Microwave Diagnostics

Whirlpool Microwave
Error Codes

Meanings, severity levels, safe checks you can perform, and when to call a technician.

Enter the code shown on your microwave display

Is it safe to keep using it?

Depends on code severity. Low/Medium codes often allow continued use, High severity requires immediate stop.

Can error codes be reset?

Some codes clear after power cycle. Persistent codes indicate underlying issues needing repair.

When should I stop using it?

Stop immediately for water leak codes, burning smell, or any High severity error.

Most Common Codes

F1 F2 F3 F5 F7 F9 SE PF

All Codes

F1 F2 F3 F5 F7 F9 PF SE

Error Code Directory

Click any code for detailed troubleshooting steps

Low Medium High

Code Meaning Severity Common Symptom

F1 Cavity thermistor open High The magnetron starts briefly but the board cuts power to the heating circuit within seconds of detecting no valid temperature feedback from the cavity. View F2 Cavity thermistor shorted High The board blocks magnetron activation immediately upon detecting the shorted thermistor reading — no heating occurs even for a 10-second cook attempt. View F3 Keypad/touch pad fault Medium One or more keys on the touch pad fail to register input, while other buttons on the same panel continue to work normally, pointing to a localized membrane failure. View F5 Humidity sensor fault Low Before F5 is fully stored, a degrading humidity sensor may provide inaccurate readings that cause the auto-sensing cook program to terminate prematurely or overcook food. View F7 Control board comm error High The unit begins heating normally but shuts down mid-cycle as the communication fault prevents the control board from confirming the inverter or power board is operating within specification. View F9 Door switch/latch fault High The door latch fails to engage the switch actuators with a positive click, leaving one or more interlock switches in the open position even though the door appears visually closed. View PF Power failure/outage Low The microwave has lost its clock time and any cook program in progress due to the power interruption — PF signals this condition and prompts the user to re-enter the clock. View SE General sensor error Medium Every Sensor Cook or Sensor Reheat attempt terminates within the first few seconds as the board detects sensor data that does not meet the expected baseline humidity or temperature profile. View