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How to Use Diagnostic Mode on a Whirlpool Touch Screen Washing Machine

Video Guide
This guide was transcribed from a YouTube video.

Introduction

Use this guide to troubleshoot a Whirlpool washer with the newer console top, and compatible Maytag models with the same style console. You’ll learn where the hidden tech sheet is, how to enter Diagnostic Mode, how to read and clear error codes, how to run the automatic parts test, and how to run the factory calibration cycle (often called a factory reset). This diagnostic and calibration system differs from many other Whirlpool and Maytag washer models, and this style console doesn’t provide a manual parts test that can hold a single step indefinitely.

What you need

  1. Edit

    • Unplug the washer before removing any covers or touching anything behind the console.

    • WARNING: Washers contain live voltage and moving parts, so don’t work on the machine while it’s plugged in unless the procedure specifically requires power.

    • Keep hands clear of the lid lock and any moving parts during diagnostic tests and calibration.

  2. Edit

    • Pull the washer away from the wall to access the rear of the console.

    • Use a screwdriver to remove the single screw holding the wire cover in place.

    • Remove the wire cover.

    • Use a T20 Torx driver or a 1/4 inch screwdriver to remove the five screws holding the console plate in place.

    • Remove the console plate and locate the hidden tech sheet inside the console area.

    • Note: The tech sheet may reference other technician sheets that are only available through Whirlpool factory servicers.

  3. Edit

    • Make sure the washer is in standby with no lights displayed.

    • If you aren’t sure it’s in standby, unplug the washer for one minute, and plug it back in.

  4. Edit

    • Press the same three-button sequence in order three times within eight seconds.

    • Use the tech sheet if needed, since the exact button sequence can change.

    • Watch for all console lights to flash to confirm the washer entered diagnostic mode.

  5. Edit

    • Press the Power button and try to select a mode.

    • If the washer won’t turn on or won’t let you select a mode, the control board may be failed.

    • If the washer powers on normally, unplug it, plug it back in, and retry the diagnostic entry sequence one or two more times.

    • Check the control board behind the console for a hidden flashing green LED that indicates the unit has power.

    • If the LED isn’t flashing, the washer may not be getting power or the control board may be bad.

  6. Edit

    • Use the tech sheet to identify the console key numbers, since each key is assigned a number.

    • Watch the console as soon as diagnostic mode starts, because the washer may display active error codes before any tests run.

    • If the washer starts flashing codes right away, go to the error code steps in this guide before running tests.

  7. Edit

    • Press key number one, which is the Temperature key, to enter UI test mode.

    • Confirm entry by watching for all the lights to flash.

    • Turn the dial to scroll through 12 different light combinations.

    • After the combinations cycle, press the UI buttons to verify the console lights respond and the keys work.

    • Press and hold key number one for five seconds to exit UI test mode.

    • Re-enter diagnostic mode to run any additional tests.

  8. Edit

    • Re-enter diagnostic mode if the washer isn’t currently in diagnostics.

    • Press key number two, then key number five, which are the Rinse and Start buttons.

    • If water is connected to the washer, it should begin filling immediately and run tests in the background.

    • Caution: Keep clear of the tub and lid area while the washer fills, drains, and shifts during testing.

  9. Edit

    • Watch and listen during testing to confirm each function runs as the sequence progresses.

    • Use a multimeter if you plan to check any electrical values while the washer runs the tests.

    • Use the Temperature and Rinse buttons, keys one and two, to advance or retry tests during automatic mode.

    • Note: This console style doesn’t provide a manual parts test mode that can hold one step indefinitely.

    • Let the sequence finish to return to diagnostic mode, or press the Power button to exit quickly back to standby.

    • Re-enter diagnostic mode to do any further testing after exiting to standby.

  10. Edit

    • Press and hold key number two in diagnostic mode to display the software version.

    • This can matter after installing a new control board or UI when software issues are suspected.

  11. Edit

    • Press key number three in diagnostic mode to enter the error code system.

    • Look at the four lights at the top of the washer, since they flash to show stored error codes.

    • If no codes are stored, the lights won’t indicate an error condition.

  12. Edit

    • Treat each error as a combined F code and E code that must be read from the flashing LEDs.

    • Read the F code when the Lid Lock light is lit, and interpret the other lit LEDs using the binary chart on the tech sheet.

    • Read the E code when the Lid Lock light is not lit, and interpret the lit top LEDs using the same binary chart.

    • Example: With Lid Lock lit and the Soak, Wash, and Done lights on, the binary value is seven, making the F code F7.

    • Example: With Lid Lock off and only the Soak light on, the binary value is four, making the E code E4, so the full error is F7E4.

    • Look up the decoded F and E values on the tech sheet’s error code list to identify the fault.

  13. Edit

    • Press key number three to cycle through stored error codes.

    • Expect up to about five stored codes as you keep pressing key number three.

    • Press and hold key number three for five seconds to wipe all stored codes.

    • Confirm the wipe by watching for all LEDs to flash.

    • Press the Power button to exit back to standby mode.

  14. Edit

    • Remove all clothes and make sure there is no water in the washer before starting calibration.

    • Run the automatic test mode if you need to purge water from under the tub, since it fills and then drains extensively.

    • Make sure the washer is in standby with no lights on the display.

    • Within eight seconds, press key one, press key two twice, press key one, and press key two twice.

    • Wait for the lid to lock and for all the lights to come on, then rotate the dial clockwise once.

    • Press keys one through six in order, and watch for lights to turn off as each key is pressed.

    • Wait for the LED panel to blink and for the lid lock to flash and unlock, which can take about 10 seconds.

    • Open the lid after it unlocks, close it, and wait for it to relock and begin blinking through the calibration sequence for about four minutes.

Conclusion

Diagnostic Mode starts with active errors if the washer has any, and some tests require re-entering diagnostics after exiting. Use the hidden tech sheet to confirm key numbers, the three-button diagnostic entry sequence, the binary LED chart, and the meaning of each decoded F and E code. If the washer won’t enter diagnostics and won’t power on normally, or the control board’s green LED isn’t flashing, power or control board problems are likely.

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Ben Schlichter

Member since: 01/21/25

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