Due to the wide variety of different Whirlpool dishwashers available the error/fault codes will be displayed differently depending on which model you own. If your dishwasher has an LCD display then the fault code will be displayed like below.
If your dishwasher just has a row of lights then the fault code will be indicated by the start light flashing several times, waiting for a few seconds then flashing the sequence again. For example if your dishwasher had the fault F7, the start light would flash seven times, pause, then flash seven times again, etc.
Fault Code F1 or One Flash
Cause: Problem with the NTC (temperature sensor) or thermistor. This fault code will appear if the sensor is reading a temperature outside of the dishwashers operating window (-3°C to +85°C). The most common cause is a faulty NTC.
Action: In most cases replacing the NTC will solve the problem. In winter it is possible that the dishwasher has frozen (and thus the NTC isn’t faulty – correctly detecting that it is too cold for the dishwasher to operate). You can remedy this by adding some warm (not boiling water) to the dishwasher to thaw it out, then try running a program again.
 
Fault Code F2 or Two Flashes
Cause: A water leak has been detected
Action: In most cases you’ll need to find origin of the leak and repair as necessary. As long as the leak continues to be detected the water valve won’t open, preventing the dishwasher from filling with water. If there is no evidence of a leak then the error could potentially be caused by a faulty float switch, inlet valve or drain pump.
Go to: Why is My Dishwasher Not Filling With Water?
 
Fault Code F3 or Three Flashes
Cause: Issue with water heating system. This fault will be displayed if the dishwasher is unable to heat water to the required temperature with 25 minutes of the start of the wash cycle.
Action: This fault is typical of a heating element failure, so check that first using a multimeter possible. Other possible culprits include the NTC and thermostat.
Go to: Why is My Dishwasher Not Heating the Water?
 
Fault Code F4 or Four Flashes
Cause: The dishwasher isn’t draining.
Action: Check the filters in the dishwasher basin for any blockages and this could be a simple fix. If that doesn’t help then the problem most likely lies with the drain pump which is either blocked or faulty.
Go to: Why is My Dishwasher Not Draining?
 
Fault Code F5 or Five Flashes
Cause: Spray arms are blocked/clogged or otherwise malfunctioning.
Action: Spray arms are easily removed so take them out of the dishwasher and wash in the sink to clear out any gunk (using descaler should help shift any stubborn debris). Whilst doing this run the dishwasher on a short program without the spray arms to clear any further blockages.
 
Fault Code F6 or Six Flashes
Cause: The fault occurs when the dishwasher does not detect any incoming water despite the water inlet valve being open.
Action: Check your water supply is on. Ensure the water inlet hose has no kinks or blockages. Beyond that you could be looking at a faulty inlet valve or flow meter.
Go to: Why is My Dishwasher Not Filling With Water?
 
Fault Code F7 or Seven Flashes
Cause: Fault with flow meter detected.
Action: Flow meter failure is not unusual on Whirlpool dishwashers so it may well require replacing (you’ll usually find it behind the right hand side panel). Before replacing the flow meter check the inlet valve and inlet hose to ensure this is not a simple water supply problem.
 
Fault Code F8 or Eight Flashes
Cause: Water Turbidity Fault. Your dishwasher is detecting that the turbidity of the water is too high, which basically means it is too dirty.
Action: Most models have both a mechanical water indicator and an optical water indicator to measure turbidity. Give everything a thorough clean around and below the filters in the dishwasher basin. You’ll find the optical indicator in the dishwasher basin (it looks like a small black grid) – give it a gentle clean, taking care not to damage it.
 
Fault Code F9 or Nine Flashes
Cause: Water inlet is staying open (dishwasher is overfilling).
Action: Check the water inlet valve – is it jammed open for some reason? It may be defective and need replacing. If it seems OK then problem is likely being caused by a faulty control board instead.
 
Fault Code F0 or Ten Flashes
Cause: Sensor fault or failure. This code is only shown in the service test programme and thus it’s unlikely you’ll see it unless you’re a service engineer!
 
Fault Code FA or Eleven Flashes
Cause: The optical water indicator is detecting high levels of water turbidity.
Action: See fault code F8 for further information.
 
Fault Code FB or Twelve Flashes
Cause: Motorised diverter valve fault detected.
 
Fault Code FC or Thirteen Flashes
Cause: Water hardness sensor failure.