As an Amazon affiliate, we earn a commision from qualifying purchases.
As convenient as modern washers are, they can also be frustrating when they don’t work properly. In this article, we will guide you on how to troubleshoot and fix error codes in Whirlpool washing machine with 6th sense technology.
It doesn’t matter whether your washer is a new or old one, these solutions will work on versions.
Whirlpool 6th sense washing machine error codes
Some error codes are only displayed when the washer is put in diagnostic mode whereas others will be displayed when the washer is running.
That being so, we shall write these errors in the format displayed code (saved code) to make things much easier.
Whirlpool 6th sense washing machine LF (F30) error code
Meaning: this code indicates that no water is being detected as entering the washer after 13 minutes of the washer running.
Note, during this time, the door is locked and the control panel will be unresponsive.
Possible solutions
First press the power button to start a drain cycle which will run for around 8 to 10 minutes.
Next, confirm that you have fully opened both the hot and cold water faucets.
Also, confirm that there are no kinks or clogs along the water hoses.
Another thing to check is the filter screens on the washer inlet valve.
If they are clogged, be sure to clean them under running water using a toothbrush to scrub off the clogs.
Next, test the water inlet valves to confirm that both have continuity.
If either valve lacks continuity, it means that the valve assembly is faulty – you can order a replacement water inlet valve assembly on Amazon.
Something else worth checking is the drain hose.
This hose should be installed at a minimum height of 39”.
Installing it any lower will result in the water flowing out of the washer as soon as it enters it, hence the error code.
Additionally, confirm that you are using the U-shaped drain hose form when attaching it to the standpipe or the drain tub.
Moving on…
In some scenarios, your washer might overflow while still displaying the LF error code.
In such a case, start by confirming that the pressure sensor hose is properly connected to the wash tub and to the pressure sensor.
While at it, also inspect the hose to confirm that it is not leaking.
If it is leaking, simply seal the leaking part or get an OEM pressure sensor hose.
Finally, it could be that the pressure sensor has failed – consider ordering an OEM pressure sensor on Amazon.
Whirlpool 6th sense washing machine Ld (F32) error code
Code meaning: the washer is taking too long to drain.
Possible solutions
Start by confirming that there are no clogs or kinks along the drain hose.
Next, confirm that you have properly installed the drain hose – it should not be installed higher than 96” above the floor.
Another thing worth checking is how sudsy the washer is.
Typically, if the washer is overly sudsy than it should be, it could be that you have used too much detergent or the wrong detergent entirely and this would affect the drain cycle.
In this scenario, run two consecutive rinse cycles to get rid of the extra suds.
After that, make sure that you are using the right amount of the recommended detergent.
If none of the above fixes your washer, it could be that your drain pump is clogged.
With that in mind, take out the pump and remove any clogs that might have been trapped within the pump.
If there are no clogs, your drain pump is likely gone.
But, before we crucify it, follow the video below to test your drain pump:
If your pump is gone, you may order a drain pump replacement on Amazon.
Whirlpool 6th sense washing machine uL error code
Usually, the uL code indicates that the load inside your washer is out of balance.
Possible solutions
When this occurs, the washer will run a load-balance correction routine – so, give it time to try and rebalance the load.
However, if the display is flashing this code and the washer has stopped, press the START/PAUSE button, redistribute the load and press the START/PAUSE to resume the wash cycle.
Another thing, if you are washing single items, throw in some additional clothes to balance the load.
Also, if you are washing oversized nonabsorbent items such as comforters and poly-filled jackets, make sure that you are using the Bulky/Sheets deep water wash cycle.
If the code persists after trying the above steps, the washer’s balance springs are likely gone.
That being so, inspect the balance springs inside your washer.
If one or more of the springs is broken, you just identified the culprit.
Subsequently, ordering and installing new Whirlpool washer balance springs should do the trick.
Whirlpool 6th sense washing machine oL (F70) error codes
This code indicates that the washing machine motor has detected a load size that exceeds the washing machine’s capacity.
The washer will then proceed to drain any water and detergent in the wash tub.
Recommended solution
Open the door/lid and take out some of the laundry.
Press the Start/Pause button to proceed with the wash cycle.
Whirlpool 6th sense washing machine Sd/5d (F71) error codes
This error code indicates that you have either used too much detergent or you have used the wrong detergent type.
This will result in your washer being overly sudsy and won’t spin.
Recommended solutions
If the washer is still tumbling, let it proceed.
This is because it is adding water for additional rinsing as it tries to get rid of the extra suds.
