Whirlpool · Washing Machine
Whirlpool Washing Machine F29 Error Code
Door will not unlock after six tries
What this error means
F29 means the door lock motor could not release the latch after six unlock attempts. Clothes remain trapped inside and the display stays locked until the fault is cleared or power is removed.
How F29 is detected
When F29 appears on a Whirlpool washing machine, the control board has confirmed that water did not leave the machine within the programmed drain window. On Whirlpool WFW560CHW, Whirlpool WFW6620HC, 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 F29 calls are resolved without parts: unplug the washer and wait two minutes—many locks release when power is removed. 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 F29 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
- Broken lock motor gear or seized latch mechanism
- Foreign object wedged in the door lock striker area
- Loose wiring at the DLS, DL, or DCS harness connections
- Main control board not sending unlock voltage to the lock
Step-by-step fixes
- 1Unplug the washer and wait two minutes—many locks release when power is removed
- 2Gently pull the door while pressing Cancel to assist the lock motor
- 3Remove the top panel and inspect the lock assembly for broken plastic tabs
- 4Check for a tripped house breaker that cut power mid-cycle leaving the lock energized
When to call a technician
Do not force the door—service can manually release the lock and replace the failed latch assembly.
Affected models
- Whirlpool WFW560CHW
- Whirlpool WFW6620HC
- Whirlpool WFW9150FW
Prevention & maintenance
- Clean drain filters and hose terminations monthly on high-use washing machines to prevent F29 from lint and food debris buildup.
- Record when F29 appears in the cycle and whether it clears after a 60-second power reset on your Whirlpool washing machine—that detail speeds diagnosis if you call service.
- Keep the model and serial number from the rating plate when ordering parts for F29; Whirlpool uses multiple revisions with different harness lengths and board firmware.
- Photograph wiring connector orientation before disconnecting any component while troubleshooting F29; reversed plugs on pumps and valves cause immediate repeat faults.