Whirlpool Cabrio dryer error codes [Meaning and repairs]

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Laundry day can be frustrating if you are met with error codes on your Whirlpool Cabrio dryer.

After all, dryers are designed to make our lives easier.

The good news is that understanding the meaning behind these error codes can help you troubleshoot and potentially fix the issue yourself.

In this article, we will break down Whirlpool Cabrio dryer error codes and provide their solutions to get your machine up and running again in no time.

So, let’s roll up our sleeves and tackle those frustrating error codes together.

Whirlpool Cabrio dryer error codes

You will come across the fault codes below when attempting to start a drying cycle or after activating the diagnostic test mode.

Also, these fixes will help you fix the error codes in both your electric and gas Whirlpool Cabrio dryer models.

Whirlpool Cabrio dryer PF error code

This error code indicates that there has been a recent power failure and this has affected the drying cycle.

Also, it could be that you have pressed any keys before the 10-second delay interval on power up. 

Potential solutions

First, press the START button to restart the dryer cycle.

Alternatively, press the PAUSE/CANCEL button to clear the display – follow by starting another cycle.

If this does not work, unplug the dryer for five minutes to allow it to reset.

If the code persists, disassemble the dryer and clean the control board and the control panel board.

Here’s the thing, there could be an accrual of dust that is resulting in poor communication between the control panel and the control board.

For this, your vac cleaner will suffice.

Whirlpool Cabrio dryer AF error code

Typically, this code indicates that the dryer’s airflow system has been restricted.

Also, it could point to a faulty airflow component.

Potential solutions

Start by cleaning the lint screen.

Next, inspect the vent from the dryer to the wall and confirm that it is not crushed/kinked.

And while at it, confirm that it is free of lint and debris.

Other than that, check and confirm that the exterior vent exhaust hood (outside the house) is free of lint.

Also, you might want to have the entire housing vent cleaned as there might be trapped lint inside it.

If the code persists, inspect the blower belt and the blower wheel pulley.

If the belt is loose, tighten it using the blower wheel pulley.

On the other hand, if it is broken, you can use some Loctite to glue it back together.

Alternatively, you can get a blower wheel belt replacement – they are quite affordable.

Quick tip: the dryer might still be flashing this code after doing all of the above. To clear the code, touch any key on the control panel.

Whirlpool Cabrio dryer F-01 (F1, F 01) error codes

The F1 error code points to problems with the control board.

This may range anywhere from a bad start relay to the EEPROM failing.

Having said that, we have a comprehensive troubleshooting guide (Here: Whirlpool Cabrio dryer F1 error code (fixed)) to help you fix this code.

 

Whirlpool Cabrio dryer f2 code (F 02)

Usually, this code will flash when there is a stuck button or user interface mismatch on the control panel.

Note: this code will only appear when you put the dryer into diagnostic mode.

Possible solutions

First, press each button to confirm that none is stuck.

If there’s a stuck button, you can wiggle it gently to disengage it.

On the occasion that no button is stuck, press the cancel button twice to clear the code.

Something else; it could be that there is a loose connection inside the console.

So, inspect the wire connections to make sure that they are sitting well in place.

Finally, it could be that the user interface panel is broken and will require to be replaced.

 

Whirlpool Cabrio dryer F20 error codes

For the most part, this error code will occur in electric models.

Usually, the code will flash to indicate that the heater has failed.

If it is a dual-element model, then, the code indicates that heater 1 has failed.

Some of the common symptoms that go hand-in-hand with this code can be the dryer not heating or the heater not shutting off.

Possible solutions

Start by measuring the voltage coming from the power outlet.

Typically, you will want it to be at least 220v AC since it is an electric model.

If power is not the problem, test the heating element as it could be bad.

Also read: How to test dryer heating element

If the heating element has failed, consider ordering a replacement heating element on Amazon.

 

Whirlpool Cabrio dryer F21 error codes

As with the F21 error code, this error code will also occur in electric models only.

It is worth mentioning that this error occurs in dryers with dual heating elements.

Typically, the code indicates that heater 2 has failed.

Potential solutions

The troubleshooting steps to fix this error are similar to the ones we have just seen above – Whirlpool Cabrio dryer F20 error code.

So, refer to the above section as it will help you fix your unit.

 

Whirlpool Cabrio dryer F22 error codes

Meaning: the exhaust thermistor is open.

Possible fixes

The troubleshooting steps for this error code are similar to those of the F23 error code we are about to see in a minute.

So, refer to the below part for troubleshooting steps.

Whirlpool Cabrio dryer F23 error code

Typically, your dryer will blink the F23 error code to indicate that the exhaust thermistor has shorted.

Possible solutions

Unplug the dryer and check the wire connections from the exhaust thermistor to the control electronics.

