Whirlpool Washer F5 E2 Code: Meaning & Fixes
- Meaning
- Lid or door lock error: the washer tried to lock the lid or door and could not, usually because something is in the way.
- Can I fix it?
- Yes, usually a DIY fix
- Also shown as
- F5E2
- Seen on
- Whirlpool top-load washers with a lid lock and Whirlpool front-load washers, plus all-in-one washer dryers. Some top-load HE models show LdL for a lid that won't lock instead.
F5 E2 on a Whirlpool washer means the lid or door can’t lock, so the cycle won’t start. Whirlpool’s first fix is to clear the lock area: remove anything under the lid or clothing caught in the door, then close it firmly. Then unplug the washer for 5 minutes to reset the control and try again.
Try this first
- Open the lid or door and remove anything caught near the lock or hinge.
- On a front-loader, push clothing back so nothing sticks out past the door opening.
- Close the lid or door firmly until it latches.
- Unplug the washer for 5 minutes, then plug it back in and restart.
What causes F5 E2
| Cause | What you notice | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| Clothing caught at the lid or door | Lid or door looks closed but won't lock | The gasket, lid edge and lock area |
| Object in the lid lock area (top-load) | Clicking, then F5 E2 at cycle start | The lock opening and the striker on the lid |
| Detergent buildup around the lock (top-load) | Sticky residue near the lock | Wipe the lock area clean |
| Load too large (front-load) | Clothes press against the door glass | Remove a few items |
| Lid lock or control failure | F5 E2 returns with a clear lock area | Needs a technician |
Fix it step by step
Tap a step number to tick it off as you go. Ticks stay on this device.
-
Clear the lid or door
Open the lid or door. On a top-loader, check the lid lock opening and the striker for objects, lint or detergent residue and wipe them clean. On a front-loader, check the door gasket for clothing.
-
Reduce the load if needed
On a front-loader, rearrange the load so nothing sits past the door opening. If the drum is packed, take a few items out so clothes can tumble freely.
-
Close it firmly
Close the lid or door until it latches. On a top-loader, make sure nothing is sitting on the lid that stops it from closing flat.
-
Reset the control
Unplug the washer for 5 minutes, plug it back in and start the cycle again.
Safety: Unplug before you reach into the lock area with a cloth or tool.
When to call a technician
If the lock area is clear, the lid or door closes fully and F5 E2 still appears after a 5-minute reset, the lid lock or the control may have failed. Contact Whirlpool service.
Questions people ask
What's the difference between F5 E2 and F5 E3?
F5 E2 means the washer couldn't lock the lid or door at the start of the cycle. F5 E3 means it couldn't unlock it. The fixes overlap, but F5 E2 usually points to something blocking the lock.
How do I clear F5 E2 on a Whirlpool washer?
Remove whatever is blocking the lid or door, close it firmly, then unplug the washer for 5 minutes. On front-loaders, pressing Pause/Cancel twice and Power once also clears the code.
Is LdL the same as F5 E2?
It's the same kind of problem on some top-load HE models: the lid isn't locking. Whirlpool's advice for both is to check for items under the lid and detergent buildup around the lock.