller than what are known as "American Style" fridges, generally narrower and often with the freezer on the bottom.

Issue: The fridge either lost power recently, or is alerting you to an open door. Verify the door is closed and see if the error code disappears.

Issue: The fridge's temperature sensor may be faulty, or there may be a problem with the wiring. Power down your refrigerator by turning off the circuit breaker or unplugging the appliance. Wait one minute, and then restore power.

Issue: The evaporator fan may not be working properly and causing incorrect temperature readings. Inspect the fan, and defrost the fan if necessary.

Issue: The compartment temperature in my fridge is incorrect. Inspect the condenser fan and defrost the fan, if there is ice buildup on the fan.

Issue: The compartment temperature in my fridge is incorrect, and may be related to the defrost timer, defrost heater, or defrost thermostat.

Issue: The compartment temperature in my freezer is incorrect. This could be related to the ice maker motor, water supply, or related components.

Issue: The display or controls on your appliance are not operating correctly. This is likely related to a fault in the main control board and display board.

Issue: A number of causes affecting the temperature in your appliance could be happening if you see this error code displayed. Check for an issue with the fridge temperature control board, door, door sensor, or door seal.

Issue: A number of causes affecting the temperature in your appliance could be happening if you see this error code displayed. This is likely related to the compressor, refrigerant levels, or other cooling components.

Issue: The freezer door may have been left open which has resulted in the food in freezer defrosting. The error could also be caused by a door sensor fault or wiring issue. If you can feel cold air escaping consider replacing the seal.

Issue: There may be a sensor malfunction or wiring problem that controls your drawer temperature. If you locate this sensor, you can test with a multimeter and replace if it's out of specification.

Issue: Communications are lost between the computer and controller. Inspect wiring and replace user interface. If this didn't fix, replace the main control board.

Issue: There's likely an issue with your defrost heater circuit. Inspect your defrost heater for cracks or bubbling, or if it's frozen over.

Issue: Your defrost system isn't working and may be the cause of the defrost timer, heater, or thermostat.

Whirlpool Refrigerator Not Cooling

Whirlpool Refrigerator Making Humming Noise

Whirlpool Refrigerator Tripping GFCI

Whirlpool Refrigerator Door Not Closing

Whirlpool Refrigerator Leaking Water

Whirlpool Refrigerator Will Not Dispense Water

Whirlpool Refrigerator Not Cooling But Freezer Works

Whirlpool Refrigerator Light Flickering

Whirlpool Ice Maker Leaking

Whirlpool Ice Maker Not Making Ice

Whirlpool Freezer Not Freezing Ice Cream