The FH error code on a Whirlpool Duet washer signals issues with a water supply that need troubleshooting. This common problem code is displayed due to insufficient water flow during the washing machine’s fill cycle. Finding and fixing the root cause of the FH error usually involves systematically checking various water-related components. This article provides an in-depth overview of the steps to take when diagnosing an FH code. From inspecting water inlet valves and hoses to testing electrical parts like the flow meter and pressure switch, these diagnostics aim to pinpoint exactly where a problem lies in the water supply system.
Understanding the FH Error Code
The FH error code indicates that there is a problem with the water supply to your Whirlpool Duet washer. Don’t worry – with some simple troubleshooting, you can likely resolve this on your own.
Indication of water inlet problem
The FH code means the washer is detecting an issue with the water entering the machine. Specifically, it does not get enough water flow during the fill portion of the wash cycle. This could be caused by a number of things related to the water supply.
Possible causes
There are several possible reasons why your Duet washer might be showing the FH error:
- The water supply faucets are not turned on fully
- There is a kink, twist, or blockage in the water inlet hoses
- There is an issue with your household water pressure
- There is a problem with the water inlet valves
- The water flowmeter is faulty
- The pressure switch is not working properly
- The water temperature sensor has failed
Check the Water Supply
The first thing to check when dealing with an FH error on your Whirlpool Duet washer is the water supply itself. There are a few simple things you can verify to make sure water is flowing properly into the machine.
Ensure that the Water Faucets are Fully Turned On
It may seem obvious but double-check that the hot and cold water faucets that supply water to your washer are fully open.
1. Verify water faucets are fully open
Go to the faucets and turn them counterclockwise as far as they will go.
2. Check hot and cold water supply faucets
Make sure both the hot and cold knobs are fully open.
3. Turn faucets clockwise for full opening
You may need to give an extra turn clockwise once the faucet stops to make sure water flow is maximized.
Check for Kinks, Twists, or Blockages in the Water Hoses
The inlet hoses that connect your faucets to the back of the washer can sometimes get kinked or obstructed.
1. Examine water hoses for obstructions
Visually inspect the hoses for any kinks, twists, or crushed areas.
2. Ensure proper hose alignment
Check that the hoses are not badly bent or misaligned.
3. Straighten kinks or twists
Gently manipulate any kinked hoses to straighten them out.
4. Remove blockages
Clear out any debris or buildup in the hoses.
Verify Water Supply Disruptions or Low Water Pressure Issues
Problems with your household water supply can also cause an FH error code.
1. Check for local plumbing or maintenance works
Your water company may be doing work that affects pressure.
2. Contact the water provider for disruption information
Call them to learn about any service interruptions.
3. Verify adequate water supply in other faucets
Check if water flow is weak throughout your home.
4. Address low water pressure with a plumber
They can inspect your pipes and address pressure problems.
Inspect Water Inlet Valves
If checking the water supply does not resolve the FH error, the next step is to examine the water inlet valves on the back of the washer.
Locate the Hot and Cold Water Inlet Valves
You’ll need to find the inlet valves before inspecting them.
1. Find valves at the back of the washer
The inlet valves are located at the rear of the machine near the bottom.
2. Access the rear panel
Pull the washer out from the wall to easily get to the back.
Turn off the Water Supply and Disconnect the Hoses
Shut off the water flow and detach the hoses before servicing the inlet valves.
1. Shut off water supply
Turn the supply faucets clockwise all the way to stop water flow.
2. Locate and turn shut-off valves clockwise
Find the individual shut-off valves on the water lines and turn them off.
3. Disconnect hoses from inlet valves
Unscrew the hoses so you can access the inlet valves.
4. Place a towel or container to catch residual water
Have something ready to catch any remaining water still in the hoses.
Inspect the Inlet Screens
Examine the inlet screens closely for any issues.
1. Examine inlet screens for debris or buildup
Check for mineral deposits or debris clogged in the screens.
2. Remove and clean screens
If dirty, take the screens out and wash off any scale or sediment.
