Whirlpool Dryer AF Code: Meaning & Fixes
- Meaning
- Restricted air flow: the dryer sensed low airflow at the start of an automatic cycle, usually from a clogged lint screen or a blocked, crushed or overly long vent.
- Can I fix it?
- Yes, usually a DIY fix
- Also shown as
- Check Vent
- Seen on
- Whirlpool electric and gas dryers that check airflow at the start of a cycle. Models with a code display show AF; some models have a Check Vent light instead, which comes on during Automatic Cycles.
AF on a Whirlpool dryer means restricted airflow: the lint screen or exhaust vent is clogged, crushed, kinked or has too many turns. The dryer keeps running, but loads take longer. Clean the lint screen, straighten the duct behind the dryer, clear lint from the outside hood, then touch any key to clear AF.
Try this first
- Clean the lint screen.
- Straighten any crushed or kinked duct between the dryer and the wall.
- Clear lint and debris from the vent run and the outside exhaust hood.
- Run the dryer for 5 to 10 minutes and feel the airflow at the outside hood: it should be at least as strong as a hair dryer on high.
- Touch any key to clear AF, then restart on a Timed Dry heated cycle.
What causes AF
| Cause | What you notice | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| Full lint screen | AF right after a big or linty load | Pull and clean the screen |
| Crushed or kinked duct behind the dryer | AF after the dryer was pushed back against the wall | Duct from the dryer to the wall |
| Lint buildup in the vent or outside hood | Long dry times, weak airflow outside | Hand test at the exterior hood |
| Vent run too long or too many elbows | AF that keeps coming back even with a clean vent | Run length and elbow count against your Installation Instructions |
Fix it step by step
Tap a step number to tick it off as you go. Ticks stay on this device.
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Clean the lint screen
Pull out the lint screen, remove the lint and slide it back in fully.
-
Check the duct behind the dryer
Turn the dryer off and unplug it, then pull it out and look at the duct between the dryer and the wall. Straighten kinks and replace any section that is crushed.
Safety: Electric dryers run on 240 volts, so unplug or switch off the breaker first. On a gas dryer, move it gently and don't strain or disconnect the gas line.
-
Clear the vent and outside hood
Remove lint from the vent run and the exterior exhaust hood, and make sure the hood flap opens freely. Then check that the vent length and number of elbows are within the limits in your Installation Instructions.
-
Test the airflow
Run the dryer for 5 to 10 minutes and hold your hand under the outside hood. If the air feels weaker than a hair dryer on high, clean the entire vent system and the hood again.
-
Clear the code
Select a Timed Dry heated cycle and restart the dryer. Touch any key to clear AF from the display. On Check Vent models the light goes off when the cycle ends, the door opens or you touch Power, and it returns on later cycles until the airflow problem is fixed.
When to call a technician
If AF or Check Vent keeps returning after you have cleaned the lint screen, duct and hood, Whirlpool says to have the whole home vent run cleaned and to contact a venting specialist. Whirlpool also sells a dryer vent test kit (W11224254) through Customer Service.
Questions people ask
Can I keep using my Whirlpool dryer with AF showing?
It keeps running, but poor airflow means longer dry times and lower performance. Clear the vent soon instead of ignoring the code.
Is AF the same as the Check Vent light?
Yes. Both come from the same airflow check at the start of a cycle. Models with a display show AF, and some other models light Check Vent.
Why does AF come back after I clean the lint screen?
The restriction is usually further down the line: a crushed duct, lint in the wall vent or outside hood, or a vent run that is too long or has too many turns.