Whirlpool Refrigerator Error Codes

Below are the most common Whirlpool refrigerator error codes (also applies to Maytag, KitchenAid, Amana, JennAir). Each code includes what it means, step-by-step DIY fixes, when to call a professional, and repair cost estimates.

Safety Warning

4 high-urgency code(s) should be addressed promptly. If you smell gas, hear unusual sounds, or see sparks, turn off the system and call a professional immediately.

Quick Navigation — 9 Error Codes

Code CF Code PO Code Code 18 Code Defrost Error Code Thermistor Error Code Ice Maker Error Code Evaporator Fan Error Code Water Filter Code Condenser Fan Error

Whirlpool Code CF: Communication failure between main control and display

High Urgency
Estimated repair cost: $200 – $500

Common Causes

  • Loose wire harness connection between the main control board and the user interface
  • Failed user interface control board
  • Failed main control board
  • Power surge damage

DIY Troubleshooting Steps

  1. Unplug the refrigerator for 5 minutes, then plug it back in to reset both boards.
  2. Check the wire harness connection at the top of the refrigerator door (often visible when you open the door and look at the top hinge area).
  3. If you recently moved the refrigerator, ensure all wire connections were not pulled loose.

Call a professional when: The code persists after a reset — either the user interface or main control board needs professional diagnosis and replacement.

Whirlpool Code PO: Power outage detected — recent power failure

Low Urgency

Common Causes

  • A power outage occurred while the refrigerator was running
  • The refrigerator was accidentally unplugged
  • A breaker tripped temporarily

DIY Troubleshooting Steps

  1. Press any button on the display to acknowledge the alert and clear the code.
  2. Check the internal temperature — if it has risen significantly, check food for spoilage.
  3. The refrigerator will resume normal cooling automatically.

Call a professional when: The refrigerator does not resume cooling within 2-4 hours after the code is cleared — there may be a compressor or control board issue.

Whirlpool Code Code 18: High temperature alert — internal temperature above setpoint

High Urgency
Estimated repair cost: $150 – $600

Common Causes

  • Door left open for an extended period
  • Recent power outage
  • Condenser coils dirty or blocked
  • Evaporator fan not running

DIY Troubleshooting Steps

  1. Ensure all doors are fully closed and the seals are making good contact.
  2. Check behind or underneath the refrigerator and vacuum the condenser coils if they are dusty.
  3. Verify the temperature setpoint has not been accidentally changed.
  4. Wait 24 hours for the unit to stabilize — this code often appears after heavy grocery loading.

Call a professional when: Doors are sealed, coils are clean, but the temperature remains high after 24 hours — the evaporator fan, compressor, or sealed system may need service.

Whirlpool Code Defrost Error: Defrost system failure — excessive frost buildup

Medium Urgency
Estimated repair cost: $175 – $450

Common Causes

  • Failed defrost heater
  • Defective defrost thermostat or bi-metal
  • Faulty defrost timer or control board
  • Drain line frozen or clogged

DIY Troubleshooting Steps

  1. Check the freezer for excessive frost buildup on the back wall — this confirms a defrost issue.
  2. Unplug the refrigerator for 24-48 hours with the doors open to manually defrost (remove all food first).
  3. After defrosting, plug back in. If ice returns within a week, the defrost system has failed.

Call a professional when: Frost returns quickly after manual defrost — the defrost heater, thermostat, or control board needs professional replacement.

Whirlpool Code Thermistor Error: Temperature sensor fault — thermistor reading out of range

Medium Urgency
Estimated repair cost: $125 – $300

Common Causes

  • Failed refrigerator or freezer thermistor
  • Loose wiring at the thermistor connection
  • Main control board not reading the sensor correctly

DIY Troubleshooting Steps

  1. Unplug the refrigerator for 5 minutes to reset the control board.
  2. Check if the refrigerator is cooling normally despite the code — sometimes a transient glitch triggers this.
  3. Ensure nothing is blocking airflow vents between the freezer and refrigerator compartments.