However, if the washer just flashes without running, first run a Rinse/Spin cycle.
Next, run a normal cycle (without adding any detergent).
If the problem persists, it is likely that there is still some residual detergent inside your washer.
To fix this, run the Clean Washer cycle to get rid of the residual detergent.
Once the code clears, make sure to use the correct amount of the recommended detergent.
Other than that…
It is likely that the wash basket is not engaging due to mechanical friction on the drive mechanism.
To check if this is the case, separate the wash basket from the wash tub and inspect if there are any clothes trapped in there.
Whirlpool 6th sense washing machine lid (F81) error codes
The lid code blinks to indicate that the lid is open.
This code might blink if you:
- Press START with the lid open.
- Press START after two consecutive wash cycles without opening the lid.
- The lid switch is faulty hence the control board cannot detect if it is opening and closing properly.
Recommended solutions
Before starting a wash cycle, confirm that you have closed the lid.
Another thing; if you have washed the same laundry for two consecutive cycles, open the lid and take out the laundry.
Finally, it could be that the lid lock switch has failed – testing it is the only way to pinpoint if it is faulty.
How to test the lid lock switch
Start by accessing the control board and confirm that the P12 connector is properly inserted – the control board illustration below will guide you along:
Now, if the connector isn’t properly inserted, be sure to insert it well.
Next, remove the P12 connector and check the resistance values between the different contacts as below:
| Lid lock resistance | ||
| Component | Contacts measured | Resistance reading |
| Motor winding | P12-2 and P12-3 | Lid locked: 35 ± 5 Ω
Lid unlocked: 35 ± 5 Ω |
| Lock switch – home | P12-1 and P12-4 | Lid locked: open circuit
Lid unlocked: 0 Ω |
| Lock switch – lock | P12-1 and P12-7 | Lid locked: 0 Ω
Lid unlocked: open circuit |
| Lock switch – lid | P12-1 and P12-5 | Lid locked: 0 Ω
Lid unlocked: open circuit |
If your readings are different from the above, chances are that the lid switch is bad and needs to be replaced.
Here, we recommend you get a replacement washer lid lock assembly that is designed for whirlpool washers with 6th sense (buy it on Amazon).
Otherwise, if your readings align with these, the control board has likely failed.
In this case, make sure that you get a control board that matches the model number on your current board.
This will ensure that you are getting a board designed for your washer model.
Whirlpool 6th sense washing machine Po error code
If you leave the lid open for more than 10 minutes, it will activate the drain pump to pump water out of the tub.
In turn, this will result in the Po error code.
To fix this error, simply close the door lid to stop the drain pump.
However, if the error continues after having closed the lid, refer to the section above on how to test the lid lock switch.
Whirlpool 6th sense washing machine HC code
This code is an indication that the hot and cold inlet valves have been installed incorrectly.
That being so, to fix this error code, simply unplug the hoses and reconnect them properly (hot to hot and cold to cold).
Whirlpool 6th sense washing machine dL (F80, F82, F84, F85) error codes
This code usually indicates a door lock failure – in other words, the door is not locking as it should.
Possible solutions
Start by checking that there is no interference preventing the door from locking fully.
Other than that, it is possible that there is wash media build-up preventing the lock bolt from extending.
That being so, carefully inspect the door latch for any build-up and clean it as necessary.
Finally, it could be that the lid lock switch is faulty. This will result in the control board detecting the door as open even when it is closed.
To figure out if this is the problem, refer to the section above under how to test the lid lock switch.
Whirlpool 6th sense washing machine dU (F8) error code
Typically, this code points to a door unlock failure.
It can either be that something is preventing the door from unlocking or the door switch is gone.
Possible solutions
Start by confirming that nothing is preventing the door from unlocking.
For top load models, remove anything (such as laundry baskets) that might be on top of the lid.
In front load models, confirm that there is no obstruction at the door.
Otherwise, it is likely that the lid switch is faulty hence the control board cannot determine if the lid is unlocked or not.
That being so, refer to the section above – how to test the lid lock switch – it will help you in testing it.
Whirlpool 6th sense washing machine F1 (F60 -678) error codes
Usually, this error code points to problems with the control board.
Recommended solutions
Start by resetting the washer – unplug it from the power outlet for five minutes.
Another thing, if your control board is dusty, vacuum it to get rid of the dirt as it could be resulting in communication errors in the board.
Next, carefully inspect the wire connections to and from the control board.
If there is a loose connection, be sure to properly plug it in.
