F42
Whirlpool Washing Machine
Severity: ModerateWhat Does This Error Mean?
The F42 error on a Whirlpool washer indicates the motor control unit detected a problem with the motor speed — the drum is not spinning at the correct RPM for the selected cycle. This can be caused by mechanical resistance in the drum or an electronic fault in the motor control system.
Affected Models
- WFW5620HW
- WFW8620HW
- WTW7120HW
- WFW9620HC
- Most Whirlpool front-load washers
Common Causes
- Drum bearing is worn and creating resistance that slows the motor
- Drive belt is worn or slipping on the pulley
- Tub is overloaded and the motor cannot reach the required speed
- Motor hall sensor giving incorrect speed feedback to the control board
- Motor control unit has an internal fault affecting speed regulation
How to Fix It
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Unplug the washer for 10 minutes to reset the motor control electronics.
An occasional speed fault can be triggered by a brief power issue. A reset clears it if there is no underlying mechanical problem.
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Remove some clothes from the drum to reduce the load.
An overloaded drum prevents the motor from reaching the required speed for the spin cycle. Try washing with a lighter load.
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Try to spin the drum manually by hand with the door open.
The drum should spin fairly easily. Resistance, grinding, or rumbling sounds indicate a worn bearing or obstruction.
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Plug the washer back in and run a spin-only cycle.
Listen carefully during spin. A humming motor with no drum movement suggests a belt problem. Grinding suggests worn bearings.
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If the drum spins but F42 returns, the motor hall sensor or MCU needs testing.
The hall sensor monitors drum speed electronically. If it is faulty, the MCU receives incorrect speed data. Call a technician.
When to Call a Professional
If reducing the load and resetting do not fix F42, the motor speed system needs professional diagnosis. Worn drum bearings or a failing motor hall sensor require disassembly and testing. Expect repair costs of $150–$350.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a motor hall sensor in a Whirlpool washer?
The hall sensor is a small electronic sensor that monitors the drum motor's rotational speed and position. It sends this data back to the motor control unit in real time. If the hall sensor is faulty, the MCU receives wrong speed information and triggers F42.
How do I know if my washer's drum bearings are worn?
Listen during the spin cycle. A rumbling, growling, or grinding sound that gets louder at higher spin speeds strongly suggests worn bearings. You may also feel vibration through the floor even with a properly balanced load.
Is F42 expensive to fix?
It depends on the cause. If it is just an overloaded drum cleared by a reset, the cost is zero. A new motor hall sensor is inexpensive — usually $20–$50. Drum bearing replacement is more expensive — $200–$350 including labor. Get a diagnosis before committing to a repair.