Quick tip: if you are unsure where to locate the exhaust thermistor, then, refer to the illustration below:

Whirlpool Cabrio dryer F23 error code

 

If the connections are not properly plugged in, be sure to remove and reconnect them properly.

Moving on…

If the wire connections are okay, remove the P14 connector (at the control board) and measure the resistance between P14-3 (red-white wire) and P14-6 (red-white wire) at the connector.

P.S: the control board illustration below will help you in locating the P14 connector:

Whirlpool Cabrio dryer control board layout

Since the resistance will vary depending on the current room temperature, compare your reading to those in the table below:

EXHAUST THERMISTOR RESISTANCE

TEMP ⁰F (⁰ C)

RES. k Ω

50⁰ (10⁰)

19.0 – 22.0

60⁰ (16⁰)

14.8 – 16.8

70⁰ (21⁰)

11.5 – 13.5

80⁰ (27⁰)

8.5 – 10.5

90⁰ (32⁰)

6.8 – 8.8

100⁰ (38⁰)

5.0 – 7.0

If your readings do not match with these, then, your exhaust thermistor is bad.

Subsequently, you will need to replace it – you can order a thermistor replacement kit on Amazon – it comes dirt cheap for the whole set.

On the other hand, if the readings are okay, measure the resistance of the P14-3 and P14-6 to the machine’s ground connection.

If the reading is greater than 0, then, the wiring harness is faulty and you should replace it.

Finally, if all the readings match but the dryer still displays either the F22 or F23 error code, it is likely that the control board is gone.

As such, you will need to get a replacement control board.

 

Whirlpool Cabrio dryer F24 error code

Code meaning: the inlet thermistor (high-limit thermostat) is open.

At times, you might note that this is accompanied by the dryer being stuck in “sensing”.

Possible fixes

When it comes to resolving the F24 error code, the troubleshooting steps are similar to those of resolving the F25 error code.

So, refer to the troubleshooting steps in the section below – Whirlpool Cabrio dryer F25 error code.

 

Whirlpool Cabrio dryer F25 error code

Code meaning: the inlet thermistor (high-limit thermostat) has short.

Quick tip: refer to the first diagram above to help you locate this part on your dryer.

Again, at times, this code might be accompanied by the dryer being stuck on “sensing” mode.

Recommended solutions

Start by unplugging the dryer from the power outlet.

Next, check the wire connections at the inlet thermistor and those at the control board.

If they are not well connected, simply disconnect and reconnect the connections properly.

On the other hand, if the connections are good, chances are that either the high-limit thermostat is gone or the control board is bad.

Before we decide which part to replace, we shall first test the inlet thermistor.

To do so, with the dryer disconnected, first access the heater assembly and measure the temperature inside the assembly.

Next, check the resistance of the inlet thermistor and compare your readings with those in the table below depending on the temperature you got:

INLET THERMISTOR RESISTANCE

TEMP ⁰F (⁰ C)

RES. k Ω

68⁰ (20⁰)

61.2 – 63.7

77⁰ (25⁰)

49.0 – 51.0

86⁰ (30⁰)

39.5 – 41.1

95⁰ (35⁰)

32.0 – 33.3

104⁰ (40⁰)

26.1 – 27.2

113⁰ (45⁰)

21.4 – 22.3

122⁰ (50⁰)

17.6 – 18.5

131⁰ (55⁰)

14.6 – 15.3

140⁰ (60⁰)

12.1 – 12.8

149⁰ (65⁰)

10.2 – 10.7

158⁰ (70⁰)

8.5 – 9.0

167⁰ (75⁰)

7.2 – 7.6

176⁰ (80⁰)

6.1 – 6.5

If the readings you get do not agree with these, then, your inlet thermistor is bad.

Subsequently, you will need to replace it (Check thermistor replacement kit price on Amazon).

On the other hand, if your readings are okay, then there is a huge chance  that the control board is faulty so you might have to replace the main control board – get it on Amazon.

 

Whirlpool Cabrio dryer F26 error code

This code points to a motor drive system failure.

This can be due to the failure of any of the following parts:

  • Wire harness/connection.
  • Belt.
  • Belt switch.
  • Drive motor.
  • Door switch.
  • Electronic control board.

With that in mind, below is how to pinpoint the exact cause of the error.

Recommended solutions

Test the door switch

To test the door switch, touch the probes of your multimeter across P8-3 and P8-4 (refer to the control board illustration above).

The switch should have continuity when the door is closed and no continuity once you open the door.

If your switch fails any of these, then, it is faulty and will require to be replaced – you can order a replacement door switch from Amazon.

On the other hand, if the switch is okay, test the motor.

