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Whirlpool Washing Machine Error Code rL

Reviewed by the ApplianceErrors Editorial Team · Verified against manufacturer service documentation · Last verified: July 19, 2026
✓ Low Severity 🔧 Easy DIY Also shown as: F34

Items detected during Clean Washer cycle — remove load

The most common cause of the rL error on a Whirlpool washing machine is clothing or items left in the drum during the Clean Washer cycle (~90% of cases); start with: remove all items.

💰 DIY cost: $0–$0 👨‍🔧 Pro cost: $0–$0
Whirlpool Washing Machine error code rL on the display panel
How the rL code appears on a Whirlpool washing machine display

What Does Error Code rL Mean on a Whirlpool Washing Machine?

Items detected during Clean Washer cycle — remove load.

The rL code (also shown as F-34) fires when the control's load-detection routine senses mass or movement in the drum after the Clean Washer cycle begins. Because this maintenance cycle is designed to run empty with cleaner only, any detected item halts the cycle and prompts removal. Unlike imbalance or motor faults, rL is purely informational and reflects the sensor reading during startup, not a failed component. Occasionally residue, suds, or a slight imbalance can cause a false read.

Models affected: Whirlpool top-load and front-load washers equipped with a dedicated Clean Washer / affresh cycle, roughly 2010 onward
What owners report: Owners commonly report rL when they forget to empty the drum or leave a single stray item before starting the Clean Washer cycle. It can occasionally appear on a truly empty drum, in which case a quick unplug-and-restart usually clears it.

What Causes Error Code rL?

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

  1. 1
    Clothing or items left in the drum during the Clean Washer cycle 90% of cases
  2. 2
    Load-detect sensor misreading a residue or imbalance 10% of cases

How to Fix Whirlpool Washing Machine Error Code rL

🔧 Easy DIY Est. time: 10–20 min
⚡ Safety first: Unplug the appliance before opening any panels or touching internal components.
  1. 1

    Remove all items

    Take all clothing and items out of the drum, then restart the Clean Washer cycle.

  2. 2

    Power cycle the control

    If the drum is empty but rL persists, unplug the washer for 5 minutes to reset the control.

How to Reset Error Code rL

Remove everything from the drum and restart the Clean Washer cycle. If rL persists with an empty drum, unplug for 5 minutes.

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

Full Whirlpool washer reset guide → Enter diagnostic mode →

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When to Call a Professional

rL is a user prompt, not a fault. Service is only needed if it persists with a genuinely empty drum after a reset.

Average professional repair cost for this issue: $0–$0

Find Replacement Parts

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

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

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

More Whirlpool Washing Machine Error Codes

F8E1 Low water fill detected — water inlet problem F9E1 Drain failure — cycle paused, water not draining F5E2 Door lock failure — latch cannot engage F1E1 Main control board failure SUD Excessive suds detected — too much detergent F0E2 Dispenser cannot dispense detergent or additive

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I keep using my Whirlpool Washing Machine when error rL appears? +
Usually yes — rL is a low-severity usage notice that rarely stops the washing machine from working, but clearing the underlying cause prevents it from escalating.
What most commonly causes rL on a Whirlpool Washing Machine? +
Across reported Whirlpool washing machine repairs, the most frequent is clothing or items left in the drum during the Clean Washer cycle (90% of cases) then load-detect sensor misreading a residue or imbalance (10%). Check them in that order before replacing any parts.
rL keeps coming back after a reset — what should I check next? +
A reset only clears the stored rL fault; if it returns, the usage problem is still present. Move on to the physical checks — remove all items, then power cycle the control — since the code will reappear until the root cause is resolved. This is a beginner-friendly job needing only basic hand tools.
How much does it cost to fix Whirlpool Washing Machine error rL? +
A DIY repair typically runs $0–$0 in parts, versus $0–$0 for a professional service call. Expect the work to take about 10–20 minutes.
Which Whirlpool Washing Machine models show error rL? +
rL is documented on Whirlpool top-load and front-load washers equipped with a dedicated Clean Washer / affresh cycle, roughly 2010 onward. 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: July 19, 2026.

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