Is your Whirlpool front loading washer displaying the error code f20? Finding out what this fault code means will assist you to fix your washer yourself. Use the information below to identify, troubleshoot, and repair your Whirlpool washer.
Whirlpool washer error code f20
The below 3 images are what will appear on your Whirlpool front
load washing machine when you get the f20 or fh error code.
Whirlpool f20 error code
f20 error flashing – whirlpool washer
fh error flashing – whirlpool washer
Clearing F20 Error Code
To remove the F20 error code from your washer’s display, you have a few methods to try:
Method 1: Using Pause and Cancel
Press the Pause and Cancel buttons twice on the display panel. This often clears the error code, at least temporarily.
Method 2: Power Reset
If pressing Pause and Cancel doesn’t resolve the issue, proceed with a power reset:
- Unplug the washer from its power source for 2 minutes.
- Plug it back in.
- Choose a wash cycle and press the Start button.
It’s worth noting that when you start the washer for the first time after disconnecting it from power, it might initiate a draining cycle. During this 8 to 10-minute draining period, you won’t be able to use the pause or cancel functions. If the F20 or FH error code reappears, further diagnosis is required.
Verifying Water Valve Positions
Make sure both HOT and COLD water valves are fully open. Your washer’s water inlet valve needs pressure from both hot and cold water lines to function correctly. If only one hose is connected, the washer will not operate as it should.
Washer water supply valves – Make sure they are fully open
Examining Water Hoses/Inlet Screens
Hose Condition
Ensure that the water supply hoses connected to your washer are not bent or kinked. A bent hose could restrict water flow, contributing to error codes and other operational issues.
Inlet Valve Filter Screen Check
To inspect the filter screens on the water inlet valve, follow these steps:
- Turn off the water supply at the valves.
- Disconnect the water hoses from the inlet valves located at the back of the washer.
- Locate the filter screens and remove any debris that might be obstructing them.
- Reconnect the hoses.
- Turn the water supply back on.
- Check for any leaks to ensure a secure connection.
Clean Inlet Filter Screens if Clogged
Detergent and Water Supply
Using the Right Detergent
It’s crucial to use High Efficiency (HE) detergent in your washer. Always check for the HE logo on the detergent packaging before making a purchase. Using non-HE detergent can lead to excessive suds, which can interfere with the washer’s ability to detect incoming water. Remember that concentrated HE detergents require a smaller quantity.
HE high efficiency washer detergent logo
Use Flood Preventing Hoses
These specialized hoses contain an internal check valve that triggers when water pressure exceeds 2 gallons per 60 seconds. If activated, the valve will halt water flow to the washer. This feature also comes into play if a hose becomes loose, increasing water flow and thereby closing the valve to prevent potential leaks.
Monitoring Water Pressure
Your washer needs a minimum water pressure to function correctly. If the water pressure is less than 11 psi, you’ll encounter operational issues. To ascertain your water pressure level, consult your local water company.
Need more help with your Whirlpool washer with the f20 error code on the display? Please leave a comment below and we will be happy to assist.
Hello,
We keep getting the F20 error code. We unplugged it and turned back on it did not work. Sometimes it worked with the quick wash cycle. But the regular cycle never works. Kept receiving the flashing F20 Error.
Any idea how to fix it?
Thanks,
I have a whirlpool duet front loader. Everything is cleared, cleaned, replaced, pressured, etc.
F-20 at the start of the softener cycle. 1 in 5 loads works. The clean cycle doesn’t work either. Takes in my cleaner or bleach, spins around for 45 seconds then drains out of the cleaner. Then runs with plain water or no water at all. About 15 minutes into the cycle it will F-20. Repair guy was stumped. Time for a new mother board or different brand
I have to report that replacing the inlet valve (replaced the hoses too, as they were old) fixed the F20. Note: The screens on the valve looked clean, still something was wrong inside.
Washer works in normal and heavy duty … did five loads without the error.
Getting F20 most of the time.
Small loads some times go through a full ‘normal’ cycle.
I open the top and can see the I, II, III, and IV water setting adjusting.
Heavy Duty cycle fails earl. Lever on I, few seconds water goes in, Level moves on II few seconds more water and then F20.
Normal cycle goes further, while on II, maybe 10 minutes, water is added periodically, but then while on II it gives F20.
If I then Select Rinse and Drain, it does that one always fine.
