Whirlpool F16 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 F16 actually means

The washing machine's main control board has reported an internal fault in itself, so the machine stops rather than carrying on.

On these Whirlpool machines F16 is logged as a controller failure — the electronic module that runs the programme has failed a check on its own operation. Because that board is what times the fill, wash, heat and spin, the machine will normally halt wherever it happens to be in the cycle, sometimes with water still in the drum. It sits alongside F15 and F18, which are also board-related, so it is not a code that points at a filter, pump or valve.

What F16 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, F16 usually shows up as one or more of these:

Machine not draining
Water left in the drum at the end of the cycle
Stops mid-cycle full of water
Standing water in the bottom
Not filling with water
No water going in
Takes for ever to fill
Stops right at the start of the cycle

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

A failed main electronic control module (PCB)
Damaged tracks or components on the board after a power surge or spike
Moisture or detergent ingress reaching the control area
A poor connection between the control board and the rest of the machine

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.

Switch the machine off at the wall socket, leave it for a minute, then power it back up — an occasional one-off F16 can clear and not return
If the drum still has water in it, run the drain programme if the machine will accept it, so you are not left with a full tub

Common questions about Whirlpool F16

What does F16 mean on a Whirlpool washing machine?

The washing machine's main control board has reported an internal fault in itself, so the machine stops rather than carrying on. On these Whirlpool machines F16 is logged as a controller failure — the electronic module that runs the programme has failed a check on its own operation. Because that board is what times the fill, wash, heat and spin, the machine will normally halt wherever it happens to be in the cycle, sometimes with water still in the drum. It sits alongside F15 and F18, which are also board-related, so it is not a code that points at a filter, pump or valve.

Can I fix Whirlpool F16 myself?

There are 2 checks you can safely do yourself first.

Switch the machine off at the wall socket, leave it for a minute, then power it back up — an occasional one-off F16 can clear and not return.
If the drum still has water in it, run the drain programme if the machine will accept it, so you are not left with a full tub.

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

How much does it cost to repair Whirlpool F16?

£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 F16?

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 F16 error — washing machine