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Error code reference

Whirlpool Washer Error Code F03

Long drain

Whirlpool codesWhirlpool washer codes

Long drain - drain time exceeds the 4-minute drain timeout before reaching the empty level of the pressure sensor.

First step from the service manual

Press START to continue the cycle; if water drains out, the cycle will continue. Verify that the drain hose is not plugged or kinked.

The complete diagnostic procedure includes additional test steps, resistance specifications, wiring diagram references, and component test points.

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What F03 means on a Whirlpool washer

The F03 error code on a Whirlpool washer indicates a long drain fault. This means the washer attempted to drain but could not reach the empty level detected by the pressure sensor within the 4-minute drain timeout window. The pressure sensor monitors water level throughout the cycle, and when it fails to confirm an empty tub after the drain pump has run for 4 minutes, the control board triggers this fault and halts the cycle. The issue is rooted in the drain system's inability to evacuate water at a sufficient rate.

The most common root causes involve physical restrictions in the drain path. A kinked or improperly routed drain hose is a frequent culprit, as is a clogged drain pump filter or a partially blocked drain hose. If the drain hose is installed too deep into the standpipe or wall drain, it can create a siphoning condition that slows or prevents proper draining. The drain pump motor itself may also be failing, running but not generating adequate flow to empty the tub within the allotted time.

A less obvious but important possibility is a faulty pressure sensor or its connecting hose. If the pressure sensor is not accurately detecting the water level, the control board may never receive confirmation that the tub is empty, even if draining has actually completed. In this case, the error is a false positive caused by a sensing failure rather than a true drain restriction. Checking the pressure sensor hose for cracks, clogs, or disconnection is an important step when the drain path appears otherwise clear.

Source: manufacturer service documentation.

Common causes of F03

  1. 01

    Kinked or improperly routed drain hose

    Wiring / connection

    A bent or kinked drain hose restricts water flow out of the washer, making it impossible to drain within the timeout period. Inspect the full length of the drain hose behind the machine for sharp bends or tight loops.

  2. 02

    Clogged drain pump filter or pump inlet

    Wiring / connection

    Lint, coins, small garments, or debris can accumulate in the drain pump filter and restrict flow. Access and clean the pump filter according to the washer's filter access location, typically behind a small panel at the front base.

  3. 03

    Drain hose installed too deep in standpipe

    Wiring / connection

    If the drain hose is inserted more than a few inches into the standpipe or wall drain, it can create a siphon effect that counteracts draining. The hose end should be positioned no more than the recommended depth and secured without forming an airtight seal.

  4. 04

    Failed or weak drain pump

    Part replacement

    A drain pump motor that is failing may run but lack the flow rate needed to empty the tub within 4 minutes. If the hose and filter are clear but draining is slow, the pump likely needs replacement.

  5. 05

    Faulty pressure sensor or disconnected sensor hose

    Part replacement

    If the pressure sensor or its connecting hose is cracked, clogged, or disconnected, the control board may never receive confirmation that the tub has reached empty, triggering a false F03 fault. Inspect the hose running from the tub to the pressure sensor for damage or blockage.

See the test procedure for each cause

Frequently asked questions about F03

What does F03 mean on a Whirlpool washer?
F03 means the washer's drain cycle exceeded the 4-minute timeout before the pressure sensor detected an empty tub. The control board monitors drain progress through the pressure sensor, and when the empty level is not reached in time, it stops the cycle and displays this code. It points to a problem in the drain path, the drain pump, or the water level sensing system.
Can I fix F03 on my Whirlpool washer myself?
Many F03 causes are DIY-friendly. Start by pressing START to allow the cycle to continue, then check the drain hose for kinks or clogs and clean the drain pump filter if your model has an accessible one. If the hose and filter are clear, further diagnosis of the pump or pressure sensor may require a multimeter and some disassembly, which is manageable for a mechanically inclined homeowner.
Is it safe to keep using the washer when F03 appears?
You should not continue running full wash cycles with water in the tub until the drain issue is resolved. If water cannot exit the machine, running additional cycles risks overflow or leaving clothes sitting in standing water for extended periods. It is safe to press START once to attempt completion of the drain, but persistent F03 faults should be diagnosed before resuming normal use.
Will resetting the washer clear the F03 error code?
Resetting the washer may clear the displayed code temporarily, but it will return as soon as the drain system fails to empty within 4 minutes again. The underlying cause, such as a clog, kink, or faulty component, must be corrected for the error to stay gone. A reset is useful for testing after a repair but is not a fix on its own.
How much does it cost to repair a Whirlpool washer with an F03 error?
If the fix involves clearing a kinked hose or cleaning the pump filter, there is no parts cost and only your time is involved. Replacing a drain pump typically costs between $50 and $150 for the part, plus labor if you hire a technician, bringing the total repair to roughly $100 to $300 depending on your area and service rates. A pressure sensor replacement is generally less expensive than a pump.

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