Whirlpool washer F3E2 error code
F3E2 does not mean the same thing on every Whirlpool washer. Our data shows 4 documented meanings, depending on which engineering platform the model is built on. Look up your model number to see the one that applies.
| Meaning | Appliance | Whirlpool models |
|---|---|---|
| Inlet water temperature sensor fault | Top-load washer | 80 |
| Water temperature sensor fault | Front-load washer | 58 |
| Pressure system fault | Top-load washer | 28 |
| Pressure sensor fault | Front-load washer | 8 |
F3E2: Inlet water temperature sensor fault
- Brand
- Whirlpool
- Appliance
- Top-load washer
- Code
- F3E2
- Documented meaning
- Inlet water temperature sensor fault
- Applies to
- 80 Whirlpool models on 13 platforms
- Can you keep using it?
- With caution
F3E2 means the sensor that measures incoming water temperature is giving a reading that indicates an open or shorted circuit.
What the washer is detecting
A thermistor in the water inlet changes resistance with temperature. If the control reads a value that could only come from a broken or shorted sensor circuit, it stores F3E2 and may fall back to default temperatures.
Causes listed for this condition
In the order the service documentation checks them. Documented causes come from the manufacturer's service documentation for these platforms; possible causes are based on how the system works; unconfirmed marks common assumptions that the documentation does not support.
- Documented A failed inlet temperature sensor (thermistor).
- Possible A loose connector or damaged wire between the sensor and the main control.
Safe checks you can make
- Unplug the washer for one minute, plug it back in and start a new cycle. If the code comes straight back, the condition is persistent and needs diagnosis.
Further diagnosis requires opening the appliance. Beyond the owner checks, diagnosis involves removing panels, testing components and checking wiring. We describe what a technician investigates, not how to do it yourself.
What a technician checks
- Runs the temperature sensor test.
- Checks the sensor harness and connection at the main control.
Typical repairs and cost
Depending on what diagnosis finds, this code can lead to one of these repairs:
| Repair | Typical range | Labor |
|---|---|---|
| Washer water temperature sensor replacement | $180–$310 | Light |
| Washer main control board replacement | $300–$720 | Moderate |
Typical total ranges for the Las Vegas area, parts and labor included. The final cost depends on diagnosis, the exact model, parts availability and whether other damage is found.
Can you keep using it?
Use with caution. The washer can usually still wash, but water temperature control may be off. Schedule a repair.
Whirlpool models documented with this code
- WTW4700YQ
- WTW4750YQ
- WTW4816TW
- WTW4820XQ
- WTW4900AW
- WTW4900XQ
- WTW4900XW
- WTW4957PW
- WTW5005KW
- WTW5050HW
- WTW5500BW
- WTW5700AC
- WTW5800BC
- WTW5800BW
- WTW5810BW
- WTW5840BC
And 64 more. Use the model lookup to check yours.
F3E2: Water temperature sensor fault
- Brand
- Whirlpool
- Appliance
- Front-load washer
- Code
- F3E2
- Documented meaning
- Water temperature sensor fault
- Applies to
- 58 Whirlpool models on 6 platforms
- Can you keep using it?
- With caution
F3E2 means the reading from the wash water temperature sensor is open, shorted or outside its believable range.
What the washer is detecting
A thermistor in the tub reports water temperature to the main control. F3E2 is set when the value is out of range, which usually means the sensor circuit rather than the water itself.
Causes listed for this condition
In the order the service documentation checks them. Documented causes come from the manufacturer's service documentation for these platforms; possible causes are based on how the system works; unconfirmed marks common assumptions that the documentation does not support.
- Documented A failed water temperature sensor (thermistor).
- Possible A loose or damaged connection between the sensor and the control.
- Possible A sensing fault in the main control.
Safe checks you can make
- Unplug the washer (or switch off its breaker) for one minute, then restore power and start a new cycle to see whether the code comes back. A code that returns right away points to a fault that needs diagnosis.
Further diagnosis requires opening the appliance. Beyond the owner checks, diagnosis involves removing panels, testing components and checking wiring. We describe what a technician investigates, not how to do it yourself.
What a technician checks
- Checks the temperature sensor and its wiring.
- Reads the temperature value in service diagnostics and compares it with the actual water temperature.
Typical repairs and cost
Depending on what diagnosis finds, this code can lead to one of these repairs:
| Repair | Typical range | Labor |
|---|---|---|
| Washer water temperature sensor replacement | $180–$310 | Light |
| Washer main control board replacement | $300–$720 | Moderate |
Typical total ranges for the Las Vegas area, parts and labor included. The final cost depends on diagnosis, the exact model, parts availability and whether other damage is found.
Can you keep using it?
Use with caution. The washer may still run, but heating and temperature control cannot be trusted. Use cold cycles until it is checked.
Whirlpool models documented with this code
- WFC682CLW
- WFC8090GX
- WFC8090XG
- WFC9820HC
- WFC9820HW
- WFW5605MC
- WFW5605MW
- WFW560CHW
- WFW5620HC
- WFW5620HW
- WFW6605MC
- WFW6605MW
- WFW6620HC
- WFW6620HC08T
- WFW6620HW
- WFW72HEDW
And 42 more. Use the model lookup to check yours.
