On the covered Whirlpool dishwasher, F8 E2, F8 E5, F6 E2, H2O means a fill valve electrical error, a valve stuck open, or no water detected; on the older tables also the drain pump circuit First, remove the drip tray and inspect the inlet valve connection for leaks.
Differential
Likely causes of “Whirlpool dishwasher code F8 E2, F8 E5, F6 E2, H2O”, and how to tell them apart
- 1
A leak or loose connection at the inlet valve (current generation)
What separates it Water shows in the drip tray or the connection looks damp
How to confirm Whirlpool says to remove the drip tray and inspect the inlet valve connection, ensuring no leaks
- 2
Loose wiring at the water inlet valve (F6 E2 on the older tables)
What separates it The tub does not fill and the wire connections at the valve are loose
How to confirm Remove the bottom front access panel and toe panel and check the harness connections at the water inlet valve
- 3
A failed water inlet valve
What separates it The valve reads infinite resistance on the multimeter with the power off
How to confirm The older table says to measure about 1,400 ohms through the valve; infinite resistance means replace it
- 4
A drain pump electrical problem (F8 E2 on the older tables)
What separates it The dishwasher will not drain and the pump wiring is suspect
How to confirm The older tables say to check the wiring between the drain pump and the control board, and to replace the pump if the wiring is intact
- 5
A water supply that is off or kinked (H2O)
What separates it The tub stays empty after Start and H2O shows
How to confirm Whirlpool says to ensure the water supply is on to the dishwasher and that the supply hose has no kinks
- 6
A fill valve stuck open (F8 E5)
What separates it Water keeps entering after the fill should have stopped and the alarm sounds
How to confirm Turn off the water to the dishwasher and see whether the level stops rising
Before you touch a setting
Record this first — changing settings destroys the evidence
- The exact display: F8 E2 or F6 E2
- Whether the drip tray holds water
- Whether the tub fills or drains
Try in this order
0 of 8 completedWhat to do first
ReversibleRemove the drip tray and inspect the inlet valve connection for leaks.
Correct only the documented fault domain
ReversibleCycle power, then check the valve or pump wiring and meter reading.
Inspect the inlet connection
ReversibleWhirlpool's F8 E2 page names a fill valve electric error and says to remove the drip tray and inspect the inlet valve connection, ensuring there are no leaks, then to cycle the power for 30 seconds.
Check the valve wiring
ReversibleFor F6 E2 the older table says to unplug the dishwasher, remove the bottom front access panel and toe panel, check the wire harness connections on the water inlet valve, reconnect loose wires and replace the harness if damaged.
Measure the valve
ReversibleIf the harness connections are okay, check the resistance of the water inlet valve with a multimeter: about 1,400 ohms is normal; infinite resistance means replace the valve, and if the problem continues replace the electronic control board.
For H2O, restore the supply
ReversibleWhirlpool's H2O page says the dishwasher is not detecting water: ensure the water supply is on, check the supply hose has no kinks, then press Start and the dishwasher will attempt to fill and resume the cycle.
For F8 E5, shut the water off first
ReversibleWhirlpool says the fill valve is stuck open: turn off the water to the dishwasher if possible, press Cancel once to silence the alarm tone, shut the door, and do not turn off the power. If you cannot turn the water supply off, turn off power to the dishwasher. A valve stuck open can flood the kitchen, so replace the water inlet valve.
On an older unit, check the drain pump circuit
ReversibleFor the older F8 E2 the tables say to unplug the dishwasher, check the wiring between the drain pump and the board, reconnect loose wires or replace the harness, and replace the drain pump if the wiring is intact.
Model-specific
What is true of this model and not of its siblings
- Displayed as
- F8 E2, F8 E5, F6 E2 or H2O (8-2 and 6-2 on the older tables).
- Meter reading
- About 1,400 ohms through the water inlet valve (older tables).
- Parts named by the service tables
- Water inlet valve; drain pump; wire harness; electronic control board.
Stop boundary
When this stops being a self-service repair
- !Shut off the water and unplug the dishwasher before you remove any panel or touch the valve wiring
- !Stop and call a plumber or a technician if water is leaking into the cabinet
Evidence ledger
Sources behind this answer
Where the manufacturer's article stops. The 1,400 ohm figure is the older tables' own.
Exact questions
Common questions
What does F8 E2, F8 E5, F6 E2, H2O mean on a Whirlpool dishwasher?+
a fill valve electrical error, a valve stuck open, or no water detected; on the older tables also the drain pump circuit
What should the valve read?+
Around 1,400 ohms, per the older table; infinite resistance is a failed valve.
Where is the drip tray?+
Under the front of the dishwasher; see F8 E4 for how to remove it.