On the covered Whirlpool dryer, F4 E3, F30, AF, LF means the exhaust airflow is restricted, or the secondary lint filter is missing First, clean the lint screen. Then: clear the vent run to the outside, then check the exhaust fan or the secondary lint filter reed switch.
Differential
Likely causes of “Whirlpool dryer code F4 E3, F30, AF, LF”, and how to tell them apart
- 1
A clogged lint screen
What separates it The screen is coated or the lint has built up
How to confirm Clean the lint screen; if you use fabric softener sheets, wash the screen with water and a soft-bristled brush to remove the build-up
- 2
A crushed, kinked or clogged vent run
What separates it The vent hose behind the dryer is bent or the duct is full of lint
How to confirm Check the flexible vent hose for kinks and clear the duct system to the outside
- 3
A stuck outside damper or a blocked hood
What separates it The exterior vent hood flap does not open fully when the dryer runs
How to confirm Make sure the damper vent outside opens properly and is free of lint
- 4
A vent run that is too long or has too many turns
What separates it The dryer is far from the wall or the run has many elbows
How to confirm Compare your vent system with the recommended run length and number of elbows in the installation instructions
- 5
A damaged exhaust fan or a missing secondary lint filter (Duet Hybrid)
What separates it The vent is clear and the code stays, or LF shows
How to confirm Check the exhaust fan and the secondary lint filter reed switch
Before you touch a setting
Record this first — changing settings destroys the evidence
- The exact display: F4 E3, F30, AF, Check Vent or LF
- Whether the load takes long to dry
- The length and turns of the vent run
Try in this order
0 of 6 completedWhat to do first
ReversibleClean the lint screen.
Correct only the documented fault domain
ReversibleClear the vent run to the outside, then check the exhaust fan or the secondary lint filter reed switch.
Clean the lint screen
ReversibleWhirlpool says the F4 E3 code means the lint screen or vent is clogged, and the dryer keeps running while it is displayed; touch any key to clear it. Clean the lint screen first.
Check the vent run
ReversibleCheck that the run from the dryer to the wall is not crushed or kinked, and free of lint; confirm the exterior vent hood is free of lint and that the run length and elbows fall within the installation limits.
Run a Timed Dry heated cycle
ReversibleRestart on a Timed Dry heated cycle. If the message persists, Whirlpool says to have the entire home venting run cleaned by a venting specialist, and to clean it every one to two years or as needed.
Check the fan and lint filter on a Hybrid
ReversibleFor F4 E3 on the Duet Hybrid, clean the lint filter and the secondary lint filter, check the exhaust fan and replace it if damaged; for LF install the secondary lint filter if it is missing and check its reed switch wiring.
Model-specific
What is true of this model and not of its siblings
- Displayed as
- F4 E3, F30, AF, Check Vent or LF, by platform.
- Parts named by the service tables
- Exhaust fan; secondary lint filter reed switch; wire harness.
Stop boundary
When this stops being a self-service repair
- !Unplug the dryer before you disconnect the vent hose or reach into the cabinet
- !Stop using the dryer if you smell burning or see lint scorched near the heater
Evidence ledger
Sources behind this answer
Where the manufacturer's article stops. The one to two year cleaning interval is Whirlpool's own wording.
Exact questions
Common questions
What does F4 E3, F30, AF, LF mean on a Whirlpool dryer?+
the exhaust airflow is restricted, or the secondary lint filter is missing
What does AF or Check Vent mean?+
Whirlpool's Check Vent indicator shows airflow status through the dryer and vent on Automatic cycles on certain models.
What is LF?+
On the Duet Hybrid, the secondary lint filter has been removed.
Will the dryer keep running?+
Whirlpool says the dryer will continue to run when the error is present.