Error F05 in a Whirlpool washing machine

A description of the F05 error code in a Whirlpool washing machine is provided in the machine's manual. The code is quite simple: the water in the drum isn't heating up. What could be the causes of this malfunction? Which parts of the washing machine should be checked? Let's look into the details.

All attention to the heating element

Error code F05 indicates problems with water heating. First of all, the heating element of the automatic Whirlpool machine is checked. The heating element is located at the bottom of the washing machine, directly under the tank.

The tubular heater of the automatic washing machine is checked using a multimeter.

To diagnose a heater yourself, you should:

• unplug the washing machine's power cord from the socket;
• close the valve responsible for the water supply;
• disconnect the washing machine from the utilities;
• Move the machine away from the wall or furniture to have free access to the rear part of the body;
• Use a screwdriver to unscrew the screws securing the rear panel of the washing machine;
• remove the wall, find the heating element;
• take a photo of how the contacts are connected to the heater (this will help avoid mistakes during reassembly);
• disconnect the wires connected to the heating element;
• turn on the tester, switch it to ohmmeter mode;
• Apply the measuring device probes to the heating element terminals and evaluate the readings on the display.

A functioning heating element should display a resistance of 26-28 ohms. A "one" reading on the multimeter screen indicates an internal open circuit, while a "zero" reading indicates a short circuit. In this case, the tubular heater cannot be repaired and will need to be replaced.

When the resistance is within the specified range, the heating element is tested for breakdown. The multimeter is set to continuity mode and its probes are applied to the terminals. If the tester beeps when in contact with the heating element, the element needs to be replaced.

Once you realize you need to replace the element, remove the old heating element. This can be difficult, as the seal protecting the heater expands over time and interferes with its removal. Proceed as follows:

• Treat the rubber gasket with WD-40;
• wait 15-20 minutes to let the lubricant take effect;
• disconnect the temperature sensor;
• unscrew the nut that secures the heater;
• push the threaded bolt inward;
• swing the heating element and remove it from the washing machine housing.

A new heating element is purchased for a specific Whirlpool washing machine model. It's best to bring the old heating element to the store and ask the salesperson to select an alternative. Before installation, clean the mounting surface of any scale or dirt.

Let's test the thermistor

What to do if the heating element is completely functional? The reason for the error F05 may be a faulty temperature sensor. The thermistor is located between the contacts of the heating element.

The thermistor measures the temperature of the water in the tank and sends this data to the main control module.

To diagnose the problem, remove the temperature sensor from the heating element. Afterward, check the thermistor with a multimeter. The procedure is as follows:

• turn on the multimeter in ohmmeter mode;
• Place the tester probes against the sensor terminals;
• Place the thermistor in hot water (so that the contacts remain dry, do not allow them to get wet);
• evaluate the readings on the tester display.

In water heated to 50°C, the sensor should read approximately 1350 ohms. As the liquid cools, the reading on the multimeter display will decrease. If the readings on the display are significantly different from the standard values ​​and do not change, the thermistor is malfunctioning. The thermostat cannot be repaired and will need to be replaced.

Purchase a new thermistor from a specialist store. When purchasing parts online, ensure they are compatible with your Whirlpool washing machine. Install the thermostat in reverse order.

What do experts advise?

In most cases, the F05 error code is caused by a faulty heating element. Sometimes, the problem can be diagnosed visually. Simply inspect the heating element—if you see black spots on the housing, it's likely faulty.

A breakdown is quite dangerous. In some cases, the heating element releases a charge onto the machine's body. This can cause an electric shock when touching the washing machine.

Heating elements often malfunction due to a thick layer of scale. In this case, cleaning the heating element can solve the problem. Soak the element in a citric acid solution for several hours, then rinse in warm water and reinstall.

It's important to understand that the heating element is very securely fixed in its socket. A special gasket serves as a seal, preventing water from leaking into the machine. Therefore, before removing the heating element, you'll need to work on the gasket.

After saturating the rubber seal with WD-40, unscrew the nut and push the protruding threaded stud inward. Next, pry the tubular heater with a flat-head screwdriver and pull it out. Be very careful not to puncture the plastic washing machine tub.

When installing a new heating element, it's important to ensure that it fits into the special mounting located at the bottom of the drum. If it's positioned even slightly higher, it will rub against the drum, which is unacceptable. After completing the repair, be sure to run an empty test wash and check whether the F05 error message still appears.

   

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