Whirlpool Dishwasher Error Code F22 — What It Means & How to Fix It

What Does This Error Mean?

Whirlpool dishwasher error F22 means the wash pump motor is not running at the expected speed. The wash pump is what circulates water through the spray arms to clean your dishes. If the motor is running too slow or too fast, the dishwasher stops the cycle to prevent damage.

Affected Models

Whirlpool WDT750SAHZ
Whirlpool WDT970SAHZ
Whirlpool WDTA50SAHZ
Whirlpool WDT730PAHZ
Whirlpool WDF520PADM

Common Causes

The spray arms are blocked by food debris or a dish, preventing water from circulating and overloading the pump motor
The wash pump filter is heavily clogged, restricting water flow and causing the motor to work harder than normal
A broken dish fragment or foreign object has entered the pump impeller and is jamming or slowing the motor
The wash pump motor has worn out or burned out and cannot maintain the correct speed
The motor speed sensor has failed and is giving incorrect speed readings to the control board

How to Fix It

Turn the dishwasher off and unplug it or switch off the circuit breaker. Open the door and remove both dish racks from the tub.

Make sure the dishwasher is fully powered off before reaching inside to avoid any risk.
Remove the lower spray arm by pulling it straight up or unscrewing the central nut (depending on your model). Rinse it under the tap and use a toothpick to clear any blocked spray holes.

Blocked spray holes reduce water circulation and force the pump motor to work harder, which can trigger F22.
Lift out the filter assembly from the bottom of the tub. On Whirlpool dishwashers this is usually a two-part filter — a cylindrical fine filter and a flat coarse filter. Rinse both under running water and scrub with a soft brush.

A clogged filter is one of the most common causes of pump motor overload. Clean it at least once a month.
With the filter removed, look down into the sump for any broken glass, bones, or debris that could be caught in the pump impeller. Remove any foreign objects with tweezers or needle-nose pliers.

Never reach blindly into the sump — glass fragments can cause cuts. Use a torch and tweezers.
Reassemble everything, restore power, and run a short wash cycle. If F22 returns, the pump motor or speed sensor has likely failed and a technician should carry out further diagnosis.

Wash pump motor replacement for Whirlpool dishwashers typically costs $60–$120 in parts. Labour will be additional.

When to Call a Professional

If cleaning the filter and spray arms does not resolve F22, a foreign object may be lodged in the pump impeller or the motor itself may have failed. Accessing the pump impeller requires removing the sump assembly — contact a Whirlpool-certified technician for this repair.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I clean the dishwasher filter to prevent F22?

Clean the filter at least once a month if you run the dishwasher daily. If you notice dishes are not coming out as clean as usual, or you see standing water in the tub, clean the filter sooner. A clean filter prevents motor overload and keeps the dishwasher working efficiently.

Can I still use the dishwasher while it shows F22?

No. F22 means the wash pump motor cannot circulate water properly. Running the dishwasher with this error active will result in dirty dishes and could cause further damage to the pump motor.

Is F22 expensive to repair?

If the fix is just cleaning the filter and removing a blockage, the cost is nothing. If the wash pump motor has failed, expect $60–$120 for the part plus $80–$150 for a technician's labour. Getting a quote before authorising the repair is always a good idea.