Troubleshooting Whirlpool Front Load Washer error F8E2

Tired of seeing the F8E2 error code on your Whirlpool front-load washer? We’ve got a simple troubleshooting guide to help you fix it without calling a repair technician.

If you need any replacement parts for your Whirlpool front load washer, 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.

The information in this article may not apply to your specific appliance model. We recommend consulting your manufacturer’s documentation or contact us with any questions.

What you need

• 1/4-inch nut driver
• T20 Torx driver
• Multimeter
• Flathead screwdriver

Important: The specific tools required may vary depending on the model of your appliance and the type of fasteners used on it. Always consult the user manual or refer to any specific instructions provided by the manufacturer for the recommended tools for your appliance model.

Safety precautions

When working on any appliance, always keep safety first to avoid personal injury or damage to the appliance or its parts. 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 eliminating 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.
• 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.
• 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.

How to troubleshoot the F8E2 error code 

Here are the steps to identify and resolve issues related to the F8E2 error code on your washer, including testing and replacing faulty parts.

Dispenser actuator testing

1. Remove the top panel screws at the back of the washer using a 1/4-inch nut driver.
2. Slide the top panel backward, lift it up, and set it aside.
3. Use a flat-head screwdriver to release the lock tab of the main control and slide the control backward.
4. Release the control cover tabs and lift the cover-up.
5. Set the multimeter to resistance mode, symbolized by an upside-down horseshoe.
6. Locate the MI3 connection, disconnect it from the control, and test the resistance between the wire at pin 1 and the wire at pin 3.
7. Confirm the resistance is between 1400 and 1600 Ohms.
8. If the resistance is outside this range, replace the dispenser actuator. If it is within this range, proceed to test the main control.

NOTE: Generally, for every 1 degree in temperature difference, 2 Ohms could be added or subtracted. If the temperature in your home is cooler, resistance would be subtracted.

Main control testing

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. Reconnect the MI3 connector and identify the DI6 connection on the main control.
2. Set the multimeter to Volts DC mode, indicated by a V with a dotted line.
3. Plug the washer back in, press the power button, and place the red probe on DI6 pin 5 and the black probe on MI3 pin 1.
4. Verify the multimeter reads around 5 Volts DC.
5. Switch the multimeter to Volts AC mode, symbolized by a V with a squiggly line.
6. Start a wash cycle and place the probes on DI6 pins 1 and 3 after the door completes its final lock.
7. Verify the multimeter reads 120 Volts AC.
8. If voltage is absent at either test point, replace the main control. If voltage is present, replace the dispenser actuator.

Part replacement

1. Document the wire orientation of the dispenser actuator by taking a photo.
2. Use a flat-head screwdriver to disconnect the wire connections from the actuator.
3. Lift the shift arm off the actuator using the screwdriver and move the arm to the front.
4. Remove the actuator mounting screws with a Torx 20 driver and carefully lift out the actuator.
5. Position the new dispenser actuator onto the dispenser.
6. Secure the actuator with the Torx 20 screws.

Washer reassembly

1. Mount the shift arm and reconnect the wires.
2. Slide the control back into place and close the control cover.
3. Reattach the top panel by sliding it into position and securing it with the 1/4-inch screws.
4. Plug the washer back in or turn the circuit breaker back on to restore power.

We’re here to help

Thanks for sticking with us! We hope this guide got your Whirlpool front load washer back up and running. If you’ve got other appliance repairs on your list, take a look at our other guides and videos for some more help. When you’re ready to order new parts, just grab your model number and head over to AppliancePartsPros.com. You can chat with a pro, check out our DIY blog, view diagrams and more. Don’t forget to subscribe on YouTube and connect with us on Facebook, X and Instagram!