What the F15 Error Code Means on Your Whirlpool Washer

Is your Whirlpool front loader displaying an F15 error code and refusing to spin or wash correctly? This common error is often caused by a minor electrical issue that you can likely fix yourself. We’ll break down what’s behind the F15 Whirlpool washer error code and how to resolve the problem. Read on to learn how to get your Whirlpool washing machine running dependably again.

If you find out that you need any replacement parts for your appliance 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.

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 does the error code mean?

On Whirlpool front-load washing machines, the F15 error code indicates an issue with the motor control unit (MCU). Specifically, it means the central control unit (CCU) has detected a short circuit somewhere in the MCU electrical components.

This error typically occurs during the high-speed final spin portion of a wash cycle. When the CCU senses a motor control unit error, it displays the F15 code on the washer’s screen.

For safety, the washer will also unlock the door after 3 minutes when this code appears. This allows you to open the door if the error occurs mid-cycle.

Essentially, the F15 code means there is a communication breakdown between the washer’s central control unit and the motor control unit. This prevents the CCU from properly instructing the motor during the spin cycle, resulting in the error.

While this issue is frustrating, it is often caused by a faulty connection or wiring problem rather than a defective part. With some basic troubleshooting steps, you can likely resolve the F15 error yourself without a costly appliance repair call.

Parts related to the error

To get a better understanding of what’s going on when the F15 error strikes, it helps to get familiar with the main washer parts involved:

Control boards

Your Whirlpool front-loading washer contains two key electronic control boards:

• The central control unit (CCU) acts as the main computer brain of the washer. It controls the wash cycle, runs diagnostics tests, regulates temperature, and displays status codes like F15 on the screen when it senses a problem.
• The motor control unit senses and controls the drive motor’s speed and direction during wash cycles. It receives instructions from the CCU and acts accordingly.

The F15 error indicates there is a wiring issue between these two control boards, interrupting their communication. When there is an electrical issue and the Whirlpool washing machine fails usually it is caused by one of these two boards.

Drive motor

The drive motor powers the drum to spin and rotate during the wash and rinse cycles. It operates at different RPMs depending on the wash cycle segment.

When the MCU loses communication with the CCU, the CCU can’t properly instruct the motor on how fast to spin. This will trigger the F15 error code.

Wire harness

The wire harness is the bundled electrical wiring that connects the washer’s internal components together. It links the control boards to the drive motor, door lock, sensors, and other parts.

Issues with the wire harness, like loose connections or damaged wiring, are a common root cause of F15 errors.

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 attempting any maintenance or replacement work. This keeps you safe by preventing any risk of injury from electric shock.
• Wear insulated work gloves to protect your hands from sharp metal parts, pinching hazards and debris.
• Take your time and don’t rush while working to prevent accidents and personal injuries.
• Work in a well-lit area so you can clearly see and access the interior parts.
• Clear your workspace of clutter and other obstacles. Keep children and pets away from the work area.
• Never work on internal parts with bare wet hands. Make sure the work area is completely dry.
• Check your user manual to see if there are specific installation or safety instructions for your part or appliance. 
• Be gentle when handling or removing parts. Excessive force might damage the appliance or cause injury.
• Wear safety glasses when working with chemicals, dust or cleaning large debris to prevent injury. 
• If the appliance has recently been used, give it plenty of time for any heating parts to cool down before working on it. 
• Take pictures or make a note of wiring terminals or other connections before disconnecting to prevent any problems with reassembly.
• 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.

Troubleshooting steps

Armed with a better understanding of the involved washer parts, follow these steps to systematically diagnose and resolve an F15 error on your Whirlpool front-load washer:

Step 1: Inspect all wire harness connections

Loose or faulty wiring in the wire harness is the most common cause of F15 errors. Thoroughly inspect all harness connections:

1. Check the connections between the drive motor and the MCU. Look for any loose plugs or damaged wires.
2. Check the connections between the MCU and the CCU. Make sure the plugs are securely attached.
3. Refer to the wiring diagram in your washer’s service manual to verify the correct harness routing.

Fix any loose harness connections and repair or replace any damaged or corroded wires.

Step 2: Test the motor control unit

If the wiring checks out okay, the next step is to test the MCU control board itself:

First, check all wiring connections to the MCU board. Then do a diagnostic self-test on the MCU. If it fails the test, replacement is required. Here are the steps to perform a diagnostic self-test on the Motor Control Unit (MCU):

1. Put the washer control in the OFF state by pressing the Power/Cancel button.
2. Access the MCU by removing the lower front toe panel and opening the small access door on the plastic MCU housing.
3. Locate the test point pins on the MCU control board. They will be labeled “VCC”, “IN/OUT”, and “GND”.
4. Connect a jumper wire from the VCC pin to the IN/OUT pin. This initiates the self-test mode.
5. Check the following while in test mode:
   • – LED1 should turn on solid. This indicates +5V power supply is OK.
   • – LED2 should be blinking. This shows the onboard microcontroller is operating.
   • – The motor should be ramping up and down repeatedly from 0-100% speed. Listen for the motor pitch changing.

If testing finds an electrical issue with the MCU, replace it with a new part. Shorts in this control can definitely cause an F15 error.

Step 3: Test the drive motor

The drive motor is another possible source of an F15 error:

1. Use a multimeter to check the motor windings for electrical shorts. Check resistance between pairs of windings. The windings should measure around 6 ohms. If readings are very high or infinite, the windings are open. On the other hand, very low or zero readings indicate short windings. When testing, all three winding readings should be balanced. Large mismatches signify a bad motor.
2. Check that the motor shaft can turn freely without any mechanical binding.
3. Inspect for any physical damage like burnt windings or damaged fins.

If the windings are shorted, the motor is seized up, or physical damage is found, replace the drive motor by clicking here. Either of these issues will trigger F15 errors as the CCU loses proper motor control.

Step 4: Verify other electrical components

If the MCU and drive motor check out okay, examine other electrical parts:

1. Visually inspect the wire harness for any damage, burnt wiring, cuts, etc. Replace if any damage is found.
2. Double-check that all harness connections match the wiring diagram for proper layout.
3. Use a multimeter to check the complete wire harness for any shorts or excessive resistance.

If those electrical parts check out fine, the last component to replace would be the central control unit itself.

Step 5: Retest after any repairs

After replacing any faulty parts, reinstall them correctly and verify the repair:

1. Make sure all wire harness connections are restored properly.
2. Run a short test wash cycle on the washer and confirm the F15 error does not reappear.

At this point, your Whirlpool washer should be able to run the drive motor and spin cycle normally without any issues or F15 code appearing. But if the error returns, carefully recheck your repair steps.

Additional information

Thank you for reading! We hope this guide helped you get your 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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