F19
Whirlpool Dishwasher
Severity: MinorWhat Does This Error Mean?
Whirlpool dishwasher error F19 means the drying fan has stopped working or is not running at the correct speed. The dishwasher uses a fan to circulate hot air inside the tub during the drying cycle. Without the fan, dishes may come out wet — but the washing part of the cycle still works normally.
Affected Models
- Whirlpool WDT750SAHZ
- Whirlpool WDT970SAHZ
- Whirlpool WDTA50SAHZ
- Whirlpool WDF520PADM
- Whirlpool WDT730PAHZ
Common Causes
- The drying fan motor has burned out or seized and is no longer able to spin
- A piece of debris or a broken dish fragment has jammed the fan blade, preventing it from rotating
- The wire connector to the fan motor has come loose or corroded, cutting off the power supply to the fan
- The fan motor capacitor has failed, preventing the motor from starting even though it is otherwise intact
- The main control board has a fault and is not sending the run signal to the fan motor
How to Fix It
-
Turn the dishwasher off and unplug it from the wall outlet, or switch off the circuit breaker for the dishwasher. Wait 2 minutes, then restore power and run a new cycle.
A power reset clears temporary control board faults and is always the first step.
-
Listen carefully during the drying phase of the cycle. You should hear a soft hum from the fan inside the door. If there is total silence during drying, the fan has failed.
The drying fan on most Whirlpool dishwashers is located inside the inner door panel, near the bottom or side.
-
Open the dishwasher door and inspect the vent opening — usually on the inner door or the side wall. Check for any debris, food particles, or broken plastic that could be blocking the fan blade.
Debris jams are more common in households that pre-rinse dishes poorly. Small bone fragments and broken plastic pieces are common culprits.
-
If you are comfortable with basic appliance repair, remove the inner door panel (usually held by screws around the door perimeter). Locate the fan motor, check that its wire connector is firmly attached, and look for any visible damage.
Always keep the dishwasher unplugged while accessing internal components.
-
If the fan motor is confirmed faulty, replace it. Fan motors for Whirlpool dishwashers typically cost $25–$60. If the motor tests fine and the error persists, the control board may need to be inspected.
A technician can test the fan motor with a multimeter — a working motor will show continuity. An open reading means the motor winding has burned out.
When to Call a Professional
If clearing debris from the fan and reseating the wire connector does not resolve F19, the fan motor needs to be tested or replaced. Accessing the drying fan requires removing the inner door panel — contact an appliance technician if you are not comfortable with this level of disassembly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I still wash dishes with F19 showing?
Yes — the wash cycle usually still works normally. F19 only affects the drying fan, so dishes will get washed and rinsed but will come out wetter than usual. You can open the door after the cycle and let them air dry as a temporary workaround while you arrange the repair.
Will F19 damage my dishwasher if I ignore it?
F19 will not damage the dishwasher itself, but it is worth fixing promptly. Poor drying can leave water spots and moisture on dishes and inside the tub. Extended moisture inside the tub can also encourage mould growth over time.
How do I know if the fan is the problem or the control board?
If you can hear the fan running but F19 is still displayed, the fan speed sensor is likely at fault. If the fan makes no noise at all during drying, the fan motor or its power supply has failed. A technician can test both the motor and the control board signal to determine which one needs replacing.