How to Fix Whirlpool Washer F3/E1 Error Codes

If your Whirlpool washer is showing the F3/E1 error code, this guide will help you find the reason it is showing and how you can fix the problem.

Thankfully, removing this error code is usually quite straightforward, and you can do it yourself without having to call a technician.

Before we give you instructions for how to check the likely causes, let’s start by explaining what the error code means.

What Does the F03/E01 Error Code Mean?

The error code F03/E01 indicates a problem with the water level. If your washer doesn’t get enough water, it will not be able to work correctly. Most of the time, this error code is a result of a faulty sensor, hose, or brand pipe.

Now that we know what the error code means, let’s try to fix it.

This guide covers all major LG washer models, including:

RLM20K

WD-10271BD

WD-11275BD

WD-13276BDM

WD-90282BD

WM2233HW

WM2277HS

WM2301HR

WM2301HW

WM2455HG

WM2455HW

WM2455HW/00

WM2487HRMA/00

WM2487HWMA/00

WM2496HSM

WM2496HWM/00

WM2688HNM

WM2688HWMA/00

WM3070HWA

WM3470HVA

WM3470HWA

Step 1 – Reset Your Washer

The best place to start is to do a simple reset of your washer. Sometimes the error code can show when it shouldn’t, and a simple reset will remove the error code and let you use your washer again.

Here’s how to reset your washer:

1. Turn the power to your washing machine off. You can either switch it off at the wall or turn the circuit breaker off.
2. Wait for 15 minutes.
3. After 15 minutes, turn your washer back on, and check if the problem has been solved. If not, move on to step 2.

Step 2 – Check the Switch Hose

The next step is to check the water level pressure hose that is located between the pressure switch and the air trap. Sometimes it can become bent, clogged, or damaged in some other way, and the F03/E01 error code will appear.

To check the switch hose, you need to:

1. Locate the switch hose.
2. Check the hose to make sure it’s not damaged in any way. If it is damaged, it will need to be replaced.
3. If it isn’t damaged, disconnect it from the pressure transducer, and check if there are any blockages. If so, remove them.
4. Reattach the hose and check if the error code has gone. If not, move on to the next step.

Step 3 – Check the Water Level Sensor

The next step is to check the water level sensor. The sensor monitors how much water is in your washing machine and then tells the control board to allow more water in or stop the water from flowing in. When it becomes faulty, your washing machine will stop working, and the F03/E01 error code might appear.

Here’s how to check the water level sensor:

1. Turn your washing machine off.
2. Locate the sensor (check your manual if necessary).
3. Unplug the wires connected to the sensor.
4. Use a multimeter to check if the sensor has continuity.
5. If the sensor doesn’t have continuity, it is faulty and will need to be replaced. If it does have continuity, reattach it in your washer, and move on to the next step.
6. If you replace the sensor, put your washer back together, and check if the problem has been solved. If not, move on to the next step.

Step 4 – Check the Air Trap Pipe

The air trap pipe can become clogged with soapy foam and moisture, which can then make the F03/E01 error code appear on your washing machine’s display. When the pipe gets clogged, it cannot catch air, which will make it defective.

Here’s how to check the air trap pipe:

1. Locate the air trap pipe (check your manual if necessary).
2. Remove the pipe.
3. Check for any blockages. If you find any, remove them. If it isn’t blocked, move on to the next step.
4. Reattach the pipe and check if the problem has been solved. If not, move on to the next step.

Step 5 – Check the Wiring

There is a wire harness between the pressure switch and the control module. Sometimes this wire harness can become defective if it gets damaged or corroded. To ensure the wires are working correctly, they need to be checked with a multimeter.

Here’s how to check the wiring:

1. Turn the power to your washing machine off.
2. Locate the wire harness that is between the pressure switch and the control module.
3. Use a multimeter to check the wiring for continuity. If the wiring fails the continuity test, it will need to be replaced.
4. If the wiring is fine, make sure that the wire harness is securely attached at both ends. If not, attach it securely.
5. If you replace the wire harness, put your washer back together, turn the power back on, and check if the problem has been solved. If not, move on to the next step.

Step 6 – Replace the Control Board

If you have checked all of the other components listed above, your final option is to replace the main control board and then see if this solves the problem. The main control board is very difficult to test, so it’s a lot easier to just replace it. However, replacing your main control board isn’t guaranteed to work, so you might be better off buying a new washing machine instead.