F24
Whirlpool Dishwasher
Severity: ModerateWhat Does This Error Mean?
F24 means your Whirlpool dishwasher's water temperature sensor (NTC thermistor) has detected a fault. The sensor monitors the water temperature during every wash and rinse cycle. When the sensor reads a temperature outside the expected range or has a circuit failure, the dishwasher stops and displays F24. Dishes may not be getting properly cleaned or sanitized if this sensor is faulty.
Affected Models
- WDT730PAHZ
- WDF520PADM
- WDT970SAHZ
- WDTA50SAHZ
- Whirlpool built-in dishwashers 2010 and newer
Common Causes
- Failed NTC thermistor with an open or short circuit
- Loose or corroded connector at the thermistor inside the dishwasher tub
- Thermistor wiring damaged by the dishwasher's heat or water exposure over time
- Scale or calcium deposit coating the thermistor probe and affecting its readings
- Defective control board misreading the thermistor signal
How to Fix It
-
Cancel the current cycle and run a power reset. Turn off the dishwasher at the control panel, unplug it (or turn off the circuit breaker) for 5 minutes, then restore power and try a new cycle.
A transient power fluctuation can occasionally cause F24. A reset may clear it if it was a one-time event.
-
Remove the lower dish rack and the spray arm. Remove the filter assembly at the bottom of the tub. Look for the NTC thermistor — it is a small probe or cylindrical sensor typically clipped to the sump area at the bottom.
The thermistor often sits just beside the filter housing. It has two thin wires connected to a small plastic connector.
-
Inspect the thermistor and its wiring for visible damage: melted insulation, broken wires, or a corroded connector. Clean any scale or mineral deposits from the probe with white vinegar on a cloth.
Scale on the thermistor probe acts as insulation and can cause temperature misreading.
-
Test the thermistor with a multimeter set to resistance. At room temperature (around 20°C or 68°F), a working NTC thermistor typically reads 10,000 to 15,000 ohms on Whirlpool dishwashers.
Check your specific model's service manual for the exact resistance specification.
-
Replace the thermistor if it reads open circuit or far outside the expected range. Order the part using your dishwasher's full model number. Install the replacement, reassemble, and run a full wash cycle.
Make sure the new thermistor connector is fully seated before reassembling.
When to Call a Professional
NTC thermistor replacement is a DIY-friendly repair on most Whirlpool dishwashers. The thermistor is usually accessible after removing the lower spray arm and filter basket. The part costs $15 to $40. A technician will charge $100 to $175 for parts and labor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I run the dishwasher with F24 showing?
The dishwasher will likely stop or refuse to start with F24 active. Even if you could run it, the machine cannot verify water temperature. This means dishes may not be washed at a high enough temperature to remove grease or kill bacteria. Fix F24 before relying on your dishwasher for clean dishes.
What is an NTC thermistor?
NTC stands for Negative Temperature Coefficient. This means as temperature rises, the thermistor's resistance falls. The dishwasher's control board reads this changing resistance to determine exact water temperature. When the resistance value goes outside the expected curve, the board flags an error.
Will running a vinegar rinse cycle fix F24?
If scale buildup on the thermistor probe is the cause, a vinegar or descaler cycle may help. However, if the thermistor has actually failed electrically, descaling will not fix it. Test the thermistor with a multimeter to determine whether you need cleaning or replacement.