Also, if you note that a connection appears burnt, be sure to replace it.
Moving on…
It is also likely that the control board’s start relay is gone.
This is mostly the case if you note some burning/shorting marks on the control board’s underside.
In this scenario, you might opt to just replace the start relay as it is cheaper.
If you opt to take this route, simply go to eBay and get a start relay depending on the model number inscribed on your current relay.
This is to ensure that you are getting a relay that is compatible with your control board.
Solder in the new relay and see if this does the trick.
Finally, if none of the above solutions work, it is likely that the control board has failed.
In this case, you will need to replace the control board – again, make sure that you purchase one that matches the part number on your current board.
Whirlpool 6th sense washing machine F2 error code
Your washer will display this code if it detects a stuck key.
Also, this code will flash if there is a user interface mismatch.
Bearing that in mind, start by confirming that none of the keys is stuck.
To detach a stuck key, first depress the key and see if this does the trick.
Alternatively, gently wiggle the key around until it detaches.
Something else; confirm that the wire harness connecting the console to the control board is properly connected on both ends.
Finally, if none of these fixes the washer, then, the console has likely failed and will require to be replaced.
Whirlpool 6th sense washing machine F40 error code
This code indicates that the washer detects the Automatic Temperature Control (ATC) thermistor as either open or shorted.
Recommended solutions
- Disconnect the washer from the power outlet and test the resistance across the individual solenoid valves (contacts P1 and P2 on the control board) – refer to the control illustration above.
If the readings are tens of ohms outside the range 790 – 840 Ω, then, the log assembly is faulty and will need to be replaced.
Check the current Whirlpool washer water inlet valve price.
On the other hand, if they are within this range, proceed to the next step…
- Confirm that you have properly connected the water hoses – hot to hot and cold to cold.
Additionally, confirm that there is hot water coming out of the hot water hose.
- Reconnect the washer to the power outlet and remove all clothes from the washer.
- Select POWER → wash/rinse temp to WARM/WARM → wash cycle NORMAL → START in that order.
- Once the tub fills and starts the wash cycle, stop the machine and measure the water temperature.
- If the temp. is within 85⁰F ± 5⁰F (29⁰C ± 3⁰C), then, the ATC is functional (proceed to the final step). Otherwise, proceed to the next step below.
- Disconnect the washer from the power outlet.
- Access the electronic control board and remove the P9 connector (refer to the control board diagram above).
- Measure the resistance between pins P9-1 and P9-3 and compare your readings to those below:
| THERMISTOR RESISTANCE | |
| Temperature | Resistance (ohms) |
| 50⁰F (10⁰C) | 19k – 20.5k Ω |
| 60⁰F (16⁰C) | 15k – 15.7k Ω |
| 70⁰F (21⁰C) | 11.7k – 12.2k Ω |
| 80⁰F (27⁰C) | 9.1k – 9.5k Ω |
| 90⁰F (32⁰C) | 7.2k – 7.6k Ω |
| 100⁰F (38⁰C) | 5.6k – 5.96k Ω |
| 110⁰F (44⁰C) | 4.6k – 4.9k Ω |
| 120⁰F (49⁰C) | 3.6k – 3.8k Ω |
| 130⁰F (55⁰C) | 2.9k – 3.1k Ω |
If your readings are not within this range, proceed to step 10. Otherwise, jump to step 11.
- Measure continuity between all pins on the P9 connector and the thermistor contacts.
If there is continuity, the log valve assembly is faulty and might require to be replaced – view price/buy now
On the other hand, if there is no continuity, replace the upper harness.
- If all the above checks out, it is likely the control board has failed and will require to be replaced.
Again, purchase one that matches the part number on your current control board.
Whirlpool 6th sense washing machine F41 error code
Your washer will display this code when it detects the motor rotor position sensor (RPS) is open or it has shorted.
To fix this error, you’ll test the motor together with its related components as one of them has likely failed.
Testing the motor circuit
Before beginning this test, make sure that all water has drained from the tub.
- Run a manual diagnostic test to check the motor and its electric connections by performing the Agitate and Spin tests under Manual: motor.
- Disconnect the washer from the power outlet.
- Check if the basket turns freely. If it does, proceed to the next step. Otherwise, determine what is causing the mechanical friction/lock-up – it could be there are trapped socks between the wash basket and the tub.
- Remove the console to access the main control board.
- Using the control diagram above, visually check that the P5 and P10 connectors are inserted all the way into the motor control. If the visual check fails, reconnect the connectors properly and repeat step 1.