F3E2: Pressure system fault
- Brand
- Whirlpool
- Appliance
- Top-load washer
- Code
- F3E2
- Documented meaning
- Pressure system fault
- Applies to
- 28 Whirlpool models on 5 platforms
- Can you keep using it?
- No — stop and have it checked
F3E2 means the main control received a water-level (pressure) signal that is missing or outside the range it considers possible.
What the washer is detecting
A hose from the bottom of the tub traps air that compresses as water rises, and a pressure sensor turns that into a level signal. F3E2 is set when the signal is absent or out of range, not when the level is merely high or low.
Causes listed for this condition
In the order the service documentation checks them. Documented causes come from the manufacturer's service documentation for these platforms; possible causes are based on how the system works; unconfirmed marks common assumptions that the documentation does not support.
- Documented A pinched, kinked, plugged or leaking pressure hose between the tub and the control.
- Documented A fault in the pressure sensor or in the level-sensing circuit of the main control.
Safe checks you can make
- Unplug the washer for one minute, plug it back in and start a new cycle. If the code comes straight back, the condition is persistent and needs diagnosis.
Further diagnosis requires opening the appliance. Beyond the owner checks, diagnosis involves removing panels, testing components and checking wiring. We describe what a technician investigates, not how to do it yourself.
What a technician checks
- Inspects the pressure hose along its full length.
- Reads the water-level value in service diagnostics while filling and draining.
Typical repairs and cost
Depending on what diagnosis finds, this code can lead to one of these repairs:
| Repair | Typical range | Labor |
|---|---|---|
| Washer water-level pressure sensor repair | $180–$350 | Light |
| Washer main control board replacement | $300–$720 | Moderate |
Typical total ranges for the Las Vegas area, parts and labor included. The final cost depends on diagnosis, the exact model, parts availability and whether other damage is found.
Can you keep using it?
Stop using it until it is checked. Do not keep running the washer. Without a valid level signal it cannot fill or drain reliably.
Whirlpool models documented with this code
- WTW4000SW
- WTW4100SW
- WTW4105SW
- WTW4107SW
- WTW4300SW
- WTW4307SW
- WTW5010LW
- WTW5015LW
- WTW5020SW
- WTW5025SW
- WTW5057LW
- WTW5100HC
- WTW5100HW
- WTW5105HC
- WTW6120HC
- WTW6120HW
And 12 more. Use the model lookup to check yours.
F3E2: Pressure sensor fault
- Brand
- Whirlpool
- Appliance
- Front-load washer
- Code
- F3E2
- Documented meaning
- Pressure sensor fault
- Applies to
- 8 Whirlpool models on 1 platform
- Can you keep using it?
- No — stop and have it checked
F3E2 on this platform means the control has a problem with the water level (pressure) sensor or switch.
What the washer is detecting
The pressure sensor reports the water level in the tub. F3E2 is stored when the control cannot get a usable level signal.
Causes listed for this condition
In the order the service documentation checks them. Documented causes come from the manufacturer's service documentation for these platforms; possible causes are based on how the system works; unconfirmed marks common assumptions that the documentation does not support.
- Possible A pinched, kinked, plugged or leaking pressure hose.
- Possible A failed pressure sensor or a fault in the sensing circuit.
Safe checks you can make
- Unplug the washer (or switch off its breaker) for one minute, then restore power and start a new cycle to see whether the code comes back. A code that returns right away points to a fault that needs diagnosis.
Further diagnosis requires opening the appliance. Beyond the owner checks, diagnosis involves removing panels, testing components and checking wiring. We describe what a technician investigates, not how to do it yourself.
What a technician checks
- Inspects the pressure hose from the tub to the sensor.
- Reads the water level value in service diagnostics.
Typical repairs and cost
Depending on what diagnosis finds, this code can lead to one of these repairs:
| Repair | Typical range | Labor |
|---|---|---|
| Washer water-level pressure sensor repair | $180–$350 | Light |
| Washer main control board replacement | $300–$720 | Moderate |
Typical total ranges for the Las Vegas area, parts and labor included. The final cost depends on diagnosis, the exact model, parts availability and whether other damage is found.
Can you keep using it?
Stop using it until it is checked. Do not keep running the washer. Without a valid level reading it cannot fill or drain reliably.
Whirlpool models documented with this code
Related problems and codes
Other codes documented on the same Whirlpool platforms:
Repair or replace?
A fault code alone rarely justifies replacing a washer. Most F3E2 repairs involve a single component once diagnosed. Replacement becomes worth considering when the unit is near the end of its typical 10–13-year life and the diagnosed repair is a major one. See the repair-or-replace guide.
Need F3E2 diagnosed in the Las Vegas area?
We repair Whirlpool, Maytag, KitchenAid, JennAir, Amana and other Whirlpool-family appliances in Las Vegas, Henderson, Summerlin and Boulder City. A model number helps but is never required to book.