Call a professional when: The code persists or the unit is not cooling properly — the thermistor needs to be tested with a multimeter and replaced.

Whirlpool Code Ice Maker Error: Ice maker malfunction — ice production stopped

Low Urgency
Estimated repair cost: $150 – $400

Common Causes

  • Water supply line to the ice maker is frozen or kinked
  • Water inlet valve failed or clogged
  • Ice maker module failure
  • Freezer temperature too warm for ice production (must be below 10 degrees F)

DIY Troubleshooting Steps

  1. Check that the ice maker is turned on (arm is in the down/on position).
  2. Ensure the freezer temperature is set to 0 degrees F (-18 degrees C).
  3. Inspect the water supply line behind the refrigerator for kinks or ice blockages.
  4. Check the water filter — a clogged filter reduces water flow to the ice maker. Replace if it is more than 6 months old.

Call a professional when: Water supply is good and the freezer is cold enough but the ice maker still does not produce ice — the ice maker module or water inlet valve needs professional replacement.

Whirlpool Code Evaporator Fan Error: Evaporator fan motor fault — fan not running

High Urgency
Estimated repair cost: $150 – $400

Common Causes

  • Ice buildup around the evaporator fan (related to defrost failure)
  • Failed evaporator fan motor
  • Wiring issue at the fan motor
  • Blocked fan blade

DIY Troubleshooting Steps

  1. Open the freezer and listen for the fan — it should run when the door is closed (press the door switch to simulate a closed door).
  2. If you hear nothing, check if ice has built up around the fan area in the back of the freezer.
  3. Unplug the refrigerator for 24 hours to defrost, then plug back in and listen for the fan.

Call a professional when: The fan does not run even after defrosting — the evaporator fan motor needs professional replacement. Without this fan, the refrigerator will not cool.

Whirlpool Code Water Filter: Water filter replacement reminder

Low Urgency
Estimated repair cost: $25 – $60

Common Causes

  • The water filter has reached its usage limit (typically 6 months or 200 gallons)
  • The filter was recently replaced but the indicator was not reset

DIY Troubleshooting Steps

  1. Replace the water filter with a genuine manufacturer-approved filter.
  2. After installing the new filter, reset the filter indicator by pressing and holding the filter reset button for 3-5 seconds (location varies by model — check your manual).
  3. Run 2-3 gallons of water through the dispenser to flush the new filter before use.

Call a professional when: This is a maintenance reminder, not a repair issue. No service call needed unless you cannot locate or remove the filter.

Whirlpool Code Condenser Fan Error: Condenser fan motor fault — fan not running

High Urgency
Estimated repair cost: $150 – $375

Common Causes

  • Debris blocking the condenser fan blade
  • Failed condenser fan motor
  • Loose wiring at the fan motor connection

DIY Troubleshooting Steps

  1. Pull the refrigerator away from the wall and check the condenser fan (usually at the bottom rear) for debris, dust buildup, or objects blocking the blade.
  2. Spin the fan blade by hand — it should turn freely. If stiff, the motor bearings may be seized.
  3. Vacuum around the condenser fan and coils.

Call a professional when: The fan blade is clear but does not spin on its own — the condenser fan motor needs professional replacement. Without it, the compressor will overheat.

Need Whirlpool Repair in Central Texas?

Texas Temp Masters provides expert appliance repair for Whirlpool , Maytag, KitchenAid, Amana, JennAir, and all major brands in Killeen, Waco, Temple, and surrounding areas. Call (817) 704-0706 for fast, reliable service, or contact us online.

Error code information cross-referenced from manufacturer documentation, HVAC/appliance professional resources, and verified repair databases. Codes can vary by specific model and control board revision. Always verify against your unit's diagnostic label or owner's manual. Repair costs are estimates based on national averages. Last updated February 2026.

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