E1 F3 Whirlpool Washer Error Code (Avoid Doing THIS!)

Whirlpool washer is a reliable appliance in the fast-paced life. Customer reports place Whirlpool Washer among the best and most reliable brands of washing machines.

A whirlpool washer can last up to 10 to 12 years, even more, with proper care and maintenance. The length of time you can keep this appliance depends on how often you use it and how many loads you have.

However, in the span of using it correctly, the only problem most people will ever face is the E1 F3 Error Code.

The F3 E1 alert indicates the washer can’t detect the water level. The appliance control unit or associated wiring may also be an issue. 

Whirlpool’s website generally suggests shutting off water valves to the washer and calling for service. But it is possible to fix this quickly at home, with no extra service charge.

In this article, we will be going over how to reset a Whirlpool microwave and what to avoid when doing so.

E1 F3 Error Code

E1 F3 Whirlpool washer error code appears on the screen when the control board cannot detect the water level to continue the program. This signal constantly appears after the washing machine is turned on and sometimes blocks it during operation, which is why the machine will not start until the underlying problem is fixed.

You can take the following steps in case of this error-

1. Check The Switch Hose

First, reset the washer by turning the power off or turning the circuit breaker off. If this does not work, check the water level pressure hose for clogging or damage. 

Check the water level pressure hose between the pressure switch and the air trap. Sometimes it can become kinked, clogged, or damaged in some other way, and the F03/E01 error code will appear.

Note the following steps to check the switch hose efficiently.

1. Locate the switch hose. 
2. Check the hose to make sure it’s not damaged in any way. If it is damaged, you will need to replace it. 
3. If it isn’t damaged, disconnect it from the pressure transducer, and check if there are any blockages. If so, remove them. 
4. Reattach the hose and check if the error code has gone.

Replacing a switch hose can cost between $40 to $80, readily available in the nearest hardware store.

2. Check The Water Level Sensors

When the water level sensor becomes faulty, your machine will constantly display the E1 F3 Error Code. 

The water level sensor monitors the water in your washing machine and tells the control board to allow more water in or stop the water from flowing in. 

When it becomes faulty, your washing machine will stop working, and the F03/E01 error code might appear, thus preventing your machine from working correctly.

Here is how to check the sensors:

1. Turn off your machine and unplug it from a switchboard.
2. Try to locate the sensor using the appliance manual.
3. Unplug all the wires connected to the sensor and check if the sensor still has continuity using a multimeter.
4. If the sensor doesn’t have continuity, it is faulty, and you will need to replace it. If it does have continuity, reattach it to your washer, as it works perfectly.
5. If you replace the sensor, put your washer back together, and check if the problem has been solved.

The price of water level sensors ranges from $70 to $100. The more expensive kind can be about $2500 too.

3. Check The Air Trap Pipe

A clogged air trap pipe can also cause the E1 F3 Error Code because of soapy foam and moisture. So check it too; if clogged, clean it thoroughly.

When the pipe gets clogged, it cannot catch air, making it defective. It can make the E1 F3 Error Code appear on the washing machine’s display.

Here is how to check the air trap pipe:

1. Turn off your machine and unplug it from a switchboard.
2. Check the manual to locate the air trap pipe.
3. Remove the pipe carefully, as it might get kinked otherwise.
4. Check for any blockages. If you find any, remove them.
5. Reattach the pipe and check if the problem has been solved.

How To Test The Washing Machine Control Board?

You can test the control board by testing the washer motor control board with a multimeter. You can also check the wire harness between the pressure switch and the control module.

Here’s how to check the motor control board.

1. Unplug the washer from the power outlet.
2. Then open the control panel and locate the motor control board.
3. Begin by testing the washer motor control board with a multimeter.
4. Check for continuity between the terminals on the board. 
5. If there is continuity, then the board is most likely functional.
6. If there is no continuity, the board will need to be replaced.
7. Check if the wire harness, located between the pressure switch and the control module, has continuity.
8. If not, replace it and reattach it back.

Make sure not to mess with the washer motor control board too much. It can cause more damage to the appliance if not taken care of properly. 

A good quality motor control board can cost up to $250 to $400, but you can also find a local one at about $100 per piece. 

How To Clear E1 F3 Error Code On Your Whirlpool Washer?

Whirlpool has specified the steps to clear the E1 F3 Error Code on their website.

1. Power the unit down by turning off the circuit breaker or unplugging it for one minute. 
2. Power the unit up by reconnecting power. 
3. Restart a new cycle. 
4. Monitor the washer for one minute to ensure the error code does not display again.

The machine may go into a drain cycle for approximately 8 minutes and continue to display the error code. When the 8 minutes are up, the door should unlock. 

If the error code returns, call for service.

Final Remarks

It is frustrating when your new washer is constantly stuck on an error code.

Luckily, despite being a complex machine, there are chances that the problem can be solved at home very easily with several proven fixes:

1. Check the switch hose 
2. Check the water level sensors 
3. Check the air trap pipe