On the covered Whirlpool front-load washer, F3 E1, F32, F35, F8 E3, F27, F/09, F02 means the water-level sensor failed, or the tub is filling beyond what the washer should hold First, unplug the washer and see whether the tub keeps filling.
Differential
Likely causes of “Whirlpool front-load washer code F3 E1, F32, F35, F8 E3, F27, F/09, F02”, and how to tell them apart
- 1
A tub that fills past its level because a water valve leaks through
What separates it The tub fills while the washer is off, or the code appears with the drum overfull (F8 E3, F27, F/09, F02)
How to confirm Unplug the washer and see whether water keeps arriving; the compact table says a valve that lets water flow while unplugged is defective
- 2
A water-level pressure switch or its wiring at fault (F3 E1)
What separates it The switch reading is missing and the harness looks loose
How to confirm Check the wiring between the water level pressure switch and the main control board and reconnect any loose wire
- 3
A failed water-level pressure switch reading an empty tub as full
What separates it The drum is empty when the overflow code appears
How to confirm The tables say that if the washer is empty when the overflow code appears the water level pressure switch is the part to replace
- 4
A level sensor failure on the Duet HE style (F32 or F35)
What separates it Level readings are wrong and the harness at the sensor is sound
How to confirm Check the wiring at the sensor and the main board, then replace the water level sensor
Before you touch a setting
Record this first — changing settings destroys the evidence
- The exact display: F3 E1, F32, F35, F8 E3, F27, F/09 or F02
- Whether the drum was overfull, empty or filling when the code appeared
- Whether the drain pump was running non-stop
Try in this order
0 of 6 completedWhat to do first
ReversibleUnplug the washer and see whether the tub keeps filling.
Correct only the documented fault domain
ReversibleReplace a leaking water valve, or check the level switch wiring and replace the switch.
Shut the taps and unplug the washer
ReversibleFor an overflow code the Duet HE table says the drain pump runs constantly trying to drain the water and the door stays locked. Turn off the water and the power first, then wait for the water to drain.
See whether the tub fills with the washer unplugged
ReversibleThe tables say to unplug the washer and, if it is overfilled, check the water valve assembly for proper shut-off. A valve that lets water flow while the washer is unplugged is defective and is replaced.
Check the level switch wiring
ReversibleFor F3 E1 (and F23 on the compact) the tables say to check the harness between the water level pressure switch and the main control board, reconnect any loose wire, replace a damaged harness and only then replace the switch.
Replace the switch if the drum is empty
ReversibleIf the washer is empty when an overflow code appears, the tables say to replace the water level pressure switch because it is not reading the level correctly.
Model-specific
What is true of this model and not of its siblings
- Displayed as
- F3 E1, F32, F35, F23, F8 E3, F27, F/09 or F02, by platform.
- Parts named by the service tables
- Water valve assembly; water level pressure switch; wire harness.
Stop boundary
When this stops being a self-service repair
- !Turn off both taps and unplug the washer if water is running onto the floor or into the console
- !Do not run the washer again until the tub has been drained by hand and the cause of an overflow is found
Evidence ledger
Sources behind this answer
Where the manufacturer's article stops. F23 means a heating element failure on the Duet Steam table, so the page names the compact F23 only.
Exact questions
Common questions
What does F3 E1, F32, F35, F8 E3, F27, F/09, F02 mean on a Whirlpool front-load washer?+
the water-level sensor failed, or the tub is filling beyond what the washer should hold
What does F24 mean on the compact?+
On the compact table F24 is a second overflow code; on the Duet HE style F24 is a water temperature sensor error, so check your style.
Why does the pump run and the door stay locked?+
The Duet HE table says that with an overflow the drain pump runs constantly to drain the water and the door stays locked.
Which part fails most often?+
The tables list the water valve assembly for a tub that overfills, and the water level pressure switch for an empty tub that shows an overflow.