Whirlpool Washer Error Code DRIVE MOTOR TACHOMETER ERROR

This error means the control board is unable to properly detect the drive motor's rotational speed via the tachometer sensor. The washer shuts down when this signal is lost or falls out of range. If the fault occurs during a high-speed spin cycle, the door will remain locked for up to 3 minutes before releasing. The cause can range from shipping hardware still being installed to a wiring fault, a bad tachometer sensor, or a failed motor.

Start by verifying that all shipping bolts, spacers, and retaining cables have been removed from the machine. Next, inspect the wiring harness between the drive motor and control board for any loose connections, pinched wires, or visible damage. If the wiring is intact, the tachometer sensor or the drive motor itself may need to be tested and potentially replaced. If all other components check out, the motor control board could be the source of the fault.

Repair costs depend on which component has failed. If the issue is only shipping hardware or a loose wire connection, the fix costs nothing beyond your time. A replacement tachometer sensor or wiring harness typically runs in the range of $20 to $80 in parts. A new drive motor can cost anywhere from $100 to $300 or more in parts alone, and a replacement motor control board is generally in a similar range. Professional labor charges will add to these totals depending on your location and the shop rate.

A reset may temporarily clear the error code, but if the underlying cause is not corrected, the fault will return during the next cycle. Disconnecting power for a few minutes is a common reset method, but this should only be done after confirming shipping hardware has been removed and the wiring harness is intact. Repeated resets without fixing the root cause can delay diagnosis and may allow further wear on components.

No, you should not continue running the washer while this error is active. The machine shuts itself down specifically because it cannot control motor speed, which means spin cycles could become unpredictable. Additionally, if the machine is shut down mid-spin, the door lock is designed to hold for up to 3 minutes for safety, so wait for the lock to release before opening the door. Continued use without resolving the fault could cause additional damage to the motor or control board.