What is an F02 (or F/02) error on a Whirlpool washer & how do I fix it?

The F02 error is a common code that can occur on Whirlpool front-load washing machines. But don’t worry or toss out your washer yet! We’re here to break down the code & show you how you can clear it yourself.

If you find out that you need any replacement parts for your Whirlpool washer while you’re troubleshooting, you can enter your model number at AppliancePartsPros.com to order them. Most orders arrive in just two business days, and we have thousands of free guides to show you how to install your new parts.

Disclaimer: The error code information in this article is based on general service manuals and may not apply to your specific appliance model. While we strive to offer helpful advice for DIY appliance repairs, variations in models and configurations can lead to differences in troubleshooting steps, error codes and part replacements. For the most accurate guidance, we strongly recommend consulting the technical sheet for your specific appliance model.

What does the F02 error code mean? 

The F02 (or F/02) error code usually indicates that the washer is taking too long to drain water out of the wash tub during the cycle. 

On Whirlpool washing machines, the drain phase should never take longer than 8 minutes. If the control board senses that the drain is exceeding this time, it may flash the F02 error and shut down the cycle.

The long drain error can be caused by the following:

• A kinked or clogged drain hose
• A clogged drain pump filter 
• A bad drain pump
• A faulty control board

Read more: How to Decide What Water Temperature to Use for Laundry

Safety tips

When working on any appliance, remember to keep safety first. Here are some tips to keep in mind: 

• Always power off and unplug your appliance or switch off the circuit breaker before you attempt any maintenance or replacement work. This keeps you safe by preventing any risk of electric shock. 
• If the appliance has recently been used, give it plenty of time to cool down before working on it. 
• Take your time while working to prevent accidents and personal injuries. Rushing is the enemy of precision.
• Work in a well-lit area so you can see and access appliance parts.
• Keep your workspace free of clutter and other obstacles. Keep children and pets away from the work area.
• Never work on internal parts with wet hands. Make sure the work area is completely dry.
• Check the user manual to see if there are specific installation or safety instructions related to your appliance or replacement part. 
• Be gentle when handling or removing parts. Excessive force might damage the appliance or cause personal injury.
• Wear insulated work gloves to protect your hands from sharp metal parts and debris.
• When working with wires, avoid touching any exposed wires or terminals. If you need to touch a wire, use a non-conductive tool or wear insulating gloves to prevent electrical shock.
• Always take photos or make a note of wiring terminals or other connections before disconnecting them to make reassembly easier.
• Don’t test live voltage with a multimeter if you’re unfamiliar with how to prevent short-circuiting.

Read more: Your Laundry Cleaning Chemical Guide

How to troubleshoot the F02 error

Resolve the F02 error on your Whirlpool washer by following these troubleshooting steps.

Step 1: Check the drain hose 

1. Unplug the washer from the outlet.
2. Shut off the water supply going to the machine.
3. Find the drain hose, which runs from the outlet on the back of the washer to your drain pipe, laundry tub, or standpipe. 
4. Look over the entire length of the drain hose. Make sure it’s not kinked, clogged or jammed tightly against another object or the wall. The drain hose needs some wiggle room to prevent tight bends.
5. Check for any foreign objects or debris in the drain hose that could block water from passing through it. 

If you find any issues with the drain hose, clean or replace it as needed. Remove any built-up lint or debris and manually drain the washer if necessary.

If the drain hose looks good, move on to the next step.

Step 2: Check the drain pump filter

The drain pump has a filter at the bottom front of the cabinet that can help you clean out any objects that may have become lodged in it. Over time, coins, pins, buttons, and other small objects might get past the washtub and clog up the drain pump.

1. If there’s standing water in the tub, manually drain it before attempting to access and clean the filter.
2. To access the drain pump, remove the lower front service panel. You should see a round filter housing. 
3. Turn the filter counterclockwise to unlock it. Be prepared for some residual water to drain out when removing the filter.
4. Remove any debris you find. 
5. When you’re done cleaning, reinstall the clean filter and drain pump cover.
6. Plug the washer back in and try to start a rinse/spin cycle to test the drain pump. 

If the F02 error is still appearing, move on to the next step.

Step 3: Check electrical connections 

Loose or damaged connections can intermittently break the circuit and prevent a washer from draining. 

Check all the wiring harness connections to make sure they’re fully seated between the drain pump and the central control unit. Make sure to check where wires plug into each part and the junctions along the harness.

If you find any damaged wires, replace the wiring. 

If all the wiring looks good, move on to the next step.

Step 4: Test the drain pump

The drain pump removes water from the wash tub and expels it out of the drain hose during the spin cycle. To test the drain pump, you’ll need to check for electrical power. 

LIVE VOLTAGE WARNING: For this test, the washer needs to be plugged in and powered on. Please be very careful to protect yourself from electric shock, which has the potential to cause serious injuries. Don’t ever test live voltage if you’re uncomfortable using a multimeter.

1. Grab a multimeter and set it to measure Volts AC.
2. Set the washer to drain.
3. Use the multimeter probes to make sure the drain pump is receiving 120 volts from the control board. You should hear a low humming sound if it’s working correctly. Test at the connections to the drain pump or at the control board. 

To test the drain pump’s resistance (no live voltage) at the central control board, unplug the washer, set the multimeter to resistance and use the probes to test at connections DP2-2 and DP2-1, which should read about 15 Ohms. 

Step 5: Inspect the drain pump

Remove the drain pump to inspect it. Check for any cracks or binding that could impair spinning. The impeller should turn with minimal resistance (not loosely), without any grinding noises. 

Replace the entire pump assembly if needed. 

If the drain pump looks good, you’ll need to replace the control board as a last resort.

Additional information

Thank you for reading! We hope this guide helped you get your Whirlpool washer working again.

If you have any other appliance repair needs or projects, don’t hesitate to explore our other troubleshooting guides and videos. 

If you need replacement parts or some extra help with ordering them, grab your model number and head over to AppliancePartsPros.com, where you can chat with a pro, read our DIY blog and more.

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