ErrorCodeDoctor
Whirlpool · Dryer

Whirlpool Dryer L2 / F4 E4 error code

Difficulty: Medium · Cost: $0–$200 · Duration: 10–15m

The L2 or F4 E4 code means your Whirlpool electric dryer detected low or no line voltage on one leg of the power supply. Electric dryers require a 240-volt supply with two separate circuit breakers — one powers the motor to turn the drum and the other powers the heating element. If one of these breakers trips the drum may spin but the heater will not work. The dryer will continue to run while this code is present but it will not heat. Note that L2 only displays during initial installation.

Common causes

  • One of the two circuit breakers supplying the electric dryer has tripped
  • A household fuse has blown on one leg of the 240-volt supply
  • Power cord is not properly installed at the dryer terminal block
  • Terminal block screws are loose

How to fix it

  1. 1

    Check the household circuit breaker panel — electric dryers use two circuit breakers, make sure both are fully on and neither has tripped

  2. 2

    If a breaker has tripped reset it by turning it fully off and then back on

  3. 3

    Make sure the power cord is correctly installed — refer to the installation instructions for 3-wire and 4-wire cord connections

  4. 4

    Unplug the dryer and check that the terminal block screws at the back of the dryer are tight

  5. 5

    Touch any key to clear the L2 code and select a Timed Dry heated cycle to test if the heater comes on

  6. 6

    If the code persists after checking the breakers and wiring consult a qualified electrician

Related Whirlpool Dryer error codes

1

AF / F4 E3

Restricted airflow detected — the lint screen or exhaust vent is clogged or blocked

easy
2

PF

A power failure interrupted the drying cycle

easy
3

Loc

Control Lock has been activated — the dryer will not start or operate

easy
4

F# E# (all other codes)

An internal fault was detected — the dryer control has detected a problem that requires service

hard

L2 / F4 E4 error — frequently asked questions

What does the L2 / F4 E4 error mean on a Whirlpool dryer?

Low or no voltage detected on one leg of the power supply — the heater cannot turn on

What causes the L2 / F4 E4 error?

The L2 / F4 E4 error is usually caused by: One of the two circuit breakers supplying the electric dryer has tripped; A household fuse has blown on one leg of the 240-volt supply; Power cord is not properly installed at the dryer terminal block; Terminal block screws are loose.

Can I fix the L2 / F4 E4 error myself?

It's possible for a moderately handy person, but budget 10–15m and expect some disassembly.

How much does it cost to fix the L2 / F4 E4 error?

Fixing the L2 / F4 E4 error on a Whirlpool dryer typically costs $0–$200, depending on parts and whether you do it yourself or hire a technician.

Is it safe to keep using my dryer with the L2 / F4 E4 error?

In most cases yes, but it's best to address the L2 / F4 E4 error soon — see the fix steps below to resolve it.