Error F05 in Whirlpool washing machine

A description of the F05 error in the Whirlpool washing machine is presented in the equipment instructions. The code is deciphered quite simply - the water in the tank does not heat up. What could be the reasons for such a malfunction? What details of the SMA will need to be checked? Let's look into the nuances.

Focus on the heating element

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

Checking the tubular heater of an automatic machine is performed with a multimeter.

To diagnose the heater yourself, you should:

• unplug the power cord of the washing machine from the outlet;
• close the valve responsible for the water supply;
• disconnect the washing machine from communications;
• move the machine away from the wall or furniture to have free access to the back of the case;
• Use a screwdriver to unscrew the screws securing the rear panel of the SMA;
• remove the wall, find the heating element;
• take a photo of how the contacts are connected to the heater (this will help prevent mistakes during reassembly);
• reset the wires connected to the heating element;
• turn on the tester, switch it to ohmmeter mode;
• attach the probes of the measuring device to the terminals of the heating element and evaluate the readings on the display.

A working heating element should produce a resistance within 26-28 Ohms. A unit on the multimeter screen will indicate an internal break, a zero will indicate a short circuit. In this case, the tubular heater cannot be repaired; it will need to be replaced.

When the resistance is normal, the heating element is checked for breakdown.The multimeter is switched to continuity mode and its probes are applied to the terminals. If the tester beeps when in contact with the heater, then the element will have to be replaced.

Having realized that the element needs to be replaced, dismantle the old heating element. Difficulties may arise with this, since the seal protecting the heater increases in volume over time and interferes with the removal of the part. Proceed as follows:

• treat the rubber gasket with WD-40;
• wait 15-20 minutes, let the lubricant work;
• disconnect the temperature sensor;
• twist the nut securing the heater;
• push the threaded bolt inward;
• swing the heating element and remove it from the SMA body.

A new heater is purchased for a specific Whirlpool CMA model. It is better to bring an old heating element to the store and ask the seller to select an analogue. Before installation, you should clean the seat from scale and dirt.

Let's test the thermistor

What to do if the heating element is completely faulty? Cause of error F05 may be a failed 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.

For diagnostics, remove the temperature sensor from the heating element. After this, the thermistor is checked with a multimeter. The algorithm of actions will be as follows:

• turn on the multimeter in ohmmeter mode;
• lean the tester probes against the sensor terminals;
• immerse 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 produce a resistance of about 1350 Ohms. As the liquid cools, the readings on the multimeter display will decrease.If the numbers on the device display are very different from the standard ones and do not change, then the thermistor is not functioning correctly. The thermostat cannot be repaired and will need to be replaced.

Buy a new thermistor at a specialized store. When purchasing spare parts online, make sure that the components are suitable specifically for your Whirlpool AMC. Installing the thermostat is done in reverse order.

What do experts advise?

In most cases, the cause of the F05 fault code is a damaged heating element. Sometimes a breakdown can be determined “by eye”. Just inspect the heating element - if black spots are visible on the body, most likely we can talk about a breakdown.

A breakdown is quite dangerous. In some cases, the heating element releases a charge onto the body of the automatic machine. And this can cause an electric shock when touching the washing machine.

Often the heating element cannot function normally due to a thick layer of scale. In this case, cleaning the heating element will help solve the problem. Soak the part for several hours in a solution of citric acid, and then rinse in warm water and reinstall.

It is worth understanding that the heating element is very securely fixed in the socket. A special seal serves to seal, preventing water from spilling into the machine. Therefore, before removing the heating element, you will have to work with the gasket.

After treating the sealing rubber with WD-40, twist the nut and push the protruding threaded rod inward. Next, you need to pry the tubular heater with a slotted screwdriver and pull it out. Everything must be done very carefully so as not to pierce the plastic tank of the washing machine.

When installing a new heater, it is important to ensure that the heating element fits into a special mount located at the bottom of the tank.If it stands even a little higher, it will touch the drum, which is unacceptable. After finishing the repair, be sure to run an idle test wash and check if error F05 lights up.

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