Error F13 in Whirlpool washing machine

When “F13” is displayed on the display of your Whirlpool washing machine, do not panic and call a service technician. Even a “newbie” can cope with such an error; the main thing is to decipher the signal combination and adhere to the factory instructions. We will tell you in detail what requirements and algorithms we are talking about.

What does this code mean?

Error F13 does not hide serious damage. According to the instructions, the combination stands for “malfunction in the water inlet system”. In simple words, the machine cannot fill the drum to the required level. There is no water supply, or the machine “thinks” for too long - in the measured time the system does not have time to execute the command, and the board shuts down to avoid overflow. This failure occurs for three reasons:

• the central water supply is turned off or the pressure in it is too low;
• The water supply tap to the washing machine is closed;
• the powder receptacle or the pipe leading to it is clogged;
• the intake valve has failed;
• The control board is stuck or burnt out.

The control board rarely breaks, so it’s better not to rush to call a repairman. Much more often, error F13 is displayed when the detergent tray is clogged or the filling valve is faulty. Then the repair takes a few minutes to clean or replace elements.

But first of all, it is worth excluding non-emergency causes of failure. The central water supply in the house is probably turned off or the water supply tap is turned to the closed position. It’s easy to confirm your guess - just check other rooms and the shut-off valve.If everything is clean here, we begin diagnosing the filling system of the Whirlpool washing machine.

Testing the filling valve

When “F13” appears, there is no need to think about what to do. There is only one way - to sequentially check all elements of the filling system from the inlet valve and powder receiver to the control board. It’s better to start with the valve device, which most often leads to an error. We proceed like this:

• disconnect the washing machine from the power supply;
• remove the top cover from the case (unscrew the retaining screws from the back wall, lift the “top” and slide it toward you);
  
• we find the filling valve at the junction of the hose and the body;
  
• loosen the bolts securing the device and remove the valve from the machine.

To diagnose the valve, you need to connect an inlet hose to the device and apply 220V to all existing coils. If a characteristic click is heard and water flows, it means that the membrane is activated and the device is working properly. Otherwise, there is a reason for an extended check.

When using the described diagnostic method, you should be extremely careful. Firstly, moisture must not be allowed to get into live wires. Secondly, you need to think in advance about a container for collecting water. The valve that does not operate under voltage is faulty. More precisely, one of the coils burned out. Confirming the “diagnosis” is not difficult: just connect a multimeter to the device and measure the resistance at the contacts. Normally, the indicator should vary from 2 to 4 kOhm. If there are deviations, you will have to change the device.

Afterwards, it is advisable to check the intake valve mesh. It often becomes clogged and clogged with dirt, preventing water from “passing” further. It’s easy to fix the situation - take out the filter, clean it, rinse it and return it to its place.

Be sure to check whether there are pressed plastic inserts in the fittings. They control the pressure of water entering the Whirlpool, but often fall inside, complicating the water supply. As a result, the jet becomes too strong, the system detects an overflow and displays error F13.

The inlet valve is beyond repair.

Whirlpool cannot be used with a broken valve. Ignoring the problem and trying to temporarily reset the error will only make the situation worse. The load will freeze the board or cause a flood. It's better not to delay repairs.

How to replace a part?

The valve is considered non-repairable - a faulty device is easier to replace than to repair. The device costs between 200-3000 rubles, depending on the serial number of the Whirlpool washing machine. But first, the broken part must be dismantled according to the rules:

• check that the washing machine is disconnected from the power supply and water supply;
• disconnect the connected wires and pipes from the valve by loosening the corresponding clamps;
• tighten the fixing screws;
• pull back the plastic latches (if any);
• remove the valve.

After that, we install a new valve, connect the machine to communications and start a test wash. If fault code F13 does not appear, everything is done correctly.

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