Written by
Maren Coleman Appliance Care EditorPublished October 29, 2026
VERIFIED
Error coderL
ApplianceWasher
Run the Clean Washer cycle with anything left inside, and a front load Whirlpool washer can show rL or F-34. The washer has detected items in the drum.
Steps
Empty the drum of all clothing and start Clean Washer again.
If the code shows up again, reset the control by removing power for 5 minutes: unplug the washer or turn off the breaker, then restore power and see whether the code returns.
The manual likens the reset to restarting a computer, which can sometimes sort out the trouble.
When rL remains after the drum is empty and power has been cycled, phone (415) 687-4102 for a technician visit to your Whirlpool washer in San Francisco or the Bay Area. Whirlpool washer repair covers the booking. Have the model number and the steps you took ready.
Model compatibility: Whirlpool reuses codes across series and model years, so rL 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
rL or F-34 means a front load Whirlpool washer detected items inside during the Clean Washer cycle.
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.
You submit a request with your appliance model and symptom, we confirm an appointment window, and a technician performs an on-site diagnosis. You then receive a clear estimate and decide whether to proceed before any repair begins.
Yes. We provide an upfront estimate after diagnosis. No parts are ordered or installed until you approve the work, so there are no surprise charges.
Replacement parts are selected for the exact model and confirmed with you before ordering or installation.
Service areas are listed on the Locations page. Contact us with your ZIP code to confirm current coverage for your address.
Ready to get your Whirlpool appliance working again?
Book a repair online or call us — clear estimates and approval before any repair work begins.