3. Rinse screens under running water
Thoroughly rinse the screens after cleaning.
4. Inspect valve openings for obstructions
Check for any debris or blockages inside the valve ports.
Reconnect the Hoses and Turn on the Water Supply
Once finished, reattach the hoses and restore water flow.
1. Reattach hoses to inlet valves
Firmly screw the hoses back onto the inlet valve fittings.
2. Tighten hose connections securely
Use pliers to tighten hoses and prevent leakage.
3. Turn on the water supply by reopening the shut-off valves
Turn the supply and shut off valves counterclockwise to turn the water back on.
Test Water Flowmeter
If the inlet valves check out okay, the next component to test is the water flowmeter. This measures how much water is entering the washer.
Disconnect the Washer from the Power Source
For safety when testing, unplug the washer first.
1. Unplug the power cord for safety
Unplug the washer from the electrical outlet before testing.
Access the Central Control Unit (CCU) and Disconnect the Wiring Harness
To test the flowmeter, you’ll need to disconnect its wiring harness.
1. Locate CCU at the top rear of the washer
The CCU is the washer’s main control board.
2. Open the control box and find the wiring harness
Open the metal control box on the CCU and locate the wiring harness.
3. Disconnect wiring harness connectors
Unplug the harness connectors from the CCU.
Locate the Water Flowmeter and Check Electrical Connections
Inspect the flowmeter itself for any issues.
1. Find water flowmeter near inlet valves or control box
The flowmeter is usually mounted near the inlet valves or CCU.
2. Inspect flowmeter electrical connections
Check that the wiring harness is securely attached to the flowmeter.
3. Ensure secure and clean connections
Make sure there is no damage, corrosion, or debris on the connections.
Perform a Continuity Test on the Flowmeter
Use a multimeter to test if the flowmeter is working properly.
1. Use a multimeter in continuity or resistance mode
Set a digital multimeter for continuity or ohms settings.
2. Connect multimeter leads to flowmeter terminals
Attach the multimeter probes to the inlet and outlet terminals on the flowmeter.
3. Check for continuity or abnormal readings
Normal is low resistance or continuity. High resistance indicates a bad flowmeter.
4. Replace faulty flowmeter if necessary
If readings are abnormal, the flowmeter will need to be replaced.
Check Pressure Switch
The pressure switch monitors the water level in the washer tub. If it is faulty, it can cause an FH code, so testing it is recommended.
Disconnect the Pressure Switch Connector
First, locate the pressure switch and disconnect its wiring connector.
1. Locate pressure switch at top right rear corner
The pressure switch is towards the top right of the back of the washer.
2. Identify and disconnect pressure switch connector
Find the wiring connector attached to the pressure switch and unplug it.
Perform Continuity Tests at Different Water Levels
Use a multimeter to check the switch contacts at varying water levels.
1. Use a multimeter in continuity or resistance mode
Set a digital multimeter to the continuity or ohms setting.
2. Reconnect multimeter leads to test points
Attach multimeter probes to the pressure switch terminals.
3. Refer to provided table for expected readings
Compare readings to the reference values below:
| Water Level | Reading |
| Empty | No continuity |
| Suds detect | Continuity |
| L1 | No continuity |
| Overflow | Continuity |
4. Test at empty, suds detect, L1, and overflow levels
Have a helper lift the pressure switch arm to simulate each water level while testing.
Interpret the Readings
Compare your measurements with the expected values.
1. Compare measured readings with expected values
See if your readings match the reference table.
2. Check if readings are within normal range
The values should match the table closely.
3. Replace faulty pressure switch if readings are abnormal
If your readings are off, the pressure switch likely needs replacing.
Verify Temperature Sensor
The temperature sensor monitors the temperature of the water entering the washer. If it malfunctions, it could trigger an FH code.
Disconnect the Wire Harness
First, locate the temperature sensor and disconnect the wiring harness.
1. Locate water temperature sensor
The sensor is on the water inlet pipe.
