Whirlpool says F8 E3 appears when the washer detects too much water or foam. Oversudsing can trigger it even without a plumbing overflow.
What F8 E3 means
Whirlpool says F8 E3 appears when the washer detects too much water or foam. Oversudsing can trigger it even without a plumbing overflow.
What you may notice
- The washer stops and drains
- Heavy foam is visible
- Water level appears too high
- Laundry finishes unusually wet
Most likely causes
- 01Too much HE detergent
- 02Non-HE detergent
- 03Thickened splashless bleach
- 04A drain restriction
- 05A water inlet valve that does not close
Safe checks, in order
Start with the simplest non-invasive check. Stop as soon as the error clears; repeated resets can hide a condition without correcting it.
Stop uncontrolled filling
Close both water valves if water continues entering while stopped.
Let foam settle
Allow the protective drain routine to finish without adding chemicals.
Correct product use
Use measured HE detergent and model-approved bleach.
Check drainage
Inspect the hose and accessible filter if draining is also slow.
Know where to stop
Shut off water and power for uncontrolled filling or leaking. Do not reach behind a wet, energized appliance.
When to call a technician or support
Call for service if water continues entering with the washer off, the code appears without foam, or an internal leak is visible.
When you call, have the exact product or vehicle model, model year where relevant, the complete code or symbol, and when it appeared.
Where this information came from
We use the manufacturer's current published guidance as the starting point, then organize it into a safer, beginner-friendly sequence.
Whirlpool Product Help — F8 E3 overflow condition Source last checked August 16, 2026. Manufacturer instructions and model manuals take priority over this independent summary.