Whirlpool · Dryer
Whirlpool Dryer F31 Error Code
Low L2 line voltage below 30 volts
What this error means
F31 (often paired with L2 on the display) means the second 120-volt leg of the 240-volt supply is missing or below about 30 volts. Electric dryers may tumble on one leg but cannot energize the heating element.
How F31 is detected
When F31 appears on a Whirlpool dryer, the control board has confirmed that water did not leave the machine within the programmed drain window. On Whirlpool WED5620HW, Whirlpool WED6600MW, and similar variants, the drain pump runs for a fixed interval—often three to seven minutes on washers and dishwashers—while a pressure switch or turbidity sensor verifies the tub or sump is empty. If water remains, the cycle stops to prevent spin with a full tub or overflow on the next fill.
Most F31 calls are resolved without parts: flip both dryer circuit breakers fully off, then back on. Restricted drain paths mimic pump failure because the impeller spins against a blocked hose or filter. Document whether the pump hums audibly during the drain step; a humming pump with no water movement points to a clogged filter or kinked hose, while silence may indicate a failed pump motor or loose wiring at the harness.
After clearing blockages, run a short cycle and listen at the drain hose for steady water flow. If F31 returns on the next load with a clean filter and straight hose, measure resistance at the pump motor connector per the service manual for your model before ordering a replacement pump assembly.
Common causes
- One half of the 30-amp double breaker tripped
- Loose or burned wire at the dryer terminal block
- Damaged power cord prongs not making contact
- House wiring fault on the L2 leg to the outlet
Step-by-step fixes
- 1Flip both dryer circuit breakers fully off, then back on
- 2Unplug the dryer and tighten all three or four cord screws at the terminal block
- 3Inspect the outlet and cord for heat discoloration—replace a burned cord
- 4Run a timed high-heat cycle—no heat with tumbling confirms single-leg power
When to call a technician
Call an electrician if both breakers are on but the dryer still shows F31—a panel or outlet wiring fault is likely.
Affected models
- Whirlpool WED5620HW
- Whirlpool WED6600MW
- Whirlpool WED5100HC
Prevention & maintenance
- Clean drain filters and hose terminations monthly on high-use dryers to prevent F31 from lint and food debris buildup.
- Record when F31 appears in the cycle and whether it clears after a 60-second power reset on your Whirlpool dryer—that detail speeds diagnosis if you call service.
- Keep the model and serial number from the rating plate when ordering parts for F31; Whirlpool uses multiple revisions with different harness lengths and board firmware.
- Photograph wiring connector orientation before disconnecting any component while troubleshooting F31; reversed plugs on pumps and valves cause immediate repeat faults.