Whirlpool Dryer Error Codes — Complete List & Fixes (2026)

Quick Reference

PF — Power failure (press Start to resume)
AF — Airflow restricted (clean lint trap and exhaust duct)
E1 / E2 — Thermistor open or short circuit (professional repair)
F01 — Primary control board failure
L2 — Low or missing 240V leg (check breaker)
Repair cost: $150–$350 | $89 diagnostic — waived with repair

Whirlpool dryers are among the most widely owned in Canadian households, and the Cabrio, Duet, and Centennial ranges are especially common in the GTA. When something goes wrong, the display panel shows error codes that pinpoint the problem. This guide covers every Whirlpool dryer error code, what triggers it, and what you can do — including whether it's a DIY fix or a job for a certified technician.

Whirlpool Dryer Error Codes — Complete Table

The table below applies to Whirlpool electric and gas dryers with digital displays. Older models with analogue controls may show codes via blinking indicator lights rather than alphanumeric displays.

Error Code	Meaning	Common Cause	Fix	DIY?
PF	Power failure during cycle	Power outage or interruption	Press Start to resume cycle, or Cancel and select new cycle	DIY
AF	Airflow restriction — exhaust duct blocked	Clogged lint screen, blocked or kinked duct, sealed exterior vent	Clean lint screen; clean full exhaust duct run; check exterior vent flap	DIY
E1	Thermistor open circuit	Thermistor wire break or failed sensor	Professional thermistor testing and replacement required	Pro
E2	Thermistor short circuit	Thermistor shorted to ground	Professional thermistor replacement required	Pro
F01	Primary control board failure	Control board component failure	Professional diagnosis; control board replacement typically required	Pro
F02	Keypad or user interface failure	Stuck button or UI board failure	Check for stuck buttons; professional UI board replacement if persistent	Pro
F03	Exhaust thermistor short circuit	Exhaust temperature sensor shorted	Professional exhaust thermistor replacement required	Pro
F04	Moisture sensor fault	Moisture sensor bars coated or failed	Clean sensor bars with rubbing alcohol; replace if persistent	Inspect First
F06	Drive motor fault	Motor thermal protector tripped, motor failure	Allow dryer to cool 30 minutes; if F06 returns, motor needs professional service	Pro
F22	Outlet thermistor open circuit	Outlet temperature sensor failure	Professional outlet thermistor replacement required	Pro
F23	Outlet thermistor short circuit	Outlet thermistor shorted	Professional outlet thermistor replacement required	Pro
F26	Drive motor relay failure	Relay on control board failed	Professional control board replacement required	Pro
F28	Moisture sensor fault	Moisture sensor short circuit	Clean sensor bars; professional replacement if persistent	Inspect First
F70	Communication error (main to UI board)	Wiring harness fault, board failure	Power-cycle reset; professional board or harness service if persistent	Pro
F71	Communication error (UI to main board)	UI board failure or harness fault	Professional UI board replacement typically required	Pro
L2	Low or missing 240V supply voltage	Tripped breaker, blown fuse, wiring issue	Check and reset dryer circuit breaker; call electrician if breaker trips again	Inspect First

How to Fix the Most Common Whirlpool Dryer Error Codes

PF — Power Failure

PF is the most common Whirlpool dryer code and is almost always benign. It appears whenever the dryer loses power during a cycle — even a brief surge or outage can trigger it.

Press Start to resume the cycle from the point of interruption. The dryer will pick up where it left off.
Alternatively, press Cancel and select a new cycle.
If PF appears regularly without actual power outages, plug the dryer directly into a wall outlet (not a power bar or extension cord) and check the circuit breaker for signs of a loose connection.

AF — Airflow Restriction

Fire hazard: AF means the exhaust airflow is significantly restricted. Blocked dryer vents are a major cause of house fires in Canada. Resolve this code immediately — do not ignore it or run repeated cycles hoping it clears.

Pull out the lint screen and clean it thoroughly. Even a lint screen that looks partially clean can restrict airflow — rinse it under running water and let it dry completely if coated with fabric softener film.
Check the flexible exhaust hose at the back of the dryer. Make sure it is not kinked, crushed, or disconnected. Rigid metal duct provides better airflow than flexible foil duct.
Clean the full duct run. Use a dryer vent cleaning brush kit to clean from the exterior vent back to the dryer. In GTA townhouses and condos, ducts can run 20 feet or more.
Verify the exterior vent flap opens freely when the dryer is running. In winter, GTA homes can experience ice buildup on exterior vents — check this in cold weather.

E1 / E2 — Thermistor Fault

The thermistor is an electronic temperature sensor mounted inside the dryer's heat duct. It monitors the temperature of the exhaust air and signals the control board to cycle the heat on and off. Without a working thermistor, the dryer cannot regulate temperature safely.

