Whirlpool washer F3E3 error code
F3E3 does not mean the same thing on every Whirlpool washer. Our data shows 2 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 | 18 |
| Inlet water temperature sensor | Front-load washer | 8 |
F3E3: Inlet water temperature sensor fault
- Brand
- Whirlpool
- Appliance
- Top-load washer
- Code
- F3E3
- Documented meaning
- Inlet water temperature sensor fault
- Applies to
- 18 Whirlpool models on 4 platforms
- Can you keep using it?
- With caution
F3E3 means the sensor that measures incoming water temperature reads as an open or shorted circuit.
What the washer is detecting
A thermistor at the water inlet reports water temperature to the control. A reading that can only come from a broken or shorted circuit sets F3E3.
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 in the sensor circuit.
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 wiring to 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 |
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 keep washing, but temperature control may be inaccurate.
Whirlpool models documented with this code
- WTW4000SW
- WTW4100SW
- WTW4105SW
- WTW4107SW
- WTW4300SW
- WTW4307SW
- WTW5100HC
- WTW5100HW
- WTW5105HC
- WTW6120HC
- WTW6120HW
- WTW7120HC
- WTW7120HW
- WTW8120HC
- WTW8120HW
And 3 more. Use the model lookup to check yours.
F3E3: Inlet water temperature sensor
- Brand
- Whirlpool
- Appliance
- Front-load washer
- Code
- F3E3
- Documented meaning
- Inlet water temperature sensor
- Applies to
- 8 Whirlpool models on 1 platform
- Can you keep using it?
- With caution
F3E3 means the control has a problem reading the sensor that measures incoming water temperature.
What the washer is detecting
This platform measures the temperature of the water as it enters. F3E3 is stored when that sensor reading is missing or not believable.
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 failed inlet temperature sensor or a loose connection to it.
- 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 inlet temperature sensor and its wiring.
- Reads the sensor 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 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. Wash temperatures may not be controlled correctly. Have it checked if the code repeats.
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 F3E3 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 F3E3 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.