How to fix error F08 on a Whirlpool washing machine
Whirlpool automatic machines are distinguished by their build quality, reliability and high washing efficiency, and serve their owners faithfully for a long time. However, not a single household appliance is completely immune from breakdowns. For example, a situation may occur in which the user starts the washing process, the machine starts working normally, but after a while it stops and displays error code F08. We’ll talk further about what this designation means and what actions to take to fix the breakdown.
What would that mean?
A similar code may appear on the digital display at any washing step. It indicates that the temperature of the water in the tank does not correspond to the parameters specified by the program. This kind of malfunction on a Whirlpool washing machine can indicate either a minor problem or a serious defect that only a qualified technician can handle. It also happens that the error appears due to a short-term failure, and in fact there is no breakdown.
Before you undertake a repair yourself or invite a specialist, you need to make sure that this is not a normal malfunction of the washing machine. To do this, follow these steps:
- reboot the automatic machine: turn it off, unplug the cord from the outlet, plug it back into the power supply and press the power button. This method usually solves about 80% of problems; when you reboot, it is quite possible that the error code will disappear as unexpectedly as it appeared;
- If you changed the programmed parameters of the selected washing mode (heating temperature, spin speed), it is likely that the machine is simply “capricious” and does not want to put up with the discrepancy between the settings you specified and the factory characteristics of the washing program.
If you have rebooted the unit and made sure that even with the standard parameters of the washing mode, this fault code appears on the display, you should start looking for a breakdown. Where to begin?
Let's limit the range of breakdowns
The heating element, a tubular heater, is responsible for heating the water in the washing machine tank. In most cases, the F08 designation occurs precisely when the heater fails. If this is indeed the case, you need to replace the part with a new one. But a malfunction of the heating element is not the only reason for the appearance of such an error. The code can mean something else.
- Pressostat malfunction. Problems with the water level sensor can lead to uncontrolled intake and release of water automatically. The liquid simply does not have time to heat up to the set temperature.
- Failure of the temperature sensor. When the thermostat stops functioning, the water heats up too slowly, or, conversely, so quickly that its temperature immediately becomes much higher than the set temperature. The temperature sensor will transmit “false” information to the central unit, and the control module will thereby issue false commands to various systems of the unit.
- Defect in the control electronic module (controller), which is the “brain” of the washing machine. When it breaks down, there are problems with the normal functioning of the machine. It may be necessary to reflash or replace the element with a new one.
To begin with, you need to “weed out” the most minor and easily fixable faults.For example, diagnose a heating element, then a pressure switch or temperature sensor, and only after checking that this is not the reason, call a technician who can make a professional decision about the condition and performance of the control module of the Whirlpool automatic machine.
Let's check the heating element
Often error F08 appears as a result of a heater malfunction. You can check the heating element very quickly. To do this, perform the following algorithm of actions (the sequence of steps described will help owners of machines with a front-loading type; for vertical machines, the manipulations will be slightly different):
- turn off the power to the washing machine;
- disconnect the drain and inlet hoses from the house utilities;
- provide yourself with consolidated access to the rear wall of the washing machine;
- unscrew the bolts holding the back cover;
- Unscrew the bracket covering the heater.
Important! The heating element is located at the bottom of the machine, under a plastic casing; only by removing the protective cover can you gain access to the contacts of the heating element.
Next, disconnect the power contacts, take a multimeter and connect its probes to the terminals of the heating element, set the resistance on the device to 200 Ohms, analyze the results. If the value on the multimeter screen remains approximately the same as it was set, then the heater is fully operational. When the number 1 appears, this indicates a break inside the part and will have to be replaced. When the device displays the number 0 (or a number very close to zero), it means that a short circuit of the heater can be diagnosed, in which case you will also have to install a new heating element.
If the heater passes the first test with a multimeter, just in case, check it for breakdowns. To do this, switch the test device to buzzer mode. You will be notified that the mode has been selected correctly by a lit light and a characteristic signal that will appear when the wires are connected. Connect one multimeter probe to the heating element terminal, and attach the second to the element body. If the device does not make any sounds, everything is fine; if a characteristic squeak is heard, there are breakdowns in the body of the part, and the heater will have to be replaced.
Let's check the thermistor
If the heating element has been fully tested and has proven that it copes with its functions perfectly, it’s time to check the thermistor. Just, it is located between the contacts of the heater. To remove the temperature sensor, perform the following manipulations:
- remove the chip with wiring from the heater contacts;
- slightly loosen the nut that holds the heating element;
- Carefully remove the thermostat from the housing.
The temperature sensor is a small metal cylinder. After the thermistor is removed from the washer body, you need to check the resistance in it using a tester.
- switch the multimeter to resistance determination mode;
- hook the probes of the device to the contacts of the temperature sensor. For example, if the temperature is 200°C, the resistance should be displayed on the screen, the value of which will be 6000 Ohms;
- lower the thermistor into warm water, watch the numbers change on the device screen. If the temperature sensor is working properly, the resistance will decrease, so at 50°C it will be about 1350 Ohms.
When the temperature sensor fails, the old part should be replaced. The thermostat cannot be repaired. If the element is fully operational, we continue the diagnostics further.
We will inspect and test the pressure switch
It is easy to provide access to the water level sensor of the Whirlpool washing machine; it is located in the upper part of the unit, directly under the lid. Very rarely the pressure switch is located at the bottom. To get to the part, carefully unscrew the mounting screws and remove the upper wall of the SMA housing, after which the algorithm of actions will be as follows:
- prepare a tube whose diameter will correspond to the diameter of the pressure switch hose;
- disconnect the fitting by carefully loosening the clamp;
- Attach a tube to the pressure hose and blow into it;
- when the pressure switch is working, you will hear 1 or 3 characteristic clicks;
- check the sensor for any damage;
- examine the fitting for blockages;
- When a blockage is detected, flush the hose with a stream of water from the tap.
If after an external examination no defects were identified, you need to check the pressure switch with a multimeter. The device is switched to resistance measurement mode, the tester probes are connected to the sensor contacts. If the values on the screen change, it means that the contacts are actuated and the pressure switch is working. When the resistance value remains fixed, it means that the liquid level sensor has failed.
So, when you have checked the functionality of the main elements that can trigger the F08 error code, no faults have been identified, you should invite a professional to determine the root cause of the code. After all, the problem may come from the main control board, and it is not recommended to deal with it yourself.
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How can we raise the temperature to 200 degrees Celsius to check the thermistor?!
A lighter.