F8 E1

Long Fill (Water Not Filling in Time)

Home Appliance Error Codes Whirlpool Washing machines

Can you still use it? With care until repaired

Who can fix it? DIY with some experience

Typical repair time 15 minutes – 1 hour

Typical cost SAR 50 to 400

What it means

This code appears on Whirlpool washers built for North America, with the display usually alternating F8 and E1, and means water did not reach the required level within the fill time. The machine stops or pauses until the cause is fixed, and the same number can mean something else on other brands. This meaning applies to Whirlpool models built for North America, such as Duet and Cabrio; Whirlpool washers sold elsewhere use different codes, so check your manual.

Models covered: Whirlpool washing machines sold in North America (e.g. Duet front-load, Cabrio top-load); Whirlpool models from other regions use different codes.

Symptoms4

The code appears at the start of the cycle.
No water enters, or it enters very slowly.
Detergent stays in the dispenser.
On some models it may appear with the Lo FL low-flow message.

Possible causes6

Hot or cold tap closed or not fully open.
Low home water pressure.
Mesh filters at the inlet hose connections blocked.
Kinked inlet hose.
Failed water inlet valve.
Water level sensor or its tube not working.

How to diagnose5

Make sure both taps are fully open if the machine has hot and cold supply lines.
Unplug the machine and close the taps, then remove the hoses and clean the mesh filters at the inlet.
Check the hoses are not kinked behind the machine.
Reconnect and try a short program, watching the water enter.
If no water enters despite good pressure, the technician unplugs the machine and checks the inlet valve and level sensor.

How to fix5

Open both taps fully.
Clean the inlet filters.
Straighten or replace the kinked hose.
Replace the water inlet valve.
Repair the level sensor or its tube, then run a full program.

Repair cost

0–200

200–600

600–1,500

1,500+

In Saudi riyals; the highlighted part is the expected range for this fault.

Opening the tap or cleaning a filter often clears the code with no parts; a new inlet valve is the top of the range.

Prices are rough estimates including the part and the technician’s fee, and vary with brand, model and part source.
Prices last updated: September 2026

Frequently asked questions

Why does the display alternate F8 and E1?

That is how these machines show faults: the number after F gives the fault group and the number after E the fault within it.

What is the difference between F8 E1 and Lo FL?

Both concern water entry; Lo FL points to low flow, while F8 E1 means the fill did not finish in time. The first check for both is the taps and filters.

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This guide is for information only and does not replace an inspection by a qualified technician. If the fault involves brakes, steering, engine temperature, electrics or refrigerant, do not attempt the repair yourself.

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