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Whirlpool Dryer Error Code F26

Reviewed by the ApplianceErrors Editorial Team · Verified against manufacturer service documentation · Last verified: June 10, 2026
⚠ High Severity 🔧🔧🔧 Advanced DIY

Drive motor failure

The most common cause of the F26 error on a Whirlpool dryer is motor winding failure (burned out) (~55% of cases); start with: test the drive motor.

💰 DIY cost: $100–$250 👨‍🔧 Pro cost: $250–$520 Save $150+ by doing it yourself
Whirlpool Dryer error code F26 on the display panel
How the F26 code appears on a Whirlpool dryer display

What Does Error Code F26 Mean on a Whirlpool Dryer?

Drive motor failure.

F26 fires when the control board commands the drum drive motor but does not sense proper motor rotation or run feedback within the expected window. The board detects an open winding, failed start capacitor, or a tripped thermal overload interrupting the circuit. The drum stays still while the console may still light up, distinguishing F26 from a broken belt or a stuck door switch. Unlike thermistor faults (F01-type codes), F26 points squarely at the motor circuit rather than heating or sensing.

Models affected: Whirlpool electric and gas dryers using the F-series fault codes, including models such as WED4815EW, WED5620HW, WED6620HW, and WGD4815EW
What owners report: Owners commonly report the code appearing at the start of a cycle when the drum refuses to turn, sometimes accompanied by a faint hum. A frequent quick win is pressing the motor's thermal overload reset button after letting the unit cool, which can clear a temporary trip; if it returns immediately the motor or capacitor is likely the culprit.

What Causes Error Code F26?

Here are the most common causes in order of frequency. Start with the most likely cause before moving to the next:

  1. 1
    Motor winding failure (burned out) 55% of cases
  2. 2
    Motor start capacitor failure 30% of cases
  3. 3
    Thermal overload protection tripped 15% of cases

How to Fix Whirlpool Dryer Error Code F26

🔧🔧🔧 Advanced DIY Est. time: 1–3 hours
⚡ Safety first: Unplug the appliance before opening any panels or touching internal components.
  1. 1

    Test the drive motor

    Access the motor (inside the drum cabinet). Test motor windings for continuity. No continuity = burned motor.

    🔩 Multimeter
  2. 2

    Check the thermal overload

    Some motors have a thermal overload reset button. Press it and try restart.

  3. 3

    Replace the drive motor

    Remove the drum to access the motor. Disconnect wiring and drive belt. Install new motor.

    🔩 Whirlpool dryer drive motor ($100–$250)
    ⚠️ Disconnect power before accessing motor.

How to Reset Error Code F26

After motor replacement, unplug 1 minute then restart. Error clears once motor runs successfully.

Note: If the error returns after resetting, the underlying issue has not been resolved. Work through the fix steps above.

Full Whirlpool dryer reset guide → Enter diagnostic mode →

Did this guide fix your appliance?

When to Call a Professional

Drive motor replacement requires significant disassembly. If not experienced with appliance repair, professional service is recommended.

Average professional repair cost for this issue: $250–$520

Related Error Codes

F01
Main control board failure
⚠ High Severity

Same Code on Other Brands

Error code F26 appears on these other brands too. See every brand that shows F26 →

Maytag logo
Maytag Washing Machine F26
Door switch error — door state not detected
Maytag logo
Maytag Dryer F26
Drive motor failure — drum not turning

Find Replacement Parts

Use these links to find the exact replacement parts for your Whirlpool Dryer:

🔩
Search PartSelect
Whirlpool Dryer repair parts
🔧
Search RepairClinic
Step-by-step video guides

External links — ApplianceErrors.com is not affiliated with these retailers.

More Whirlpool Dryer Error Codes

F22 Outlet thermistor failure F30 Restricted airflow — vent blockage F28 Moisture sensor bar failure — primary sensor F29 Moisture sensor bar failure — secondary sensor F31 Exhaust thermistor failure L2 Low or missing voltage on one leg of 240V supply

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I keep using my Whirlpool Dryer when error F26 appears? +
It is not advisable. The dryer may still power on, but running it while F26 is active can worsen the motor fault or damage related parts. Treat it as a soon-as-possible repair.
What most commonly causes F26 on a Whirlpool Dryer? +
Across reported Whirlpool dryer repairs, the most frequent is motor winding failure (burned out) (55% of cases), motor start capacitor failure (30%), then thermal overload protection tripped (15%). Check them in that order before replacing any parts.
F26 keeps coming back after a reset — what should I check next? +
A reset only clears the stored F26 fault; if it returns, the motor problem is still present. Move on to the physical checks — test the drive motor, then check the thermal overload — since the code will reappear until the root cause is resolved. This is an advanced repair involving deeper disassembly or electrical testing.
How much does it cost to fix Whirlpool Dryer error F26? +
A DIY repair typically runs $100–$250 in parts, versus $250–$520 for a professional service call, so handling it yourself saves around $150. Expect the work to take 1–3 hours.
Which Whirlpool Dryer models show error F26? +
F26 is documented on Whirlpool electric and gas dryers using the F-series fault codes, including models such as WED4815EW, WED5620HW, WED6620HW, and WGD4815EW. Other units sharing the same control platform can display it too, so the fixes here generally transfer across the series.

Sources & References

Content verified against manufacturer service documentation. Last verified: June 10, 2026.

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