E1 means the thermistor circuit is open (broken wire or failed sensor). E2 means the circuit is shorted. Both require professional testing with a multimeter and replacement of the faulty sensor. A certified technician can test the thermistor in under 10 minutes and replace it on the same visit.

F01 — Primary Control Board Failure

The main control board is the "brain" of the dryer, managing all cycle functions including heat, motor, and timing. F01 means the board has detected an internal failure.

Try a power-cycle reset first: unplug for 60 seconds, then plug back in and select a new cycle.
If F01 returns within one cycle, the control board has a component-level failure. On most Whirlpool dryers, the entire board is replaced rather than repaired at the component level.

F06 — Drive Motor Fault

F06 means the dryer motor has overheated or failed. The motor has a built-in thermal protection switch that trips when the motor gets too hot — this can happen if the dryer is overloaded or has poor ventilation.

Unplug the dryer and allow it to cool completely for at least 30 minutes.
Ensure the area around the dryer has adequate ventilation space (at least 6 inches of clearance at the rear).
Restart with a smaller, well-balanced load.
If F06 returns with normal loads after cooling, the motor thermal switch or motor itself has failed and needs professional replacement.

L2 — Low 240V Supply

Whirlpool electric dryers require 240V power delivered as two 120V "legs" from the breaker panel. L2 means one or both legs are not at the correct voltage.

Go to your electrical panel and find the double-pole (two-slot) breaker for the dryer. Flip it fully to Off, then back to On.
If the breaker does not stay in the On position, there is an electrical fault — call an electrician.
If the breaker resets and L2 clears, the dryer should operate normally. If L2 returns, the dryer's heating element may have a short that is overloading the circuit, or there is a wiring fault at the outlet — both require professional service.

Pro tip: To reset a Whirlpool dryer, unplug from the wall outlet and wait a full 60 seconds before plugging back in. Do not simply turn the dryer off at the power button — you must remove power at the outlet for a proper reset. If your Whirlpool dryer has a Smart appliance app, you can run a remote diagnostic that sends error data directly to a technician before the service visit.

Whirlpool Dryer Model Differences

Whirlpool's dryer lineup includes several distinct platforms:

Duet (WED series, front-control): Uses the full F-code and E-code system above. Digital display shows codes clearly.
Cabrio (WED8500 series): Uses F-codes; also has advanced moisture sensing. F04/F28 are common on Cabrio models.
Centennial (WED5000 series): Older platform; some models show codes via indicator light patterns rather than a display.
Smart Whirlpool dryers: F70/F71 are more common on Wi-Fi connected models; the Whirlpool app provides additional diagnostic detail.

When to Call a Certified Technician

F01, F02, F70, F71 — control board and communication faults require professional diagnosis
E1, E2, F03, F22, F23 — thermistor faults require testing and replacement
F06 — if motor fault persists after cooling, motor replacement is required
F26 — drive motor relay failure on control board needs professional board service
L2 — if breaker trips again, call an electrician or appliance technician to test the heating element
AF — if you cannot clear the duct blockage yourself, a professional duct cleaning service is the safe option

Frequently Asked Questions — Whirlpool Dryer Error Codes

PF stands for Power Failure — a power interruption occurred during the drying cycle. This is informational, not a fault. Press Start to resume the cycle where it stopped, or press Cancel and select a new cycle. If PF appears frequently without actual power outages, check the dryer's power outlet and circuit breaker for intermittent issues.

AF stands for Airflow restriction — the exhaust duct is partially blocked. Clean the lint screen thoroughly, then inspect the full exhaust duct from the back of the dryer to the exterior vent. Lint buildup, a kinked duct, or a blocked exterior flap are the most common causes. This is a fire hazard — address it immediately.

F01 on a Whirlpool dryer indicates a primary control board failure. This is not a DIY repair — the main control board needs professional diagnosis and likely replacement. A power-cycle reset (unplug 60 seconds) may temporarily clear the code, but if F01 returns, the board has failed.

E1 typically indicates a thermistor (temperature sensor) open circuit and E2 indicates a thermistor short circuit on Whirlpool dryers. Both require professional thermistor testing and replacement. Do not continue operating the dryer with a thermistor fault — the dryer may overheat without temperature regulation.

L2 means the dryer is not receiving a full 240V power supply — one of the two 120V legs is missing or has low voltage. Check the breaker panel and reset the double-pole dryer breaker. If the breaker trips again, there is an electrical fault in the circuit or the dryer's heating element, and an electrician or certified technician should be called.

Unplug the dryer from the wall outlet, wait 60 seconds, then plug back in. Press Power (or open and close the door on older models) to restart. This power-cycle reset clears most temporary electronic fault codes. If the code returns immediately, a component has failed and needs professional diagnosis.

Whirlpool dryer repairs in the GTA typically cost $150–$350 depending on the fault and parts needed. Nick's Appliance Repair charges an $89 diagnostic fee waived when you proceed with the repair, plus $40 OFF any repair with our current promotion.