What do the Whirlpool Refrigerator error codes mean?
Complete list of Whirlpool refrigerator error codes with causes and fixes. Covers CF, PO, dF, and all diagnostic codes for French door, side-by-side, and top-freezer models.
- CF — Communication failure between main board and UI board
- PO — Power outage — power was interrupted and restored
- dF — Defrost failure — defrost cycle did not complete
- C — Condenser fan motor failure or blockage
- EF — Evaporator fan motor failure
- SY CE — Communication error — short in communication line
Whirlpool Refrigerator Error Codes — Quick Reference#
| Code | Meaning | Severity | DIY? |
|---|---|---|---|
| CF | Communication failure between main board and UI board | high | Pro Only |
| PO(PF) | Power outage — power was interrupted and restored | low | DIY OK |
| dF | Defrost failure — defrost cycle did not complete | high | Pro Only |
| C(dC) | Condenser fan motor failure or blockage | high | Pro Only |
| EF | Evaporator fan motor failure | high | Pro Only |
| SY CE | Communication error — short in communication line | high | Pro Only |
| SY EF | Evaporator fan circuit error on main control board | high | Pro Only |
| SY CF | Condenser fan circuit error on main control board | high | Pro Only |
| RC | Refrigerator compartment temperature sensor failure | medium | Pro Only |
| FC | Freezer compartment temperature sensor failure | medium | Pro Only |
| PC | Pantry drawer sensor or compressor control error | medium | Pro Only |
| IC | Ice maker sensor or motor error | medium | Pro Only |
| DIM | Dispenser ice motor or auger motor error | medium | Pro Only |
| DWF | Dispenser water flow sensor error | medium | Pro Only |
| CC | Compressor control or inverter board failure | critical | Pro Only |
| OP | Freezer over-temperature — freezer too warm | high | Pro Only |
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CF — Communication failure between main board and UI board#
Common Causes
- Wire harness damage between boards(common) — The wire harness connecting the main control board (rear bottom) to the UI board (inside fresh food compartment) can get pinched or damaged by the door hinge area.
- Main control board failure(occasional) — The communication circuit on the main board has failed.
- User interface board failure(occasional) — The UI board has stopped responding to communication signals from the main board.
Professional Repair
Estimated Cost
$250-450
Repair Time
1-2 hours
Requires diagnosing which component failed. Must test communication signals between both boards and inspect the wire harness through the door hinge area.
PO — Power outage — power was interrupted and restored#
Common Causes
- Power outage and restoration(common) — The refrigerator detected a power interruption and alerts you to check food temperatures.
- Loose power cord plug(occasional) — A partially seated plug can cause momentary disconnections.
DIY Fix
Warning
If the outage lasted more than 4 hours, the FDA recommends discarding perishable foods that rose above 40F.
- Press any button on the control panel to clear the PO indicator.
- Check the refrigerator compartment temperature (should be 37F or below).
- Check the freezer temperature (should be 0F or below).
- If temperatures are above safe levels, check food for spoilage.
Professional Repair
Estimated Cost
$0
Repair Time
N/A
PO is informational. No technician needed.
dF — Defrost failure — defrost cycle did not complete#
Common Causes
- Defrost heater burned out(common) — The defrost heater that melts ice from the evaporator coils has failed open circuit. Ice builds up on the coils, blocking airflow and reducing cooling.
- Defrost thermostat failure(occasional) — The bi-metal thermostat that closes at 30F and opens at 50F has failed open, preventing heater activation.
- Defrost timer or adaptive defrost board failure(occasional) — The control that initiates defrost cycles at intervals has failed, so defrost never starts.
Professional Repair
Estimated Cost
$200-350
Repair Time
1-1.5 hours
Accessing the evaporator coils requires removing the freezer rear panel. The technician must manually defrost existing ice buildup before replacing the failed component.
Whirlpool Repair Tools Required
DIY tool investment: $0+ just for basics. Our technician arrives with $15,000+ in professional tools — your diagnostic is free.
C — Condenser fan motor failure or blockage#
Common Causes
- Condenser fan motor failure(common) — The fan that cools the compressor and condenser coils has failed. Without this fan, the compressor overheats and shuts down.
- Fan blade obstruction(occasional) — Debris, pet hair, or displaced items behind the refrigerator block the fan blade.
Professional Repair
Estimated Cost
$180-300
Repair Time
45 minutes-1 hour
The condenser fan is at the rear bottom behind an access panel. Running the compressor without a working condenser fan causes compressor failure — an $800+ repair.
EF — Evaporator fan motor failure#
Common Causes
- Evaporator fan motor failure(common) — The fan that circulates cold air from the evaporator coils throughout the compartments has failed. The freezer may stay cold but the fresh food compartment warms up.
- Ice buildup around evaporator fan(occasional) — A defrost failure allows ice to build around the fan blade, preventing rotation.
Professional Repair
Estimated Cost
$180-300
Repair Time
1 hour
The evaporator fan is behind the freezer rear panel. If ice buildup is present, the defrost system must also be diagnosed.
