Here’s a look at a very popular Whirlpool washer, model WTW5015LW0 that really is a good working machine.
I think that compared to earlier models, the console on this machine is laid out nicely and one can immediately see what the options are.
From a tech’s perspective it’s easier to enter Service Mode, which makes troubleshooting easier and, in some cases, more accurate.
But today, I’m going to list the error codes that may come up along with suggestions to fix them and probable causes.
Some of the issues are easy to repair, and of course some aren’t. That’s what Neli is for – to help you get the repair done in the least expensive way possible and to get your washer running again!
Whirlpool WTW5015LW0 Error Codes
First things first when accessing the error codes. Entering the Service Mode is straightforward nowadays. See below for the steps. You’ll need this to check for an existing code and to view the history, and for detailed troubleshooting.
Possible Concern: It is possible that when you enter the service diagnostic mode and clear a fault, that a cycle will not start when returning to normal operation. The potential cause is a software glitch where a simple unplug-plug in operation will be all that’s needed to get your machine running again.
How to Enter Service Mode
These tests allow factory or service personnel to test and verify all inputs to the main control board. You may want to do a quick, overall checkup of the washer with these tests before going to specific troubleshooting tests.
Activating Service Diagnostic Mode
- Be sure the washer is in standby mode (plugged in with all LEDs off).
- Follow the steps below within 8 seconds:
- Press and Release Key 1
- Press and Release Key 2
- Press and Release Key 3
Diagram of the HMI screen and navigational buttons:
Repeat this 3-button sequence 2 more times 3. If this test mode has been entered successfully, all indicators on the HMI will be illuminated for 1 second then will be turned OFF. After this, if there are no saved fault codes, the STATUS indicators (Sense, Soak, Wash and Done) will blink two times and then all the indicators will be turned OFF.
Faults & Error Codes
F0E2 Oversuds
Fault is displayed when suds prevent the basket from spinning up to speed or the pressure sensor detects rising suds level. The main control will flush water in an attempt to clear the suds. If the water flush is unable to correct the problem, this may indicate:
- Not using HE detergent.
- Excessive detergent usage.
- Check pressure hose connection from tub to main control. Is the hose pinched, kinked, plugged, or leaking air?
- Mechanical friction on drive mechanism or basket (items between basket and tub)
F0E3 Overload Fault
Fault is displayed when the main control detects a load size that exceeds the washer’s capacity OR the basket cannot be turned. This may signify:
- Load size exceeds washer capacity. Remove excess laundry, then restart the cycle.
- Mechanical friction on drive mechanism or basket (items between basket and tub).
F0E4 Spin Limited by Water Temperature Fault
Fault is displayed when the water temperature is too high to spin at final speed. Speed will be limited to 500 RPM.
- Check water valve function.
F0E5 Off Balance Load Fault
Fault is stored when an off-balance condition is detected.
- Check for weak suspension. Basket should not bounce up and down more than once when pushed.
- Items should be distributed evenly when loading.
F0E7 Load Detected When Running Clean Washer Cycle
Fault is displayed when clothes are detected in the basket when clean washer cycle is selected.
- Remove any load from the basket before running clean washer cycle.
F0E8 Water Ring
Fault is displayed when too much residual water is detected.
- Run Drain and Spin Cycle.
F0E9 Off Balance Pause
Fault is displayed when an off-balance condition is detected and after user interventions.
- Check for weak suspension.
- Basket should not bounce up and down more than once when pushed.
- Items should be distributed evenly when loading.
F1E1 Main Control (ACU) Fault
Fault is displayed indicating a main control (ACU) fault.
F2E1 HMI Stuck Button Fault
Fault is stored indicating that the user interface is detecting that a button is continuously activated.
F2E2 HMI Disconnected
Fault is displayed if the HMI is disconnected from the ACU.
F3E2 Pressure System Fault
Fault is displayed when the main control detects an out of range or absent pressure signal.
- Check pressure hose connection from tub to main control.
- Is hose pinched, kinked, plugged, or leaking air?
F5E1 Lid Switch Fault – Lid Is Open
Fault is displayed if lid is in locked state, but lid switch is open; control not sensing the strike in the lid lock.
