Whirlpool Washer Error Code F28

F28 means the water temperature sensor (NTC thermistor) is reading a value outside the accepted range of 23°F to 217°F (-5°C to 103°C) during the heating step of the wash cycle. The CCU monitors this sensor to control the water heater, and when the reading is implausible, the fault is triggered. This is most often caused by a loose wiring connection at the TH2 or HE2 cavities, or by a failed thermistor.

You should not continue running the washer when this fault is active. The F28 code means the control board cannot reliably monitor the water temperature during the heating cycle, which removes the safeguard against overheating. Running the machine in this state could damage the heating element, other internal components, or in a worst case, create a safety hazard.

If the fix is simply reseating a loose connector, there is no parts cost involved. A replacement NTC water temperature sensor typically costs in the range of $15 to $50 for the part. If the CCU is the cause, the control board itself can range from $100 to $300 or more depending on the model, and professional labor would add to that total.

Many cases of F28 are caused by a loose or corroded connector, which a handy DIYer can address by unplugging the washer, locating the TH2 and HE2 connectors at the water heater and CCU, and reseating or cleaning them. If the wiring checks out and the NTC thermistor needs to be tested or replaced, that repair is still manageable for someone comfortable using a multimeter and working on appliances. A CCU replacement is more involved and may warrant a professional technician.

Unplugging the washer for a few minutes and restoring power may temporarily clear the fault code, and the machine might begin a cycle again. However, if the underlying cause, such as a faulty thermistor or loose connector, has not been fixed, the F28 code will return as soon as the washer reaches the water-heating step. A reset is useful for confirming whether the fault is intermittent, but it is not a repair.