Few things are more frustrating than opening your fridge and seeing a confusing code on the display—especially when food is at risk of spoiling. If you’re seeing strange symbols or letters, you’re not alone.
All Whirlpool refrigerator error codes are designed to help you understand what’s going wrong inside your appliance, from sensor failures to control board issues.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through the most common Whirlpool fridge codes, explain what they mean, why they happen, how to troubleshoot them, and provide a difficulty score from 1 to 10 so you know when it’s safe to DIY—and when to call in an expert.
Whirlpool error codes signal specific issues like temperature sensor faults, ice maker problems, and control board failures.
Some issues are easy to fix at home (e.g., door not closing properly), while others require a certified technician.
The fridge’s service diagnostics mode allows deeper troubleshooting for trained users.
Appliance GrandMasters offers professional Whirlpool refrigerator repair in Greenville, SC, for complex cases.
Each code below includes:
What it means
Why it happens (expanded for clarity)
How to troubleshoot it
A difficulty score (1–10) so you know when you’re in DIY territory or should call a pro.
What it means: The ice maker isn’t working properly.
Why it happens: This usually occurs when the water line that fills the ice maker is blocked by ice or debris. If you live in an area with hard water, filters that aren’t replaced regularly can cause mineral buildup. In other cases, the ice maker’s motor may wear out over time.
Fix it: Check the water line for kinks or blockages, replace the water filter, and inspect the ice maker for frost buildup.
Difficulty: 3/10
What it means: The fresh food compartment sensor is faulty.
Why it happens: This sensor tracks internal temperature. If it fails, the fridge won’t know when to cool properly. It could be due to age, moisture entering the connector, or a loose wire.
Fix it: You can try resetting the fridge. If the error returns, the sensor needs to be tested or replaced.
Difficulty: 5/10
What it means: Freezer temperature sensor has failed.
Why it happens: This sensor monitors the freezer’s temperature. If it sends the wrong signal, the freezer may over-chill or not chill at all. This could be caused by water damage, old wiring, or connector corrosion.
Fix it: Reset the unit. If that doesn’t help, a technician can test and replace the sensor.
Difficulty: 5/10
What it means: Defrost sensor failure in the freezer section.
Why it happens: This sensor controls the defrost cycle. If it malfunctions, frost may build up around evaporator coils, making your fridge less efficient. Causes include burnt-out sensors or poor wiring.
Fix it: A multimeter test is needed. In many cases, replacing the defrost sensor resolves the issue.
Difficulty: 6/10
What it means: Frost sensor in the refrigerator section has failed.
Why it happens: This sensor prevents frost buildup in your fridge. When it’s not working, frost may form on walls, drawers, or vents. Most commonly, the sensor ages out or its wiring is compromised.
Fix it: You’ll need to test the sensor for continuity or have a professional handle it.
Difficulty: 6/10
What it means: Frost sensor in the refrigerator section has failed.
Why it happens: This sensor prevents frost buildup in your fridge. When it’s not working, frost may form on walls, drawers, or vents. Most commonly, the sensor ages out or its wiring is compromised.
Fix it: You’ll need to test the sensor for continuity or have a professional handle it.
Difficulty: 6/10
What it means: Defrost sensor in the freezer isn’t working.
Why it happens: This sensor helps the freezer know when to start or stop defrosting. A shorted sensor or water-damaged wiring can cause the issue.
Fix it: Often resolved by replacing the sensor. Sometimes, the control board may need evaluation.
Difficulty: 6/10
What it means: Your fridge’s control board and display can’t “talk” to each other.
Why it happens: This usually stems from a power surge, electrical short, or damaged internal circuit. It’s not a user-fixable issue.
Fix it: Requires a technician to test and possibly replace the control board.
Difficulty: 9/10
What it means: The sensor that monitors room temperature has failed.
Why it happens: These sensors help optimize energy use by adjusting cooling based on your kitchen’s ambient temperature. If they’re exposed to extreme humidity, temperature swings, or age out, they’ll stop functioning properly.
Fix it: Requires diagnostics. A pro can test the sensor and replace it if needed.
Difficulty: 5/10
What it means: Your freezer got too warm.
Why it happens: Often triggered when the freezer door is left open, something is blocking airflow, or the cooling system is underperforming. Power outages can also trigger this if the temperature rises too high.
Fix it: Ensure the freezer door is sealing properly. Check for blocked vents or heavy frost buildup. Reset the error by unplugging the fridge briefly.
Difficulty: 2/10
What it means: Electrical problem in the ice maker system.
Why it happens: This can be due to a blown fuse, a disconnected wire, or a failed ice maker motor. Often, it happens after a power outage or from wear over time.
Fix it: A tech will test voltage and continuity. Sometimes just a fuse needs replacing, but the entire ice maker may need attention.
Difficulty: 7/10
If you’re tech-savvy or have a multimeter handy, Whirlpool refrigerators include a Service Diagnostic Mode to run deeper tests.
To activate:
Hold SW1 + SW2 together for 3 seconds.
Release when the fridge chimes. “01” will appear.
Press SW5 to move forward and SW4 to go back.
Use Service Tests 1–7 and 32–39 for cooling-related diagnostics.
To exit, press SW1 + SW2 again or unplug the unit.
⚠️ Caution: These tests control active components. If you’re unsure, it’s safer to contact a professional.
Q: What is the easiest Whirlpool error code to fix at home?
The E9 Freezer High Temperature Alarm is often just a case of the door being left ajar. Start there before panicking.
Q:How do I clear an error code on a Whirlpool refrigerator?
Unplug the fridge for 5 minutes, then plug it back in. If the issue is fixed, the code may disappear. If not, diagnostics or repairs are needed.
Q: When should I call a professional technician?
Any issue involving control boards (E6), repeated sensor failures, or defrost cycle faults (E3–E5) typically require expert diagnostics.
Q: Can I still use my fridge if an error code is showing?
It depends. Some codes (like E0 or E9) may not affect cooling right away. Others (like E6) could prevent normal operation. Monitor temperatures closely.
Q: Does Whirlpool offer built-in testing for parts like fans or heaters?
Yes! Whirlpool’s Service Diagnostic Mode lets you test fans, heaters, sensors, and even run a harvest sequence for the ice maker.
Whirlpool refrigerator error codes might seem cryptic at first, but with the right information and tools, you can decode them like a pro.
From faulty ice makers to defrost issues, each code has a fix—and knowing the difficulty level helps you decide whether to handle it yourself or bring in help.
Need a hand? At Appliance GrandMasters, we specialize in Whirlpool refrigerator repair throughout Greenville, SC and surrounding areas. Whether it’s a faulty sensor or a failed board, we’ve got the training and parts to get your fridge back to perfect working order—often in just one visit.
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Formerly known as Mr. Rogers Appliances, we rebranded our appliance repair company to Appliance GrandMasters in June 2020. Since then, we have focused on developing our brand to be customer-oriented.
Fixing appliances has become a passion for us. We enjoy challenges, and we are always preparing and updating ourselves to become the very best.
We accomplish swift and top-notch service by employing efficient and friendly customer service procedures that guarantee accurate answers and solutions.
Our approach involves the careful selection and comprehensive training for the necessary skills to fulfill our customers’ needs. Through these strategies, we strive to consistently provide exceptional service.