Whirlpool F14 washing machine: what it means & what to check

Stop using it for now. Carrying on with this fault risks further damage or a leak. Switch it off at the wall until it has been looked at.

What F14 actually means

The washing machine's main control board has lost or corrupted the settings stored in its memory, so it stops rather than run a cycle it can't control properly.

F14 is an EEPROM fault — the memory chip on the electronic control module (the main PCB) holds the machine's programme data and configuration, and the board has found that data missing or unreadable. Because the control board no longer knows how it is meant to run the cycle, it halts and displays the code instead of continuing. On the European Whirlpool machines (and the Bauknecht, Ignis, Laden and similar models built on the same platform) this points at the module itself rather than at anything mechanical.

What F14 looks like on a Whirlpool washing machine

Most people find this page having searched for what the machine is doing rather than the code itself. On a Whirlpool washing machine, F14 usually shows up as one or more of these:

No function at all
Dead — nothing lights up
Lights flashing and nothing happening
Programme won't start
Machine tripping the electrics
F14 flashing on the display
Beeping and showing F14

Recognise any of those? That is this fault, and the rest of this page explains what causes it and what you can check yourself.

What usually causes it

Corrupted memory data on the main control board
A failed or faulty electronic module (PCB)
Damage to the board after a power surge or spike
A replacement or incorrectly configured control board fitted previously

What you can safely check yourself

Work through these in order. Anything beyond this — panels off, testing parts, anything to do with the wiring — is an engineer's job, and not one to attempt with the machine plugged in.

Turn the machine off at the wall socket, leave it for a minute, then switch back on — occasionally the code clears and the machine runs normally
If it clears, run a short cycle and see whether the fault returns; if it comes straight back, the board needs attention

Common questions about Whirlpool F14

What does F14 mean on a Whirlpool washing machine?

The washing machine's main control board has lost or corrupted the settings stored in its memory, so it stops rather than run a cycle it can't control properly. F14 is an EEPROM fault — the memory chip on the electronic control module (the main PCB) holds the machine's programme data and configuration, and the board has found that data missing or unreadable. Because the control board no longer knows how it is meant to run the cycle, it halts and displays the code instead of continuing. On the European Whirlpool machines (and the Bauknecht, Ignis, Laden and similar models built on the same platform) this points at the module itself rather than at anything mechanical.

Can I fix Whirlpool F14 myself?

There are 2 checks you can safely do yourself first.

Turn the machine off at the wall socket, leave it for a minute, then switch back on — occasionally the code clears and the machine runs normally.
If it clears, run a short cycle and see whether the fault returns; if it comes straight back, the board needs attention.

This one usually needs an engineer once you have tried them.

How much does it cost to repair Whirlpool F14?

£66 including VAT for an engineer to come out and diagnose it, or £84 in total including VAT if it is put right on the visit and no parts are needed. Any parts needed are quoted on site before we fit them — you decide. Every repair carries a 90-day workmanship guarantee.

Tried the checks and it's still showing F14?

This one usually needs an engineer once you have tried the checks above. Then it wants someone who can open it up.

What it costs, before you call: the price is the same whatever the fault turns out to be — £66 including VAT for an engineer to come out and diagnose it, or £84 in total including VAT if it is put right on the visit and no parts are needed. Any parts needed are quoted on site before we fit them — you decide. Every repair carries a 90-day workmanship guarantee.

Our own engineers, not a call centre. We cover Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire and Leicestershire — most washing machine faults are seen same day or next day.

Call 0115 648 0929 Book online — postcode and number is all we need

Outside our area? The explanation above still stands — take it to a local engineer and tell them the code. Knowing it saves them time and you money.

Other Whirlpool washing machine codes

All Whirlpool fault codes and repairs →

What this looks like when it happens

Repairs we cover near you

Written by the engineers at ASAP Repairs, 0115 648 0929. We repair these machines for a living in Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire and Leicestershire.

Whirlpool F14 error — washing machine