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Modern dryers rely on several different components to function correctly. That’s true no matter what dryer brand you have, including one by Whirlpool. Suppose those components ever fail to work or communicate with each other. In that case, you’re going to have a problem on your hands and probably see an error code being displayed.
The F70 error code on a Whirlpool dryer means the User Interface Board and the Main Control Board have stopped communicating with each other. Firstly, reset the dryer by shutting off the power supply and turning it back on a minute later. If the same error code appears, it could be a problem with the User Interface Board, Main Control Board, or the Control Board’s wire connectors.
This guide will walk you through every step of the troubleshooting process. We’ll explore the possible reasons behind the F70 error code and help you understand what you can do to fix it.
What Does The F70 Error Code Mean On A Whirlpool Dryer?
One a Whirlpool dryer, the F70 Error Code means that there’s no communication between the User Interface Board (i.e. the electronic parts you use to input your settings) and the Main Control Board.
According to Whirlpool’s official website, the first thing you should try to resolve this issue is to perform a general reset on your dryer.
First Step: Perform A General Reset
Resetting your dryer is very straightforward and will only take a couple of minutes. Here’s what you’ll need to do:
- Start by shutting off its power entirely for one minute. Depending on how your dryer is wired up, that might mean shutting off the circuit breaker for the dryer and leaving it off for 60 seconds.
- After that, power up the dryer again and start a time dry cycle. As that cycle goes on, watch it closely for at least another minute.
- If the F70 error code doesn’t appear again, that means you’ve resolved the problem.
- However, if the F70 error code repeats itself, then you’ll need to continue troubleshooting the other possible causes for this problem.
What Causes The F70 Error Code On A Whirlpool Dryer?
Three possible issues might trigger the F70 error code in your Whirlpool dryer. They include a problem with the User Interface Board, Main Control Board, or the wiring that keeps them connected to each other.
1. User Interface Board
You’ll find the User Interface Board located directly behind your Whirlpool dryer’s control panel. It’s a printed circuit board with several small components that work with the display and buttons on the control panel.
The User Interface Board has a specific purpose: it allows you to control all of the dryer’s settings. So, whenever you input your chosen dryer settings by pressing buttons on the control panel, the User Interface Board will communicate those settings to the Main Control Board, which will then carry out the drying cycle precisely as you want it to.
Why it fails:
Suppose your Whirlpool dryer is showing the F70 error code. The most likely reason for that is the User Interface Board has failed. This board is an electronic component, which means that there are several ways that it can fail.
Firstly, there’s the possibility that the board has simply worn out. The likelihood of that being the case rises if the machine has already been in use for many years. It’s less likely on a relatively new machine.
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Besides that, it’s also possible that the board has shorted out. Power surges, such as those during a lightning storm, can be very damaging for the electronic components in household appliances. The User Interface Board in your Whirlpool dryer is undoubtedly subject to that same risk.
Related: Circuit Breaker is ON But No Power To The Outlet?
Less likely, but still possible, is that the board has somehow been exposed to water or excessive heat. On a dryer, the odds are higher that the board may have somehow been exposed to heat from other parts of the appliance, causing it to fail.
How to fix:
Circuit boards like the User Interface Board are usually replaced rather than fixed. To do that, you’ll want to:
- Begin by disconnecting the power supply to the machine to prevent any danger of injury or electrocution.
- Then, you’ll want to keep the User Manual and technical sheet nearby for easy reference.
- As mentioned earlier, the User Interface Board is located behind the control panel. Start by removing the dryer’s top access panel.
- Then, unscrew the control panel mounting bracket.
- With the bracket off, you’ll want to gently remove the electrical connector. Doing that will make it easier to remove the User Interface Board from the mounting bracket.
- Once that’s done, mount the replacement board onto the mounting bracket and work your way backwards.
- Replace the screws and the electrical connectors just as they were before, and then put the access panels back in place.
2. Main Control Board
The Main Control Board is like the brain of any home appliance. You’ll find them in any type of dryer, and that certainly includes your Whirlpool dryer as well. Much like the previous component we explored in this article, the Main Control Board is a printed circuit board with plenty of tiny components on it.
When the Main Control Board receives the settings that you’ve selected, it will then coordinate all of the dryer’s parts to run a complete drying cycle. That also includes powering up and powering down the necessary components to dry your clothes out based on the settings you’ve chosen.
Why it fails:
The Main Control Board has several small electronic components attached to it. Unfortunately, those components face many different risks that could cause them to fail. And if any of them fail, the dryer will not be able to function correctly.
Firstly, the board is also subject to regular wear and tear. So, if your Whirlpool dryer has been in use for a very long time, then it should come as no surprise when the day comes that it fails.
Besides that, electrical surges can also damage the Main Control Board. That typically happens during thunderstorms, but they can also happen after power outages. As power is restored after an outage, home appliances like dryers can get damaged if they’re still left plugged in.
Lastly, it’s also possible that the Main Control Board was exposed to excess moisture and heat.
Related: 5 Top Causes Why Whirlpool Dryer Is Not Heating Up
These two things are present in any Whirlpool dryer. It’s possible that this happens due to a leak in the parts that separate the drum from the electrical components of the dryer.
How to fix:
Fixing this is similar to replacing the User Interface Board discussed previously.
- Firstly, you’ll want to disconnect the power supply to the dryer to keep yourself safe.
- Then, you must refer to the User Manual and technical sheets to identify and locate the Main Control Board.
- Once you’ve removed the necessary access panels, you’ll also have to remove the screws that hold the board in place and any electrical connectors attached to it.
- Put in the replacement board and reconnect the electrical connectors.
- Mount the board, screw the access panels back in place, and you’re done!
3. Control Board Wire Connectors
Inside your Whirlpool dryer, you’ll find plenty of wires and electrical connectors that keep all of the components connected to each other. Some of the most important ones are the wire connectors that lead to the Main Control Board.
Remember!
The F70 error code points specifically to a loss of communication between the User Interface Board and the Main Control Board. That’s why troubleshooting the wire connectors is incredibly crucial to resolving this problem.
Why it fails:
Suppose you’ve just had your Whirlpool dryer repaired to resolve another issue. It’s entirely possible that the control board wire connections were accidentally knocked loose. Or, it could also be that the person repairing the machine (if it wasn’t you) removed those connectors and simply forgot to put them back correctly, if at all.
Besides that, the other possibility is that the wire connectors have corroded over time and cannot work correctly even though they’re still connected. That’s more likely if the machine has been in use for a long time because even the control board wire connectors will suffer from regular wear and tear after many years.
How to fix:
As always, the first step to fixing a problem like this is to
- Disconnect the dryer from its power supply.
- Then, you’ll need to remove the access panels, which will allow you to reach the control board and its wire connectors.
- Depending on your dryer model, there might be slight differences in the wiring. So, refer to the User Manual and technical sheet, as those documents will help you figure out where the wires are.
- As you trace the wires back to their connectors on both ends, check to ensure that those connectors aren’t loose.
- Take them off and look at them up-close to check for any corrosion, as well.
- If loose connectors are your problem, then you’ll just have to make sure they’re put in place snugly. However, if you have more severe corrosion problems, you may have to replace the wiring instead.
Read: Why Whirlpool Dryer Won’t Start? Troubleshooting Guide
