Written by
Maren Coleman Appliance Care EditorPublished October 29, 2026
VERIFIED
Error codeE_2
ApplianceCooktop
Cookware is the subject of E_2 on a Whirlpool induction cooktop. Some indications for the diameter of a pan’s base disagree with the real diameter of its ferromagnetic surface.
What goes wrong with the pan
A pan with only part of its base in ferromagnetic material may heat at different levels or at lower temperatures.
A base that is mostly non-ferromagnetic may not be recognized, so the zone does not switch on.
Picking cookware that works
Stick to ferromagnetic pans: enameled steel and cast iron both qualify, as does stainless steel built for induction. Pots made of glass or ceramic, or of copper or aluminum, will not heat. A magnet settles the question; if it sticks to the pot, the pot is magnetic. How well the base is made and built also affects the result.
Resetting the cooktop
Move the breaker to off and wait one whole minute.
Move it back to on.
Wait for the cooktop to cool before cooking again.
Check that the code stays away for a minute.
Run the cooktop to verify it operates.
Codes nearby
Heat codes are a different matter: E_3 and E_21 report overheating, as does E2.
Whirlpool cooktop repair in San Francisco
If E_2 keeps appearing with magnetic cookware that suits induction, book a technician visit by calling (415) 687-4102. Tell them the model number and which pans you tried. More is on Whirlpool cooktop repair.
Model compatibility: Whirlpool reuses codes across series and model years, so E_2 may mean something different on another appliance or generation. Confirm this against your model’s documentation and record your full model number before acting.
Plain language
What this code means
Some indications for the base diameter do not correspond to the actual diameter of the ferromagnetic surface.
Important safety warning. Do not attempt repairs involving electrical components, gas, water lines, refrigerant or sealed systems. Unplug the appliance if it is safe to reach the outlet, and leave internal diagnostics to a qualified technician.
Seeing this code on your Whirlpool appliance?
Book a specialist visit for a clear estimate and approval before any repair.
Repair for the Whirlpool WCI55US0JS 30-inch induction cooktop in San Francisco: zones that stay cold, pan detection problems, overheat shutdowns and dead…
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