If you’re dealing with a Whirlpool Duet front-load washer that isn’t running as smoothly as it should, don’t worry—you’re not alone. These high-efficiency machines are fantastic for tackling laundry day, but like any appliance, they occasionally need a reset to resolve errors or get back on track.
Whether your washer is displaying an error code, refusing to start, or acting up in other ways, a reset might be the simple fix you need. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the step-by-step process of resetting your Whirlpool Duet washer and offer tips to prevent future issues.
Why Reset Your Washer?
- Error codes displayed on the control panel.
- The machine not responding or starting.
- Problems with draining or spinning cycles.
How To Reset Whirlpool Duet Front Load Washer

Step 1. Turn Off the Washer
- Make sure the washer is not running and the control panel is off.
Step 2. Set the Dial to “Normal”
- Turn the dial to the “Normal” setting.
Step 3. Rotate the Dial
- Turn Counterclockwise: Turn the dial counter-clockwise until you get back to the starting point.
- One Click Right: Turn the dial one click to the right.
- One Click Left: Turn the dial one click to the left.
- One Click Right Again: Turn the dial one click to the right.
- Final Click Left: Turn the dial one more click to the left.
Step 4. Wait for Reset
- Wait a moment. If the reset is successful, all the lights will turn on and then turn off again.
Common Error Codes and Their Resolutions
- F1E1: Main control fault. Reset by turning off and on.
- F2E3: Cycle fault. Run a user interface test to check connections.
- SUDS: Indicates too many soap suds. Drain the washer and restart with less detergent.
Tips for Effective Use
- Regular Maintenance: Clean the drain pump filter regularly to prevent clogs that can lead to draining issues.
- Use Correct Detergent: Ensure you are using high-efficiency (HE) detergent as recommended for your model to avoid excess suds.
- Check Load Balance: Make sure laundry loads are balanced to prevent spin cycle issues.