Error codes › Dryer › Whirlpool
Whirlpool Dryer F01 Error Code
Main control board EEPROM failure
Also shown on Kenmore dryers.
What's going on
An F01 code on a Whirlpool or Kenmore dryer means the main control board has found a problem with its own memory chip. A simple power reset sometimes clears it, but if the code comes back, the control board usually needs to be replaced by a qualified appliance technician.
The main control board is the dryer's brain. It stores settings and cycle programs on a small memory chip called an EEPROM. Each time the dryer starts, the board checks that this memory can be read correctly.
If the board can't read its memory, or the data looks wrong, it shows F01 and may refuse to run a cycle. This is a fault inside the board itself, not a sign that a hose, vent, or heating part has failed.
Error codes can mean different things on different model generations. Check your model number against your owner's manual or the tech sheet to confirm what F01 means on your dryer.
Likely causes
- main control board — The memory chip on the board has failed or its stored data has been corrupted. A power surge or simple age can cause this, and the board can no longer run the dryer reliably.
The same code can mean different things on different model generations. Check the model number on your dryer's rating plate before ordering parts.
Can you fix it yourself?
Not a DIY repair. This one needs a technician with the right tools and parts.
Safe things to check first
- Reset the dryer: unplug it or switch off its breaker, wait about five minutes, then restore power and see if the code clears.
- If the code clears, run a short cycle and watch whether F01 returns.
- Look at the power cord and outlet for obvious damage or a loose plug. Do not open the dryer or touch anything inside it.
When to call a technician
If F01 comes back after a power reset, call a qualified appliance technician. Replacing or programming a control board is not a do-it-yourself repair.
What the repair usually costs
This is not a quote. Prices vary by region and by model.
Repair or replace?
Repair usually makes sense. Even the high end of this repair stays under $500, about half the price of a typical new dryer.
A typical new dryer costs about $800–$1,200.
Check your dryer — free, 2 minutes
Common questions
- What does F01 mean on a Whirlpool / Kenmore dryer?
- F01 means: Main control board EEPROM failure. The most likely parts involved are main control board.
- How much does it cost to fix F01?
- A typical no-power repair (door switch / fuse / control board) costs about $100–$350 nationally, parts and labor included. This is a reference range, not a quote — local prices vary.
- Should I repair or replace my dryer?
- Repair usually makes sense. Even the high end of this repair stays under $500, about half the price of a typical new dryer.
- Can I fix F01 myself?
- Not a DIY repair. This one needs a technician with the right tools and parts.
- Is it safe to keep using my dryer with an F01 code?
- If the code clears after a reset and the dryer runs normally, you can use it while you watch for the code to return. If F01 keeps showing or the dryer acts strangely, stop using it and have it checked.
- Can a power outage or surge cause F01?
- Yes, a surge or sudden power loss can corrupt the board's memory. A reset sometimes fixes it. If the code returns, the board likely has lasting damage.