Whirlpool Washer Error Code F5 E3 Explained, and How to Fix It Fast
Introduction: Why F5 E3 Should Not Panic You
Seeing Whirlpool washer error code f5 e3 is frustrating, but it is not a death sentence for your machine. In plain terms, this code signals an electrical or sensor issue that stops the washer from completing a cycle, often tied to the lid or motor control area. That matters because it can either be a quick fix or a part replacement, so knowing which saves time and money.
What to expect from DIY troubleshooting, realistically: try a simple power reset and rebalance the load first, these fixes take 5 to 10 minutes. If that fails, inspect the lid lock or wiring harness with a screwdriver and a multimeter, that can take 15 to 45 minutes. Control board or motor failures usually require parts and a technician, expect higher cost and longer repair time. Always unplug the washer before you touch anything.
What F5 E3 Actually Means on Whirlpool Washers
In Whirlpool machines the code F5 E3 usually points to a motor feedback or communication problem, not a simple door or water issue. In practice this means the control board is not getting a valid tachometer or rotor position signal from the motor, or wiring between the motor and board is damaged. That signal tells the washer how fast the drum is turning, so if it fails the machine may stop, fail to agitate, or show intermittent errors.
Quick real world checks you can do, before buying parts: cut power for one minute to reset, inspect the motor and control board connectors for corrosion, and look for pinched wiring near the tub. Proper diagnosis prevents replacing a perfectly good control board when the true culprit is a loose connector or a seized drum. If tests show no continuity or the motor is noisy, call a technician.
Tools and Parts You Might Need
Before you start diagnosing a Whirlpool washer error code F5 E3, gather tools and parts so you can move fast. Essentials: multimeter, Phillips and flathead screwdrivers, 5/16 and 3/8 nut drivers, 1/4 and 3/8 socket set, needle nose pliers, electrical tape, zip ties, bucket and towels. Common replacement parts to keep: lid lock assembly, drain pump, wiring harness, control board for your model.
Safety Checklist Before You Start
Before you touch anything, cut power. Unplug the washer and switch off its circuit breaker, then leave it unplugged for five minutes to let electronics discharge. Shut the water valves, drain standing water into a bucket, and wear safety glasses and insulated gloves when probing wires or the control board. Work on a dry floor, wear rubber soled shoes, keep kids and pets out of the room, and have a flashlight handy when diagnosing whirlpool washer error code f5 e3.
Quick Fixes to Try First
Start with the easiest fixes, they clear this code more often than you think. Unplug the washer for 60 seconds, then plug it back in to reset the control board. If you have a front loader, open the door and manually redistribute the clothes so the drum is balanced, then run a spin only cycle. Check the drain hose for kinks or clogs, remove it and blow through it to confirm flow. Inspect the pump area for small items stuck in the trap, coins and socks are common culprits. Confirm inlet hoses are tight and filter screens are clean, low incoming water pressure can trigger errors. Finally, run a small load of towels to test. If the Whirlpool washer error code F5 E3 returns, note when it happened and move to deeper troubleshooting.
How to Enter Diagnostic Mode on Most Whirlpool Washers
Start by unplugging the washer for 30 seconds, then plug it back in to reset the controls. Most Whirlpool models enter diagnostic mode by holding two buttons while powering on, for example Start and Cancel, or Soil Level and Spin Speed. Hold for about three to five seconds until the display changes. Use the Cycle or Start button to step through test menus and view stored fault history. Look for whirlpool washer error code f5 e3 in the error list, write down the full code and count, then run the automatic test or motor and lid lock tests to see if the fault repeats. If the code appears consistently, you can safely proceed with troubleshooting or call tech support.
Inspecting and Testing the Motor and Tachometer
Start by unplugging the washer, then remove the rear access panel to reach the motor and tachometer assembly. Visual inspection first, look for burnt wiring, melted connector pins, oil or metal shavings around the motor, and a cracked plastic tachometer disc. Wiggle each connector while watching for loose crimped pins or corrosion, these cause intermittent F5 E3 triggers.
Next, the listening and feel test. With the unit still open, manually spin the motor shaft using a gloved hand. It should rotate smoothly without grinding or rough spots. If you hear scraping or a clicking cadence coming from the tachometer area, that indicates worn bearings or a failing sensor.
For intermediates, use a multimeter. Set it to continuity or low ohms. Probe the tachometer leads while spinning the shaft slowly, you should see pulsed readings or changing resistance, not an open circuit. Check motor winding continuity between the motor terminals, and test each winding to chassis for a short. No continuity to chassis should be present. If the tachometer is open, or the motor windings are shorted, replace the faulty component and clear the error, then run a spin test to confirm the F5 E3 fault is resolved.
Checking Wiring, Connectors and the Control Board
First, cut power to the washer. Take a clear photo of the connector layout before you touch anything, so you can reassemble correctly. Visually inspect wiring harnesses for melted insulation, chafe where the harness rubs against metal, frayed conductors, or burn marks near the motor and control connectors. Unplug each plug, look for bent or pushed back pins, then firmly reseat until you hear or feel the connector click.
Use electrical contact cleaner and a small brush on corroded terminals, let them dry, then add a thin coat of dielectric grease to prevent future corrosion. While powered off, perform a wiggle test and use a multimeter to check continuity between the motor, tachometer and control board. Inspect the control board for dark spots, cracked solder joints, bulging capacitors or detached connector pads. If you see burned traces or blown components, replace the board to resolve whirlpool washer error code f5 e3.
When to Replace Parts and Rough Cost Estimates
If the washer shows Whirlpool washer error code F5 E3 after cleaning connections and running diagnostics, it narrows to motor, tachometer, or control board. Replace the motor if it hums but will not spin, smells like burning, or fails resistance and insulation tests. Replace the tachometer if RPM readings are erratic or the multimeter shows open or fluctuating resistance. Replace the control board if there are burnt traces, blown solder joints, or the fault persists after new sensor and motor checks.
Typical part costs: motor $150 to $400, tachometer $30 to $80, control board $120 to $350. Labor usually runs $100 to $250, higher for difficult access. Choose OEM parts for long term reliability, and call a technician if you are unsure.
When to Call a Professional
Call a pro if the Whirlpool washer error code F5 E3 keeps returning after basic fixes, if you smell burning, see leaks, or hear grinding or clicking. Tell the technician your exact model and serial number, the error code, and steps you already tried. Prepare by clearing space, taking photos or a short video of the fault, and noting warranty info. Leave electrical checks and control board or motor replacement to trained techs.
Preventing F5 E3 From Coming Back
To reduce the chance of whirlpool washer error code f5 e3 returning, inspect the wiring harness and connector pins every six months, clean contacts with electronic cleaner, and apply dielectric grease. Keep the washer level, avoid overloading, and use high efficiency detergent to prevent residue that can affect sensors. Run a monthly hot water and vinegar maintenance cycle, and replace frayed wires or burnt connectors promptly.
Conclusion and Quick Troubleshooting Cheat Sheet
Power reset, check lid lock and wiring, remove overloaded or unbalanced loads, run a diagnostic. If the fault repeats replace the lid lock or control board.
Quick checklist:
- Unplug 30 seconds, plug back in.
- Balance or remove excess laundry.
- Inspect lid lock and connectors.
- Run diagnostics and replace faulty parts.
Whirlpool washer error code f5 e3 usually signals a lid lock or communication fault, act fast.