Test the motor   

  1. Unplug the dryer from the power connection.
  2. Confirm that the wiring harness between the motor and the control board is properly connected. If it isn’t, disconnect and reconnect it properly. Otherwise, proceed to the next step.
  3. Access the main control board and check the resistance between P8-4 and P9-1. If the reading ranges between 1 and 6 ohms, then, the board is faulty and you will need to replace it. Otherwise, proceed to step 4 below.
  4. Inspect the belt switch tension pulley and the belt switch. If the belt is loose, tighten it using the tension pulley. On the other hand, if it has snapped, it’s time to get a replacement – you can order one on Amazon.
  5. If the problem is with a bent tension pulley, you can either straighten it out or get a replacement pulley from Amazon.
  6. Proceed to remove the white connector from the drive motor switch as shown:

Whirlpool Cabrio dryer F26 error code
Test the resistance between the motor’s main and start winding coils (while they are still on the motor). See the below illustration:Whirlpool Cabrio dryer code F26

Compare your readings to the ones in the table below:

Winding Contacts measured Resistance Ω
Main Blue wire in back at pin 4 and bare copper wire on pin 5 of black drive motor switch 1.4 – 2.6
Start Blue wire in back at pin 4 and bare copper wire on pin 3 of black drive motor switch 1.4 – 2.8

Testing steps contd.

  1. If your resistance readings match these, then, there is an open circuit between the motor and the main control board.

In this case, chances are that the belt switch has failed – to test it, proceed to step 9.

On the other hand, if the Start Winding resistance is greater than 4 ohms, then, the motor is bad – you can order an OEM Cabrio dryer motor on Amazon.

  1. To test the belt switch, measure resistance between the two blue wires while pushing up the belt switch tension pulley as shown:

  1. If the resistance reading goes from infinity to a few ohms as the pulley arm closes the switch, then, the belt switch is okay.

If it does not, proceed to get a replacement belt switch as this one is faulty.

  1. On the other hand, if the belt switch passes this test but there is still an open circuit, check and repair the wiring harness.
  2. Finally, if none of the above fixes the dryer, it is likely that the main control board is faulty. In this case, try a replacement control board.

 

Whirlpool Cabrio dryer F28 error code

Code meaning: the moisture sensor strip is open.

To resolve this error code, refer to the steps below under Whirlpool Cabrio dryer F29 error code – they are similar.

 

Whirlpool Cabrio dryer F29 error code

The F29 error code indicates that the moisture sensor strip has short.

Tip: before performing the test below, your dryer should be plugged into a power outlet.

Potential solutions

  1. Activate diagnostic mode and advance past the saved fault codes.
  2. Open the dryer door. If there’s a continuous beep and an alphanumeric code is displayed, a short circuit exists – go to step 4. However, if this does not happen, proceed to step 3.
  3. Bridge the two moisture sensor strips with a wet cloth or wet finger. If you hear continuous beeping and a software revision number is displayed, then, the sensor passes this test – jump to step 9. Otherwise, continue to the next step below.
  4. Disconnect the sensor connector as shown:

Whirlpool Cabrio dryer F29 error code

  1. Remove the P13 connector from the main control board and check this harness connection for a short or open circuit. If the harness is short or appears faulty, replace it. On the other hand, if it’s okay, proceed to step 6 below.
  2. Measure the resistance across the outermost contacts of the sensor connector including the two Metal Oxide Varistors (MOVs) as below:

Whirlpool Cabrio dryer F28 error code

If there is a small resistance, gently wipe the moisture sensors as they might be dirty.

  1. If there is still resistance after wiping the sensors, then, you should replace the sensor harness together with the MOVs. Otherwise, proceed to step 8.
  2. Measure the resistance across the outermost and center terminals as below:

Whirlpool Cabrio dryer code f28

If you get a resistance reading that is less than infinity, replace the sensor harness with the MOVs.

  1. If the moisture sensor passes all the above tests, proceed to test the inlet thermistor and the exhaust thermistor as we have done in the above sections. If none of the thermistors are faulty, then, it is likely that the control board is faulty and you should replace it.

Again, we recommend a durable control board for Cabrio dryers.

 

Whirlpool Cabrio dryer F30 error code

Typically, this code indicates that there is an obstruction with the dryer’s airflow system.

To resolve the code, follow the steps we have outlined above under Whirlpool Cabrio dryer AF error code.

 

Whirlpool Cabrio dryer error codes – parting words

If you run into any problems while testing or replacing the parts, it is good to get instructional videos on YouTube to guide you along.

ALSO READ:

Whirlpool dryer troubleshooting manual

How to fix whirlpool dryer making loud rumbling noise

Whirlpool Cabrio dryer squealing (fixed)

Whirlpool Cabrio dryer won’t start (repair guide)

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