⚠️ Safety Warning: Appliance repair involves electricity, gas, and moving parts. Always disconnect power before working on any appliance.
Error Code: Washer Difficulty: Moderate
Problem: Heater relay failure or open heater circuit
How to Fix Washer Error
- Unplug washer and turn off water supply.
- Remove lower front panel to access heater assembly.
- Locate heating element (typically 1800W) mounted on outer tub.
- Disconnect wiring harness from heater terminals.
- Measure resistance across heater terminals with multimeter (should read 15-25 ohms).
- If infinite resistance, replace heating element W
- If heater tests good, check continuity of heater relay on main control board (requires board removal).
- Inspect wiring harness between control board and heater for damage or rodent chewing.
- Verify proper voltage (120V AC) reaches heater terminals during heat cycle using multimeter.
- Replace main control board W10461397 if relay is faulty.
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Recommended Replacement Part
Still Not Working?
If the replacement part didn’t fix the issue, you may have a wiring problem or main board failure.
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Expert: Mike Sullivan
EPA Section 608 Certified Technician with 18+ years experience.
Read Editorial Standards →Browse all Whirlpool error codes: Whirlpool Error Codes


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