SY CE — Communication error — short in communication line#
Common Causes
- Main control board communication port failure(common) — The serial communication port on the main board has shorted, disrupting all data exchange between boards.
- Wire harness short circuit(occasional) — A short in the communication wire harness near the door hinge or compressor area.
Professional Repair
Estimated Cost
$250-400
Repair Time
1-1.5 hours
Communication errors require tracing the wire harness and testing signal integrity. Common failure on Whirlpool French door models after 5-7 years.
Licensed & insured technicians, a free in-home diagnostic, and a 90-day repair guarantee — with our no-fix, no-fee promise, you only pay if we fix it.
SY EF — Evaporator fan circuit error on main control board#
Common Causes
- Evaporator fan driver circuit failure on main board(common) — The driver circuit for the evaporator fan has failed. The fan may be good but cannot be powered.
- Evaporator fan motor short circuit(occasional) — A shorted fan motor damaged the driver circuit on the main board.
Professional Repair
Estimated Cost
$250-400
Repair Time
1-1.5 hours
Both the fan motor and main board may need replacement. Must test the fan motor for shorts before installing a new board.
SY CF — Condenser fan circuit error on main control board#
Common Causes
- Condenser fan driver circuit failure on main board(common) — The driver circuit for the condenser fan on the main control board has failed.
- Condenser fan motor short circuit(occasional) — A shorted fan motor damaged the driver circuit on the main board.
Professional Repair
Estimated Cost
$250-400
Repair Time
1-1.5 hours
Must test the fan motor for shorts before replacing the board.
RC — Refrigerator compartment temperature sensor failure#
Common Causes
- Refrigerator NTC thermistor failure(common) — The temperature sensor inside the fresh food compartment has drifted out of range, causing incorrect temperature readings.
- Sensor wiring damage(occasional) — The thin sensor wire can get pinched by shelves or damaged when cleaning.
Professional Repair
Estimated Cost
$120-200
Repair Time
30-45 minutes
The sensor is on the back wall of the fresh food compartment. Diagnosis requires measuring thermistor resistance at known temperatures.
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FC — Freezer compartment temperature sensor failure#
Common Causes
- Freezer NTC thermistor failure(common) — The temperature sensor inside the freezer has failed, causing the freezer to run too cold or not cold enough.
- Sensor wiring damage from ice buildup(occasional) — Ice formation around the sensor wires can damage insulation.
Professional Repair
Estimated Cost
$120-200
Repair Time
30-45 minutes
The freezer sensor may be behind the rear panel alongside the evaporator coils.
PC — Pantry drawer sensor or compressor control error#
Common Causes
- Pantry drawer temperature sensor failure(common) — The NTC sensor monitoring the temperature-controlled pantry drawer has failed.
- Compressor start relay failure(occasional) — On some models, PC indicates a compressor control issue where the start relay or overload protector has failed.
Professional Repair
Estimated Cost
$130-250
Repair Time
45 minutes
PC means different things on different Whirlpool platforms. The technician must verify the model-specific meaning.
IC — Ice maker sensor or motor error#
Common Causes
- Ice maker motor failure(common) — The ice maker harvest motor that rotates the ejector arm has failed.
- Ice maker mold thermostat failure(occasional) — The thermostat cannot detect when ice is frozen, preventing the harvest cycle from starting.
- Ice level sensor failure(rare) — The sensor that detects a full ice bin has failed, stopping ice production prematurely.
Professional Repair
Estimated Cost
$150-280
Repair Time
45 minutes-1 hour
Ice maker diagnosis requires testing the motor, thermostat, inlet valve, and fill tube. Often the entire module is replaced as a unit.
Repair vs Replace: The Math
Most Refrigerator issues are fixable at a fraction of replacement cost. Our free diagnostic tells you exactly what is wrong and gives you an honest quote — no obligation.
DIM — Dispenser ice motor or auger motor error#
Common Causes
- Auger motor failure(common) — The motor that drives the ice dispensing auger has failed.
- Ice jam in the auger(occasional) — Clumped ice blocks the auger. Common after power outages when ice partially melts and refreezes.
Professional Repair
Estimated Cost
$150-280
Repair Time
45 minutes-1 hour
Auger motor access requires removing the ice bin and bucket housing. Must verify whether the motor failed or a persistent ice jam is the cause.
DWF — Dispenser water flow sensor error#
Common Causes
- Water filter clogged or expired(common) — A severely clogged filter restricts flow below the threshold. Replace filters every 6 months.
- Flow sensor failure(occasional) — The flow sensor in the dispenser water line has failed.
- Frozen water line in the door(occasional) — The water tube running through the door freezes, blocking flow. Common when the freezer is set too cold.
Professional Repair
Estimated Cost
$100-200
Repair Time
30-45 minutes
Try replacing the water filter first (DIY). If the error persists, the flow sensor or water line needs professional attention.
CC — Compressor control or inverter board failure#
Common Causes
- Inverter board failure(common) — The inverter board controlling the variable-speed compressor has failed.
- Compressor winding failure(occasional) — The compressor motor windings have failed, preventing the compressor from starting.
- Compressor start relay/overload failure(rare) — The start relay or overload protector has failed.
