Whirlpool F4E3 — Gas valve relay failure (gas models only)

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TUMBLE DRYERS FAULT CODE · WHIRLPOOL

F4E3

GAS VALVE RELAY FAILURE (GAS MODELS ONLY)

What code F4E3 means on a Whirlpool tumble dryers, what causes it, and which part to check first.

● SEVERITY: HIGH
Whirlpool Tumble dryers
In short

Whirlpool F4E3 means: Gas valve relay failure (gas models only). The documented cause is: Gas valve relay failure on control board(common) — The relay controlling the gas valve solenoids has failed, preventing ignition or gas shutoff.

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What F4E3 means

Gas valve relay failure (gas models only)

WHAT YOU SEE ON THE APPLIANCE

The display shows F4E3 and the machine stops until the fault is cleared.

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What the technical documentation says

Causes documented in the technical source published by easybear-appliancerepair.com

DOCUMENTED CAUSE OR CHECK
Gas valve relay failure on control board(common) — The relay controlling the gas valve solenoids has failed, preventing ignition or gas shutoff
Gas valve solenoid coil failure(occasional) — One or both gas valve solenoid coils have failed, preventing the valve from opening
Igniter or flame sensor failure(rare) — A failed igniter or flame sensor prevents the control from confirming flame presence
Professional Repair
Estimated Cost
Repair Time
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Replacement parts

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Tools you'll need

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Before you open anything

!

Unplug the machine before removing any panel. Lint is flammable: never run a dryer with the filter removed, and clear the duct if the code points to airflow.

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What to check, in order

From the quickest check to the one that needs a technician.

1
Unplug the machine.
2
Clean the lint filter and the condenser — lint is the single most common cause.
3
Check the exhaust duct is clear along its whole length.
4
Check the door closes properly and the drum turns freely by hand.
5
If the fault returns, the part named above needs testing with a multimeter.
Appliance technician checking wiring and connections with a multimeter
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Find a specialist

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Frequently asked questions

What does F4E3 mean on a Whirlpool?

Gas valve relay failure (gas models only) The documented cause is: Gas valve relay failure on control board(common) — The relay controlling the gas valve solenoids has failed, preventing ignition or gas shutoff. · Gas valve solenoid coil failure(occasional) — One or both gas valve solenoid coils have failed, preventing the valve from opening. · Igniter or flame sensor failure(rare) — A failed igniter or flame sensor prevents the control from confirming flame presence. · Professional Repair · Estimated Cost · Repair Time

Can I fix F4E3 myself?

It depends on the part involved: Gas valve relay failure on control board(common) — The relay controlling the gas valve solenoids has failed, preventing ignition or gas shutoff. · Gas valve solenoid coil failure(occasional) — One or both gas valve solenoid coils have failed, preventing the valve from opening. · Igniter or flame sensor failure(rare) — A failed igniter or flame sensor prevents the control from confirming flame presence. · Professional Repair · Estimated Cost · Repair Time Clearing a filter or straightening a hose is within reach of anyone; anything behind a panel means mains electricity and water together — that is a job for a technician.

Does Whirlpool use other codes on this appliance?

Yes: we document 14 other codes for Whirlpool on this tumble dryers. They are listed at the bottom of this page, each with its own meaning.

Does the same code mean the same thing on other brands?

Often not. The same two characters can point to completely different faults depending on the manufacturer — always check the page for your own brand.

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Other Whirlpool codes

Written by TroubleAtlas Technical Team · Last verified: · How we verify — methodology · Sources: easybear-appliancerepair.com
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