F42Whirlpool Washer
Whirlpool Washer Error F42 – Meaning, Causes & How to Fix
The appliance detected the heating element circuit is malfunctioning.
Medium Severity
Low
Medium
High
Critical
Expert Verified
Reviewed by a Certified Electrical Engineer & Licensed Technician
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Official Meaning
The appliance detected the heating element circuit is malfunctioning.
Real-World Causes
- 1Low household water pressure
- 2Mechanical obstruction in pump or motor
- 3Loose wiring harness
Symptoms
Look for these signs to confirm error F42 on your Whirlpool Washer:
- Look for these signs to confirm F42 on your
- Whirlpool WFW5620HW:
- Unusual clicking or buzzing noises
- Appliance fails to start program
- Cycle stops unexpectedly
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DIY Fix (Safe)
- 1Power cycle the appliance for 5 minutes
- 2Inspect hoses, filters, and accessible sensors
- 3Verify household power and water supply conditions
- 4Run appliance diagnostic mode if available
Professional Action Required
- 1Test electrical components with multimeter
- 2Inspect wiring harness and connectors
- 3Replace defective sensor, pump, motor, or control board if required
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Additional Context
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Whirlpool Washer error F42 mean?
The appliance detected the heating element circuit is
malfunctioning.
What causes Whirlpool Washer F42 error?
Common causes include: Low household water pressure, Mechanical
obstruction in pump or motor, Loose
wiring harness.
How do you fix Whirlpool Washer error F42?
Start with these DIY steps: Power cycle the appliance for 5 minutes. Inspect
hoses, filters, and accessible sensors. If the error persists, professional service may be needed.
Related Error Codes
Other Whirlpool Washer Errors
F01The appliance detected water level exceeded safety
threshold
F02The appliance detected sensor readings conflict with
expected parameters
F03The appliance detected cooling or ventilation fan is
not operating
F04The appliance detected the appliance cannot confirm the
door is locked
F17The appliance detected the heating element circuit is
malfunctioning
F20The appliance detected the heating element circuit is
malfunctioning
F21The appliance detected the heating element circuit is
malfunctioning
F49The appliance detected the heating element circuit is
malfunctioning
About the Author
Technical Review Team
Reviewed by certified appliance technicians with 10+ years of Whirlpool repair experience. Every error code is verified against manufacturer service manuals and real-world repair data.