April 19, 2023
By Lyle Weischwill
These error code explanations can help you diagnose a problem with your Whirlpool Cabrio steam dryer with electronic controls. For DIY repair how-to help, visit the PartsDirect repair help section, which includes repair help for dryers, other major appliances, lawn and garden equipment, garage door openers, vacuum cleaners and more. Search for your model number to find a complete list of replacement parts for your dryer.
Error Code
Condition
DIY advice
F1 E1
Stuck motor relay
Check/Repair
The electronic control board detects an internal motor relay failure. The motor relay is part of the electronic control board. Unplug the dryer and replace the electronic control board.
Possible parts
Electronic control board
F1 E3
Control console and electronic control board mismatch
Check/Repair
This code appears when you replace the control console or the electronic control board using the wrong part. Use your dryer model number to check the part number for the replacement part. Unplug the dryer and install the correct part for your model.
Possible parts
Electronic control board, control console
F2 E1
Stuck button
Check/Repair
A stuck button on the user interface control causes this code. If you can't free the stuck key, replace the user interface control.
Possible parts
User interface control
F2 E4 or F2 E5
Control console failure
Check/Repair
Unplug the dryer and replace the control console because it's defective.
Possible parts
Control console
F3 E1
Exhaust thermistor failure
Check/Repair
The control detects a failed exhaust thermistor (temperature sensor). Unplug the dryer and check the resistance of the exhaust thermistor using a multimeter. You should measure about 11,000 ohms of resistance at 70 degrees. If not, replace the exhaust thermistor.
Possible parts
Exhaust thermistor
F3 E2
Moisture sensor failure
Check/Repair
Unplug the dryer and clean residue off the moisture sensor strips. If that doesn't correct the problem, check the wire harness connections between the moisture sensor and the electronic control board. Reconnect any loose wires or replace the wire harness if damaged. If the wire harness connections are okay, and the sensor strips are clean, level the dryer. Garments won't hit the moisture sensor strips if the cabinet slopes back. If it the problem continues, replace the electronic control board.
Possible parts
Wire harness, electronic control board
F3 E3
Inlet thermistor failure
Check/Repair
The control detects a failed inlet thermistor (temperature sensor). Unplug the dryer and check the resistance of the inlet thermistor using a multimeter. You should measure about 49,000 ohms of resistance at 77 degrees. If not, replace the inlet thermistor.
Possible parts
Inlet thermistor
F4 E1 or F4 E2
Heating element failure
Check/Repair
Unplug the dryer and check the wire harness connections between the heating elements and the electronic control board. Reconnect any loose wires or replace the wire harness if damaged. Examine the heating elements and replace any damaged element. If the elements and wire harness connections are okay, replace the electronic control board.
Possible parts
Heating element, electronic control board
F4 E3
Restricted air flow
Check/Repair
Disconnect the vent hose from the back of the dryer and check airflow. If air blows out the dryer exhaust with the vent hose disconnected, then you likely have a restriction in the vent duct going to the outside of your home. Clear the vent duct restriction. If you detect no air movement, unplug the dryer and check the blower wheel. Replace the blower wheel if damaged.
Possible parts
Blower wheel
F4 E4
Low line 2 voltage
Check/Repair
The L2 leg of 240-volt power is missing. Check the house circuit breaker that supplies the L2 leg of 240-volt power to the dryer and reset the breaker if necessary. Unplug the dryer and check the power cord wiring on the dryer terminal block. Reconnect any loose power cord connections and wire the power cord according to the directions in the installation manual. Replace the power cord if damaged. With the dryer still unplugged, check the wiring connections on the electronic control board and reconnect any loose wires. Replace the control board if you find damage.
Possible parts
Electronic control board, power cord, wire harness
F6 E2 or F6 E3
No communication between the electronic control board and the control console
Check/Repair
Unplug the dryer and check the wire harness connections between the main electronic control board and the control console. If the wire harness connections are okay, replace the control console. If the problem continues, replace the electronic control board.
Possible parts
Electronic control board, control console
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