Seeing the Whirlpool F20 error code flash on your washing machine’s interface doesn’t need to be a huge concern. Albeit, it can be a little frustrating. The good news is in as little as an hour you could potentially resolve this issue by requiring professional repair services.
What Does The F20 Error Code Mean
If your washing machine is displaying the F20 error code, it means that the appliance isn’t receiving enough water to fill the tub and consequently won’t be able to run a wash cycle.
Generally, this issue is caused by some type of blockage in the water inlet hose or possibly frozen water within the waterline.
What Triggers A Whirlpool F20 Error Code?
1. Not Enough Water Pressure
Insufficient water pressure in your home is often behind an F20 error code. Problems with the inlet water pipeline or filters can lead to blockages that decrease water flow. Often having too many faucets flowing can also reduce the overall household water pressure.
2. Blockage in The Inlet Hose
To troubleshoot your washing machine, a great place to start is the inlet hose. This component supplies clean water and can be found on the back of most washers – but over time it may become clogged with residue which reduces its effectiveness. To keep your appliance running smoothly, take some time every few weeks to thoroughly clear out this hose for optimal performance!
3. Frozen Water Inside the Inlet Hose
During frigid winter weather, or if you store your washer in a cold environment, be mindful of the potential for frozen water within the intake hose. Everyone knows that when a liquid turns to solid (ice), it will expand – especially inside an appliance where space is limited. If this happens, expansion caused by freezing can potentially damage the entry pipe and create costly repair bills.
To avoid having solidified water in your washing machine, try running the hot setting for a few minutes every couple of days. Additionally, you should detach the drain hose if it won’t be used soon. Finally, remember to switch off the appliance’s water supply when not using it regularly!
4. Clogged Mesh Inlet Filter
Cleaning the mesh inlet filters might be something you’ve neglected, or simply were not aware of. But it’s crucial for keeping your washing machine running smoothly.
These tiny gauze filters are found on the water supply line, inside the connector. They’re designed to catch debris before it reaches and enters the machine. If sediment builds up over time, it can cause an F20 error by restricting how much water is received by your washer.
Cleaning the inlet filters regularly prevents this from occurring and ensures that all potential blockages have been removed so cleaning cycles run safely and successfully.
5. Faulty Pressure Switch
The water pressure switch, located behind the control panel at the top of your washing machine, is a crucial part that controls how much water flow is being supplied in your machine.
If the switch is faulty then you can get an F20 error code on your appliance display screen, this indicates that insufficient amounts of water are being supplied to fill up the tub.
6. Control Board Issue
The control board in your Whirlpool washing machine is like the brain of the appliance. It receives and sends electrical signals between different components.
It is also tasked with sending an appropriate error message when it registers a problem. But when there is an issue with this component, it can lead to random error codes being displayed. That’s why you might be getting an F20 error even though the components mentioned above are working perfectly.
Fixing A Whirlpool F20 Error Code in 5 Steps
1. Reset Your Whirlpool Washer
If you are experiencing an F20 error code with your Whirlpool washer, a temporary yet effective solution is to reset it.
Unplug the machine for five minutes and then plug it back in. This often leads to error codes being erased enabling you to complete the cycle.
It’s worth noting that there is still potential for the issue to reoccur during subsequent cycles; hence this workaround should only be seen as a short-term fix. To initiate the rest process manually using the dial control, spin the mode dial as follows:
- One-click counterclockwise.
- Three clicks clockwise.
- One-click counterclockwise.
- One-click clockwise.
When you complete this sequence, you will only need to push the Start button to reset the appliance.
2. Check The Water Faucet is On
I know this sound so obvious… but make sure to inspect if the water supply faucet is open. You or someone else in your household may have switched it off for some reason and forgotten to turn it back on.
3. Check the Water Inlet Hose isn’t Obstructed
To avoid a Whirlpool F20 error code, it’s essential to inspect the inlet hose for damage. The easiest way to do this is by disconnecting your washer from the hose by following these steps:
- Begin by unplugging the washer and making sure that the water supply to the machine is turned off.
- Use a pair of needle-nose pliers to detach the inlet hose.
- Hang the hose into a sink or bucket to catch the water inside it.
- Look for cracks, holes, or any other type of visible damage.
- Check the inside of the inlet hose to see if there is debris buildup and clean it if there is.
If the water inlet hose is damaged, you will need to replace it. Find out how to make the replacement yourself in the video below.
4. Check The Inlet Filters Are Clear
- To check the inlet filter, remove the inlet hose connector from the back of your machine. Some connectors will require a pair of nose-needle pliers to remove the clip. Other connectors unscrew by hand.
- You will spot the filter inside the connector. It is a small gauze filter.
- Use a small flathead screwdriver to take out the filter from inside of the washer
- Inspect the filter for debris clogging it. Ensure that you give this part a thorough cleaning using running water before slipping it back into its slot on the valve again.
- If you notice any damage to the filter you should replace it to prevent sediment or debris from entering the machine in the future.
If you’d like to find out more information about how to replace the inlet filters in your Whirlpool washing machine, you should check out the video below.
5. Inspect the Water Pressure Sensor
One way to fix the F20 error is to inspect the water pressure sensor for any faults.
Start by unscrewing the screws that hold the control panel on your Whirlpool washing machine. Remove the control panel and you will see the sensor, which has a small hose connected to it. This component is known as the pressure switch hose. Here’s how to remove and test the water pressure sensor for continuity:
- Start by disconnecting the hose from the sensor.
- Remove the water pressure sensor from your washer.
- Grab a multimeter and set it to the lowest ohm setting.
- Connect the leads of the multimeter to the water pressure sensor’s terminals.
- You should get a reading of 0 ohms or a number close to it if the sensor is working properly.
- If you get any other readings, you will have to replace the sensor.
Check out the video below for a visual guide on testing the water pressure sensor with a multimeter.
Front Load Washer Models Covered
The F20 error message is displayed on a variety of Whirlpool washers. You can fix the error with the tips mentioned above in case you have one of these models:
- 2LA5700XMW0
- 2LA5700XMW1
- 2LSR5233BN0
- 2LSR5233BQ1
- 2LSR5233BW0
- 2LSR5233BZ1
- 3CA2000XMW0
- GHW9100LW1
- GHW9100LW2
- GHW9150PW0
- GHW9150PW4
- GHW9200LW0
- LSQ8243HQ0
- LSR7233EQ0
- LSR8233EQ0
- LXR9245EQ1
- WFW72HEDW0
- WFW9150WW00
- WTW4800XQ2
- WTW4800XQ4
- WTW5000DW1
Verdict: Whirlpool F20 Error Code
If you see the Whirlpool F20 error code on your washing machine, there is almost certainly a water inlet problem. The only other explanation could be that the main control board is faulty. You should start by checking the inlet hose to see if it is damaged or blocked in any place. If that doesn’t work, you should inspect the water pressure sensor and the control board.
Andy has over 8 years of experience working on residential household appliances, performing diagnostics, and repairs across most major brands. He graduated from the Denver Institute of Technology, is NASTeC certified, and has worked for Mr. Appliance. Andy has contributed to features on major publications including Better Home & Gardens, Family Handyman, and Yahoo.com.
