F5 E3 Whirlpool Washer Error Code (Solved!)

I really like my Whirlpool washer. It wasn’t that expensive when I bought it, and it gets the job done.

However, despite using it correctly, people often face the F5 E3 Whirlpool Washer Error Code.

The F5 E3 alert indicates there is an issue with the lid lock. The appliance control unit or associated wiring may also be an issue. 

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

This article will cover how to fix the F5 E3 Error Code and what to avoid.

F5 E3 Whirlpool Washer Error Code

F5 E3 Whirlpool washer error code indicates the lid lock error, either due to internal issues or external obstructions. The best way to resolve this problem is to avoid forcing the lid open if it is stuck, as it can further damage the electrical appliance.

1. Exit The Cycle And Drain It

The F5 E3 Error Code means that there is an issue with the lid lock, and it potentially obstructs you from opening the washer.

You must not force the lid open when stuck in one position, as this can cause severe and permanent damage to your washer.

Remove any objects you might have placed on the lid and clear any external obstructions.

Touch power to exit the cycle. It would help to wait for the washer to drain completely before opening the lid.

This could take several minutes. Once the washer has drained, touch power again to release the lid.

If this still needs to be fixed, follow the steps below.

2. Disassemble The Top Of The Washer

It is essential first to identify the source of the problem. You will need to unhook the washer from all the safety hooks and cut the power to the appliance off to disassemble the top successfully.

1. Pull out the unit from where it is back up against the wall. This provides extra space to work with. Doing this first helps you avoid problems when the appliance has been opened and dismembered.
2. Take a one-quarter-inch hex drive screwdriver to remove the three screws at the back of the washing machine and save the wire harness plate for later.
3. To open the lid up, you first need to pull the cover towards you. Then, lift slightly and push backward. This will unhook the washer top from the safety hooks, allowing you to pivot the washing machine top.
4. There are two tiny metal fingers that the lid will slide into when you have opened up the lid and held the secure cover while lifting the top.
5. You will find the manual for most Whirlpool washers in the front of the washing machine, near the top. You can lift the tub and reach in to grab it quickly.
6. Once you have grabbed the manual, you can see how the machine operates in diagnostics. This will help you determine the actual cause of the problem, so inspect it closely. 
7. To generate an error code, press any sequence of three buttons on the control panel three times in a row. This will trigger the error code, assuming the interface will turn on.

Error Codes for Whirlpool Front Load Washers and Top Load Washers are mentioned here.

You can quickly solve any error code by referring to the links above. However, if it is an F5 E3, the problem lies with the lid lock, which is why it is stuck shut in its place.

3. Disassemble The Lock And Apply The Dielectric Grease

After removing the top of the washer, you can disassemble the lock and apply the dielectric grease.

The next step is to disassemble the locking mechanism by removing and separating the two halves of the housing.

1. Pull the ear at the end of the housing to hear a snap to see them separate. If it does not work, you can also notice two ears in the middle of the lengths.
2. Pull the two housings away from each other to separate them.
3. Take a flathead screwdriver and wedge it on the other side to open up the additional tab and get the housing apart.

You can see the electric motor responsible for sliding the locking mechanism forward and backward. 

There you can also notice the little fingers that ride upon the traces.

4. Reset The Machine

Resetting the Whirlpool washer helps to kick start the jammed lid lock accurately and deactivate the error code, among other troubleshooting hitches.

Follow the steps below to reset your washing machine: 

1. Turn the washer off. 
2. Turn the mode dial to NORMAL. 
3. Turn the dial counter-clockwise, one click left, clockwise for three clicks, counter-clockwise for one click, and then clockwise for one click.

If your washer is still not functioning correctly, try the Cabrio reset procedure.

1. Touch any button on the display pad to remove the existing error code displayed on the screen.
2. Press PAUSE or CANCEL to end it, and choose a cycle before pressing START.
3. After the process completes, pull the plug from the power.
4. Wait for five minutes before plugging the machine back in.
5. Run a test load to see if the panel displays the error code.

Running the test load helps to determine whether the problem has been solved or persists.

If the problem persists, contact the Whirlpool service center at 1-866-698-2538 or their website.

Final Remarks

It is frustrating to figure out the problems or the error codes displayed on the Whirlpool washing machines, especially if you need to gain experience or knowledge about gadgets.

Luckily, despite being a complex machine, there are proven fixes that can help you get the Whirlpool washer back to working condition at home with no extra service costs:

• Exit the cycle and let it drain
• Disassemble the top of the washer
• Disassemble the lock and apply dielectric grease
• Reset the machine and run a test load