Common Appliance Error Code Reference
Overview
Modern appliances display error codes to help diagnose issues. Different brands use different code systems; this is the in-truck quick-reference for the most common codes you'll encounter. Cross-reference brand-specific manual when the code isn't here.
Reference Table - Whirlpool / Maytag / KitchenAid (related brands)
Common appliance codes:
| Code | Component | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| F0E0 | Main control | Main board issue |
| F1E1 | Main control | EEPROM error |
| F2E0/1/2 | Communication | Sub-board failure |
| F3 (various) | Temperature | Sensor failure |
| F5 (various) | Door / lid | Door switch issue |
| F6 (various) | Heating | Element / igniter issue |
| F7 (various) | Motor | Motor problem |
| F8E1 | Water | Inlet valve issue |
| F9E1 | Long drain | Drain pump issue |
Reference Table - Samsung
Common refrigerator codes:
| Code | Meaning |
|---|---|
| 1E / 2E / 5E / 21E | Ice maker issues |
| 22 / 33 / 88 / OF OF | Defrost system |
| FF / FR / RF | Compressor / fan / fridge |
| PC ER / PCE / PE | Power / control issue |
Common washer codes:
| Code | Meaning |
|---|---|
| 1E / E1 | Water inlet error |
| 2E / E2 | Drain error |
| 4E | Water pressure / filling |
| 5E | Water heating |
| 8E | Motor error |
| dE | Door error |
Common dryer codes:
| Code | Meaning |
|---|---|
| BE | Button stuck |
| EH | High exhaust temp |
| HC | Heat sensor / thermistor |
| FE | Frequency / motor |
Reference Table - LG
Common refrigerator codes:
| Code | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Er rf | Refrigerator fan |
| Er FS | Freezer sensor |
| Er rs | Refrigerator sensor |
| Er dh | Defrost heater |
Common washer codes:
| Code | Meaning |
|---|---|
| IE | Inlet valve |
| OE | Drain |
| UE | Unbalanced load |
| LE | Locked motor |
| dE | Door lock |
| FE | Overflow |
Reference Table - GE
Common codes:
| Code | Meaning |
|---|---|
| F1 / F2 | Control board |
| F3 / F4 | Temperature sensor |
| F7 | Function key issue |
| FF | Fan failure |
| HE | Heating error |
| dE | Door issue |
| LE / FE | Lock or motor |
Reference Table - Bosch
Common dishwasher codes:
| Code | Meaning |
|---|---|
| E01 | Flow sensor |
| E02 | Heating issue |
| E04 | Filter / drainage |
| E09 | Heating element |
| E15 | Water in base (overflow protection) |
| E22 | Strainer clogged |
Notes
- Code variations across model lines are common; always cross-reference with the specific model's manual
- Error code chart in the manual: most modern appliances have a chart in the owner's manual that's brand-tailored
- Internet search the exact code + brand is often faster than calling brand support
- Some codes are nuisance (e.g., one-time water-supply hiccup); reset + monitor before replacing parts
- Brand-cousin appliances: Whirlpool / KitchenAid / Maytag share platform technology; codes often align. Same for LG / Kenmore (some Kenmore are LG-rebadged).
The mobile app + manufacturer database approach is faster than memorizing codes. Search for "[BRAND] [MODEL] [CODE]" + the result is typically a service technician's blog post explaining the fix. Use this as your first step on unfamiliar error codes; you'll learn the brand patterns fastest by reading the explanations.
References
- Manufacturer service literature for each brand
- Manuall internal: Refrigerator Not Cooling - Diagnostic Tree, Washing Machine Won't Spin, Oven Won't Heat - Diagnostic Tree