Whirlpool duet hf error

This error code indicates a water supply problem.
Are both the hot and cold water faucets turned on?
Turn on the water. Check the household faucets to see if the hot and cold water faucets are turned on. Completely open both faucets for proper fill.
NOTE: Both hot and cold water must be connected to the washer and turned on; the washer will not properly operate with only one incoming source of water.

Are the water inlet hoses kinked?
Straighten the water inlet hoses.
Are the water inlet valve screens on the washer clogged?


Turn off the water and remove inlet hoses from the inlet valves in the back of the washer. Inside the inlet valves are screens. Remove any accumulated film or particles from the screens. Reinstall hoses, turn on water, and check for leaks. See the Installation Instructions for details; find them by entering your model number in the search tool below.
Is the water pressure less than 10 psi?
If the water pressure is too low, the washer may not properly operate. To find out your exact pounds-per-square-inch (psi) value, contact your local water utility company.
Are you using HE High Efficiency detergent?
Use only HE High Efficiency detergent. Using non-HE detergent, or more than the manufacturer's recommended amount of detergent, can cause excessive suds. The excess suds can prevent the washer from detecting the incoming water.
Concentrated detergents labeled 2x and higher will require a small amount of detergent based on load size. Always follow the manufacturer's recommendations.

See also: Why HE High Efficiency detergent is required.
Are you using flood-preventing inlet hoses that can shut off the water to the washer?

These hoses have a valve inside that will close if the water pressure is higher than two gallons per minute; this will shut off the water to the washer. If one of these hoses becomes loose, the water flow through the hose will increase and close the valve inside the hose, which will shut off water to the washer to prevent a possible leak or flood. If the hose is not loose, try taking the hoses back to the store for a replacement set.

To remove the error display, press Pause/Cancel twice.


If Pause/Cancel does not work:

1. Unplug the washer or disconnect the power for one minute.
2. Plug in the washer or reconnect the power.
3. Re-select the cycle and press Start.

• On some washers, when the washer is started for the first time after this error code, it will begin to drain. You will not be able to pause or cancel the cycle for about 8 minutes while it drains. This is normal.
• If the error remains on the display, and all of the other conditions above have been checked, call for service.

For me, the HF code was caused by a stuck flow meter. From reading other sites, this appears to be a common cause of the problem, along with dirty filters preventing enough water flow. (There are clearly lots of other causes.)
.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GnGQKYKJZM8 has instructions for replacing the flow meter. (I searched for "whirlpool duet how to replace the flow meter.") In my case, I took the old one off to test it by blowing on one of the ends. Initially, the air went through without much resistance. When I blew harder, I got the desired pinwheel/kazoo sound. (I lost track of the site that let me know what to look for.)

I reattached the same flow meter and the washer worked again.