- User presses START with lid open.
- The main control cannot detect the lid switch opening and closing properly.
F5E3 Lid Lock Will Not Unlock
Fault is displayed when one of the following conditions occurs:
- Excessive force on lid prevents lock bolt from retracting.
- Wash media buildup prevents lock bolt from retracting.
- Main control cannot determine if lid lock is in an unlocked state.
F5E3 Lid Lock Will Not Lock
- Fault is displayed when one of the following conditions occurs:
- Check lid lock for obstructions.
F5E4 Lid Not Opened Between Cycles
Fault is displayed when one of the following conditions occurs:
- User presses START with lid open.
- User presses START after a predetermined number of consecutive washer cycles without opening lid.
- The main control cannot detect the lid switch opening and closing properly.
F6E1 Communication Error – HMI Cannot Hear ACU
Fault is displayed when communication between the HMI and the ACU has not been detected.
- Check continuity in the HMI harness.
F7E1 Tachometer missing or Wrong Signal
Fault is stored when the ACU cannot read the speed or power from the tachometer.
- Check connections to the ACU.
F7E3 Basket Engaged During Wash
Fault is stored when the main control determines the shifter is not engaging the basket for spin or disengaging it for wash.
- Check shifter connectors.
- Check for clothing or another item wedged between the impeller and the basket that could bind them together.
- Check that the shifter slider moves freely.
F7E4 Basket Re-engagement Failure
- Check shifter connectors.
- Check for clothing or another item wedged between the impeller and the basket that could bind them together.
- Check that the shifter slider moves freely.
F7E6 Motor Circuit Open
Fault is stored when main control detects one or more of the motor lines is open.
- Check motor circuit.
F7E7 Motor unable to reach target RPM
Fault is stored when motor cannot reach the target RPM.
- Check basket for obstructions.
F8E1 Long Fill
Fault is displayed when the water level does not change for a period of time OR water is present, but the control does not detect the water level changing.
Is water supply connected and turned on?
- Are hose screens plugged?
- Is water siphoning out of the drain hose?
- Check for proper drain hose installation.
- Low water pressure; fill times longer than 10 minutes.
- Is the pressure hose connection from the tub to the main control pinched, kinked, plugged, or leaking air?
F8E3 Overflow or Flood Condition
Fault is displayed when main control senses water level that exceeds washer capacity. Check pressure hose connection from tub to main control. Is hose pinched, kinked, plugged, or leaking air?
- Check for proper drain hose installation. Is water siphoning out of the drain hose?
- Drain hose must not be more than 4.5″ (114 mm) into the drainpipe.
- Make sure drain hose is not sealed into drainpipe, and that there is an air gap for ventilation.
- Ensure that drain height is between 39″ (991 mm) and 8′ (2.4 m) above the floor.
- May signify problem with water inlet valves.
- Pressure transducer fault on main control.
F8E6 Water Hazard
Fault is displayed when main control senses water in the tub and the lid has been left open for more than 10 minutes.
- Check pressure hose connection from tub to main control. Is hose pinched, kinked, plugged, or leaking air?
- Check for proper drain hose installation. Is water siphoning out of the drain hose?
- Drain hose must not be more than 4.5″ (114 mm) into the drainpipe.
- Make sure drain hose is not sealed into drain pipe, and that there is an air gap for ventilation.
- Ensure that drain height is between 39″ (991 mm) and 8′ (2.4 m) above the floor.
- May signify problem with water inlet valves.
- Pressure transducer fault on main control.
- May signify problem with lid lock.
F9E1 Drain Pump System Problem – Long Drain
Fault is displayed when the water level does not change after the drain pump is on.
- Is the drain hose or the drain pump clogged?
- Is the drain hose height greater than 8′ (2.4 m)?
- Is the pressure hose connection from the tub to the main control pinched, kinked, plugged, or leaking air?
- Too much detergent.
- Is the pump running?
We at Neli hope that this information will come in handy just when you need it the most! Remember, with Neli you always have someone to help you get your appliance back running again.
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