How to Troubleshoot a Whirlpool Duet Washer FH Error Code

Troubleshoot the FH error code on your Whirlpool Duet washer by checking the water supply, inlet valves, and other key components.

By
Kris Escueta

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 LevelReading
EmptyNo continuity
Suds detectContinuity
L1No continuity
OverflowContinuity

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:

TemperatureResistance Range
60°F5.8-6.2K ohms
80°F2.4-2.6K ohms
100°F1.0-1.1K 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.