Troubleshooting steps to resolve an F5 E2 error on a Whirlpool washer

As frustrating as error codes may be, they’re handy diagnostic tools that can help you quickly narrow down specific problems in your appliances. This also applies to your front-load Whirlpool washer!

If you’re seeing an F5 E2 fault code flash across your machine’s display, don’t let it ruin your laundry day. This code usually means the washer’s door isn’t locking properly and shouldn’t take long to troubleshoot. Let’s break down the process so you can fix your washer & get back to your laundry routine!

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 provided 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 can cause the F5 E2 error?

Door blockages

If something is preventing the door from latching, the F5 E2 error might show up on your washer. Even tiny objects that get lodged in the door’s path can trigger the error code.

Faulty door lock

Over time, the door lock can wear out or become damaged, which can prevent the door from locking correctly. This might happen due to mechanical issues or electrical failures inside the lock assembly. If the door lock is faulty, it will need to be replaced to make the error disappear.

NOTE: While the F5 E2 error code usually points to a door lock issue, it’s still recommended to perform thorough troubleshooting and testing to rule out any other potential causes before you get a new door lock. Remember to refer to your washer’s manual for instructions for your specific washer model.

Read more: Tips For Preventing Laundry Damage in Your Washing Machine

Safety precautions

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.
• Turn off the water supply at the outlet before beginning repairs. Keep towels ready to catch any residual water in the system when removing parts.
• 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 clearly 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.
• Don’t test live voltage with a multimeter if you’re unfamiliar with how to prevent short-circuiting.
• Consider wearing safety glasses and/or a dust mask when working with chemicals, dust or a large amount of debris to prevent irritation or injury.

Read more: HE Washer: Learning to Love Your High Efficiency Machine

How to troubleshoot the F5 E2 error code

Follow these steps to fix a front-loading Whirlpool washing machine that’s displaying an F5 E2 error.

Step 1: Check & clear the door of blockages

Check for any items such as clothing or small debris that might be preventing the door from closing properly. Look over the rubber seal around the door and hinge and clean out any debris you find.

Step 2: Test the door lock

1. Unplug the washer power cord from the outlet.
2. Remove the front panel of the washer to access the lock mechanism and wiring. You may need to remove a few screws to do this.
3. Set the multimeter to measure resistance in Ohms (Ω).
4. Find the two wires attached to the door lock solenoid. One will be labeled “COM” and the other “NO” (normally open).
5. Attach the black multimeter probe to the “COM” terminal and the red probe to the “NO” terminal.
6. While the door is unlocked, the meter should read very low resistance somewhere between 0-5 Ω. If it’s way off, then the lock is faulty.
7. Close and latch the washer door.
8. Use the meter probes to check the resistance again. The reading on the meter should increase substantially and state infinite or OL at this point. If you don’t see this change, then the lock solenoid is likely defective and needs to be replaced.

If the door lock tested good, or if you replaced a bad door lock, then replace the front panel, plug the washer back in and move on to the next step.

Step 3: Try manually clearing the code

If you’ve made it this far with either a well-functioning door lock or after replacing it with a new one and you’re still seeing the error message:

1. Press the Pause or Cancel button twice on the washer’s control panel.
2. Press the Power button once to completely clear the error code from the washer’s memory.
3. Wait for a few minutes to let the control system reset before you attempt to restart the washer. If the error code returns, it may mean there’s a more significant problem with the door lock mechanism.

Read more: 10 Washing Machine Tips to Get Stains Out

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. We can also help you troubleshoot common washer problems here.

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