2. Disconnect the wire harness from the sensor
Unplug the wiring harness from the temperature sensor terminals.
Measure Resistance with a Multimeter
Use a multimeter to check the sensor’s resistance.
1. Set the multimeter to resistance or ohms mode
Configure the multimeter to read ohms or resistance.
2. Connect multimeter probes to sensor terminals
Attach the multimeter leads to the two sensor terminal pins.
3. Note the resistance reading
The multimeter will display the sensor’s resistance in ohms.
Compare Readings with the Provided Table
Compare your reading to the reference values below:
| Temperature | Resistance Range |
| 60°F | 5.8-6.2K ohms |
| 80°F | 2.4-2.6K ohms |
| 100°F | 1.0-1.1K ohms |
1. Refer to provided table or manufacturer’s specifications
Compare your measured resistance to the expected ranges.
2. Compare resistance reading with expected range
Your reading should align with the values in the table.
3. Replace faulty temperature sensor if readings are abnormal
If the resistance is off, replace the faulty temperature sensor.
Examine Drain Pump Motor
The drain pump removes water from the washer tub. Issues with it can potentially cause an FH code in some cases.
Disconnect the washer
First, unplug the washer for safety before testing.
1. Ensure the washer is disconnected from the power source
Unplug the power cord from the outlet.
Locate the Drain Pump Motor
Find the drain pump motor at the bottom front of the washer.
1. Find the drain pump motor at the front, near the bottom
The pump motor is mounted at the front base.
Disconnect the Wiring Harness
Detach the pump motor’s electrical connector.
1. Locate the wiring harness connected to the drain pump motor
Find the wiring harness leading to the pump motor.
2. Carefully disconnect the wiring harness
Unplug the harness from the drain pump motor.
Measure the Resistance
Use a multimeter to check the motor winding resistance.
1. Set the multimeter to ohms or resistance mode
Configure your multimeter to read resistance in ohms.
2. Place probes on drain pump motor terminals
Connect the multimeter leads to the pump motor electrical terminals.
3. Check if resistance is approximately 60 ohms
A good motor will have around 60 ohms of resistance.
4. Replace faulty drain pump motor if resistance is abnormal
If the reading is way off, replace the malfunctioning drain pump.
Ensure Proper Door Locking
Faulty door locking can sometimes contribute to an FH code, so this component should also be checked.
Ensure Safety
Before testing, unplug the washer to avoid electric shock.
1. Disconnect the washer from the power source
Unplug the power cord from the electrical outlet.
Close the Washer Door
Make sure the door is completely closed before testing.
1. Ensure the door is firmly closed and latched
Close the door completely and check it is latched.
Check Continuity with a Multimeter
Use a multimeter to test the door lock switch.
1. Set the multimeter to continuity or resistance mode
Configure the multimeter to check for continuity.
2. Place probes on door switch terminals
Attach the multimeter leads to the two-door switch terminals.
3. Check for continuity or close to 0 ohms when the door is closed
You should see continuity or near-zero resistance when the door is shut.
4. Replace faulty door switch if no continuity is detected
If it shows no continuity, the door lock switch needs replacing.
Also Read Troubleshooting Guide: How to Fix the F0 E5 Unbalanced Load Error on a Whirlpool Washer
Conclusion
We have covered a lot of ground when diagnosing an FH code! Let’s summarize the key troubleshooting steps:
- Check water supply and inlet hoses
- Inspect inlet valves and screens
- Test water flowmeter
- Verify pressure switch readings
- Check temperature sensor resistance
- Examine the drain pump motor
- Ensure the locking system works
Methodically testing each component related to the washer’s water supply and fill process can help pinpoint what is causing the FH error.
In many cases, the problem can be fixed by clearing debris from inlet screens, straightening kinked hoses, or replacing a faulty part like the flowmeter. Other times, you may need help from a plumber or appliance technician to address things like low water pressure.
With some time and patience, you can troubleshoot an FH code on your Whirlpool Duet washer. Just work through each check carefully and you can get your washer running smoothly again.