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Error codes · Whirlpool and Maytag

Whirlpool or Maytag washer F8E1 code? Not enough water. Check these first

Applies to: Whirlpool and Maytag front-load washers. Whirlpool also has F8E1 pages for top-load washers and laundry towers. Some models show LF or LO FL for the same problem.

What the code means

F8E1 means the washer isn't sensing the right amount of water coming in. The fill may be slow, or the flow too low.

While the code is showing, the door may stay locked and the controls may not respond. Pressing Power starts a drain that runs for about eight to ten minutes with the pump going, and the washer ignores the buttons until it ends.

Before you start

  • Wait ten minutes after the code appears before you try anything.
  • Unplug the washer before you reach behind it.
  • Turn both water supply valves off before you take the inlet hoses off, and hold the hoses over a bucket to catch the water left in them.

What the manufacturer says to check

  1. Check that the hot and cold supply valves are fully open, and that both inlet hoses are connected: hot to the red valve, cold to the blue.
  2. Check that the inlet hoses aren't kinked.
  3. Check that there is no anti-flood device in the water line. Whirlpool says one can cut the pressure and flow.
  4. Clean the inlet screens on the back of the water valve. With the water off and the hoses removed over a bucket, clean the screens with a brush and mild soap and water. Leave the screens in place.
  5. With the hoses off, run water through them. If the flow is weak, replace the hose.
  6. Check the drain hose. It should go no more than four and a half inches into the drainpipe and shouldn't be taped in. The standpipe should be at least thirty-nine inches above the floor. Lower than that, water can run out by gravity.
  7. Put the hoses back, open both valves fully and plug the washer in. Press Pause/Cancel twice and Power once to clear the code.

Stop and call for service

Stop and call for service if any of these happen.

  • The code keeps coming back after these checks. Whirlpool's front-load code list says to contact Whirlpool or schedule service when a code persists.

Source: Whirlpool: Error code F8E1 on a front-load washer; Whirlpool: Error codes in front-load washers; Maytag: Error code F8E1 on a front-load washer.

Based on the manufacturer's support pages. Codes can differ by model, so your model's owner's manual comes first.

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