We cleaned buttons and coins and pen parts from everywhere we could.
We replaced the Pressure sensor but no change in the above behavior.
About the replace the inlet valve with new hoses …. running out of ideas
Front load whirlpool stop working, therefore I replace door lock switch – water intake valve and it still doesn’t work. Please help me. Also how to proceed with finding the error code to determine the problem.
My duet washer is displaying f20 code but is draining just not spinning or agitating. I’ve checked everything I was supposed to if code f20 displayed. Everything is fine. Why is it not spinning and displaying code f20.
My whirlpool washer is not draining water and it’s stuck on. My part number is 3955401
F20 code error coming up. Replaced both water intake valves. The water is coming in and washer runs a little. Then code comes up. What is my problem. Help required.
We were getting the F20 code and cleaned the hoses out, turned it back on and it worked perfectly! all of a sudden the F20 code came on again, I pushed pause it cleared now it just flashes the. Time left on the cycle and it won’t drain the water and none of the buttons work, pause even off. help!
We are getting the F20 error almost every time we wash clothes. This has been happening for several months and takes a lot of time to complete our wash cycles. Any thoughts?
F-20 code on whirlpool duet front loader. Replaced the water inlet connector. Has great water pressure and pressure sensor works. Please help. Tried everything.
We’ve been getting the F 20 code more often with the below 0 zero temperatures outside. Could our water lines be freezing?
F20 code still coming up. Replaced the water intake valve, cleaned out the clean out and checked the little rubber hose. The water is coming in and washer runs a little. Then code comes up. What is my problem . HELP
My washer keeps displaying this code. I have even run it without ANY detergent. There is no kink in the lines and both water hoses are on. I saw a video about cleaning the filter underneath the washer itself. Would this be advised?
F20 code only on warm or hot loads. Both hot and cold water is on. Screens on inlet cleaned. Water pressure at 30. Unplug and replug. What next? Control unit? New washer? Never been happy with this washer.
Sport Duet washer
Had the same error code.
All I did was fill the washer up with all the water.
It could not hold the pressure when I pushed the cancel button and the door popped open and all the water came rushing out…
The next thing I knew the washer started to work.
Have done all the things listed but still get f 20 code on my front load washer sporadically. Unplugging seems to help sometimes but not always
Same issue here.
F20 about 4 out of 5 loads.
Usually the FIRST load is a guarantee to do it, but if you immediately re-run that load, you’ll have a better chance of it not erroring again.
We think F20 hits at the same point during the runs spin with the drain motor running and the water on.
We were having the f-20 error 4 out of 5 loads and I tried replacing the pressure sensor and cleaned the water intake filters.
Seems like my problem was resulting from a loose fabric softener dispenser.
During the first spin cycle it would come loose and move out about 1/4 of an inch and then the f-20 error would show with about 23 minutes left.
Took a piece of tape to hold it in place and have done 10-12 loads with no error.
We also had the error 2 years ago but we were also getting water coming out the dispenser onto the floor.
In that case we found a sock had somehow gotten out of the washer and spun up into the water intake just where it runs from the dispenser into the washer tub.
Hope this helps someone as this intermittent problem was driving us crazy.
I’ve done all those troubleshooting steps listed above. I have continue to have the F20 code going on 3 years now. Flowmeter is setup in the proper position, very little blockage have been removed, water pressure good, removed flood prevention hoses and installed regular water hoses, use HE detergent, connection of hoses are good. It works for a few washes and then the F20 code returns. What’s left, maybe the control board?
I am sitting about 1 in 5 washes are issue free. F20 code is the only code I get. I have checked the inlets and the drains for blockages. I have found coins and stuff in my drain but after removing them it does not solve anything. Sad thing is we have never run a full load in 2 years because of this persisted problem. So the question is, do I try and get it fixed or cut my losses and buy another brand?
I have good water pressure – cleaned the mess catch on inlets which where crusted with green stuff. Ive clean the drains out catch – 3 coins. Now it will run through a full hand wash cycle but still gives f20 on others. completes the spin and drain cycle, too.
When my Whirlpool washing machine has the error code F20, it means we have to clean out the DRAIN FILTER. There is usually dog hair or my small children’s clothes caught in it.
I have been getting this error more and more lately. I can usually unplug the wires and then re plug them back in and it will work for a while. I have also tried all these suggestions.