Professional Repair
Estimated Cost
$350-800
Repair Time
1.5-3 hours
Compressor diagnostics require specialized equipment. If the inverter board is the issue ($150-300), repair is worthwhile. If the compressor itself failed ($500-800+), replacement may be more cost-effective for units over 10 years old.
Whirlpool Refrigerator Broken? Same-Day Diagnostic Available
Our certified technicians serve the Bay Area and Sacramento. Free diagnostic visit — we identify the problem, quote the repair, and fix it on the spot in most cases. No hidden fees.
Licensed & Insured · 90-Day Warranty · Same-Day Service
OP — Freezer over-temperature — freezer too warm#
Common Causes
- Evaporator fan failure(common) — The fan circulating cold air has stopped working, allowing the freezer to warm up.
- Defrost system failure causing ice blockage(occasional) — Ice buildup on the evaporator coils blocks airflow into the freezer.
- Door seal failure(occasional) — A worn or damaged freezer door gasket allows warm air infiltration.
Professional Repair
Estimated Cost
$150-350
Repair Time
1-1.5 hours
Over-temperature indicates a deeper system issue. The technician must identify the root cause — fan, defrost, seal, or compressor — before repairing.
How to Enter Whirlpool Refrigerator Diagnostic Mode#
- Open the refrigerator door.
- Press and hold the door switch (light switch) to simulate a closed door.
- Within 3 seconds, press the refrigerator temperature button 3 times.
- Release the door switch.
- The display shows any stored fault codes.
- Press the temperature button to cycle through additional stored codes.
- Close and reopen the door to exit diagnostic mode.
This works for most Whirlpool French door and side-by-side models after 2015. For touchscreen models (WRX735SDHZ, WRF757SDHZ), access Service Diagnostics through Settings > About > tap version number 5 times.
Whirlpool Repair Tools Required
DIY tool investment: $0+ just for basics. Our technician arrives with $15,000+ in professional tools — your diagnostic is free.
Whirlpool Refrigerator Repair Cost Guide#
| Repair | Parts | Labor | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Defrost heater replacement | $25-55 | $100-150 | $125-205 |
| Evaporator fan motor | $40-80 | $100-150 | $140-230 |
| Condenser fan motor | $35-65 | $80-120 | $115-185 |
| Main control board | $130-220 | $100-150 | $230-370 |
| Temperature sensor (thermistor) | $15-35 | $80-120 | $95-155 |
| Ice maker assembly | $60-120 | $80-130 | $140-250 |
| Compressor (with inverter) | $250-500 | $150-250 | $400-750 |
| Water inlet valve | $25-50 | $80-120 | $105-170 |
Frequently Asked Questions#
What does CF mean on my Whirlpool refrigerator?
CF stands for Communication Failure between the main control board and the user interface board. The most common cause is a damaged wire harness in the door hinge area. Repair typically costs $250-450.
Why is my Whirlpool refrigerator showing PO?
PO means Power Outage. The refrigerator detected a power interruption. Press any button to clear. Check that temperatures are below 37F (fridge) and 0F (freezer). No repair needed.
How do I enter diagnostic mode on a Whirlpool refrigerator?
Open the door, hold the door light switch, then press the temperature button 3 times within 3 seconds. Release the door switch and stored error codes will display. For touchscreen models, go to Settings > About > tap version number 5 times.
Why does my Whirlpool refrigerator frost up and show dF?
The dF code means the defrost system has failed. Ice builds up on the evaporator coils, blocking cold air circulation. The most common cause is a burned-out defrost heater ($125-205 to repair).
Is a Whirlpool refrigerator CC code worth repairing?
CC means compressor control failure. If the inverter board failed ($230-400), repair is usually worthwhile. If the compressor failed ($400-750), consider the unit age. Under 8 years — repair. Over 10 years — a new refrigerator ($1,200-2,500) may be better.
Do Whirlpool refrigerator codes apply to KitchenAid and Maytag?
Yes, KitchenAid and Maytag are owned by Whirlpool Corporation and use the same control platforms. Error codes, diagnostic mode, and repair procedures are identical across brands for the same generation.
How long can food last during a power outage?
A full freezer stays safe 48 hours; half-full for 24 hours. The refrigerator section stays safe for about 4 hours with the door closed. After these times, the FDA recommends discarding perishable foods above 40F.
How much does Whirlpool refrigerator repair cost in Sacramento?
Based on our Sacramento service data, most repairs range from $95-370. Sensor replacements run $95-155, fan motors $115-230, and control boards $230-370. Compressor replacements ($400-750) are less common. Our diagnostic visit is free with approved repairs.
Why is my Whirlpool refrigerator warm but the freezer is cold?
This typically indicates an evaporator fan (EF code) or defrost (dF code) issue. The evaporator fan circulates cold air from the freezer coils to the refrigerator section. If the fan fails or ice blocks it, only the freezer stays cold. Repair costs $140-300.
Licensed & insured technicians, a free in-home diagnostic, and a 90-day repair guarantee — with our no-fix, no-fee promise, you only pay if we fix it.
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