- Check for a resistance of 16 ohms between pins P5-1 & P5-2 and also between P5-1 & P5-3. Also measure the resistance between pins P10-1 & P10-7 and verify that the resistance is between 600 and 21.2k Ω.
If the resistance in both connectors is correct, proceed to step 11. Otherwise, proceed to step 7.
- Next, access the drive motor area (steps will defer in top load and front load models). In top loads, tilt the machine forward to access the bottom area. Proceed to remove the motor bolt, then the motor cover to access the motor connections as shown:
 |
 |
|---|
- Visually inspect the mounting bracket and the electrical connections to the motor and RPS board. If they are good, proceed to the next step. Otherwise, reconnect the connections properly, reassemble the washer and perform the diagnostic test in step 1.
- Check for continuity between all pins on the P10 motor control connector (refer to the control board illustration above) and the motor RPS connector.
If there’s continuity, proceed to step 11. Otherwise, replace the lower machine wire harness.
- Check for continuity between all pins on the P5 control connector and the drive motor connector.
If it has continuity, replace the drive motor – use the part number of your current motor when getting a new replacement. For instance, if yours uses motor part# WP661600 (WP661600VP) or W10210608, you can buy it on Amazon.
On the other hand, if it has no continuity, replace the lower machine harness.
- The drive motor and the lower harness connector are good. So, replace the motor RPS board and perform a diagnostics test (in step 1) to verify the repair.
- If the diagnostics motor test fails, it is likely that the control board has failed and will require to be replaced.
Again, purchase one that matches the part number of your current board.
Whirlpool 6th sense washing machine F50 error code
Usually, this error will occur when the motor rotor position sensor senses no rotation of the wash basket.
Recommended solutions
Turn the wash basket by hand – does it turn freely?
If not, make sure that the bottom shipping pack has been removed (for new washers).
Otherwise, remove the basket and check to see if there are any foreign objects trapped between the basket and the wash tub and clean it as necessary.
On the other hand, if the wash basket turns freely, the motor or one of its components has likely failed.
So, refer to the section above on testing the motor circuit.
Whirlpool 6th sense washing machine F51 error code
Typically, your washer will flash this code to indicate that there is a motor RPS failure.
This might be due to several factors such as a failed wire harness or wrong resistance between two connectors.
Again, to fix this problem, refer to the section above on testing the motor circuit.
Whirlpool 6th sense washing machine F52 error code
When your washer flashes the F52 code, it means that the motor rotor position sensor is sensing rotation after the stop command has been executed.
In other words, either the RPS or another motor component is malfunctioning.
With that in mind, the section above – testing the motor circuit – will guide you along in fixing this error code.
Whirlpool 6th sense washing machine F53 error code
This code indicates that the control board is detecting a high temperature in the motor module.
Start by confirming that you are not overloading the washer and that the wash basket can turn freely.
If none of these are the case, it is likely that a motor component is failing.
That being so, check out the section above – testing the motor circuit – it will guide you along in fixing the motor.
Whirlpool 6th sense washing machine F54 error code
The F54 code means that the control board has detected a high current for the motor module.
To fix it, first confirm that the wash basket can rotate freely.
If it cannot, check for any foreign objects that might be wedged between it and the wash tub.
Otherwise, if the basket rotates freely, refer to the section above on testing the motor circuit as it is likely that there is a problem with the motor or one of its components.
Whirlpool 6th sense washing machine F72 error code
This code indicates that the basket check routine has failed to determine if the basket has re-engaged after disengaging.
Normally, this is caused by friction on the shaft between the wash basket and the tub.
Possible solutions
If the wash basket is floating, drain out the water and check for a long drain issue.
Other than that, if the wash basket is not turning freely, check to see if something has been trapped between the basket and the tub.
And while at it, be sure to clean out any scum that might have accrued in this area.
Something else worth checking are the suspension rods.
Push each corner of the tub from the top – they should pop right back up.
If they don’t or they do so slowly, then, they are faulty (installing new suspension rods should fix this).
Finally, if none of the above fixes the washer, it is likely that the bearings have failed and will require to be replaced (we recommend these quality whirlpool washer bearings).
Whirlpool 6th sense washing machine error codes – wrapping it up
As we conclude, let me remind you to remember to calibrate your washer once you replace an electronic component such as the motor or the control board- it usually won’t run smoothly if you don’t calibrate the system once you replace a major part.
ALSO READ:
How to reset whirlpool top load washer
Whirlpool washer troubleshooting manual
