Whirlpool duet washer 3 years old. Part way through a wash cycle the machine stopped and started flashing F71. After a while, it was replaced with flashin F70.
We've owned a Whirlpool Duet Washer (WFW9200SQ00) for about 3 years. We started getting the F70 error code intermittently about 6 months ago and it seems to progressively be getting worse. Unplugging the unit for a few minutes resets the error, but it comes back about every 2nd or 3rd load causing my wife a lot of frustration and with 4 kids, our laundry was backing up. After reading several Forum's, I found the F70 error code indicates a "heartbeat" communication error between the various electronic boards inside the washer and the consensus seems to be the most likely culprit is the Motor Control Unit (MCU) board. Before spending nearly $250 for a replacement board (http://www.helpfulparts.com/servlet/the-5733/8183196/Detail) with no guarantee that it would fix the problem, I decided to take the board out of the machine and inspect it. What I found is the connector for the communication (the connector with three blue wires) on this board is a very unreliable connector that uses the edge of the printed circuit board on one side of the connection instead of a real connector soldered to the board. In addition, the fit of this connector seems to loose to make a good connection. I noticed a little bit of corrosion on the board contacts which I cleaned with rubbing alcohol and a pencil eraser. After re-installing the cleaned board we've done several loads with (keeping my fingers crossed) no errors. I am still concerned about the reliability of this connection. Because of it's location, this board is subject to a fair amount of vibration and because of the loose fit I'm concerned that this issue will only come back over time. I've already decided that if the error comes back I will solder wires to the contacts on the board to provide a more robust connection. It's a shame that you can spend well over $1,000 on a top of the line washer, and in order to save $.10 Whirlpool decided to use a very poor connector in a critical area. It makes you wonder where else did they skimp to save a few pennies?!! Our next washer will not be a Whirlpool, and next time will not get a high end washer with all the bells and whistles.
Hi!
F70 Error code means Central Control Unit Heartbeat Failure. If a
Central Control Unit Heartbeat Failure is displayed, no communication
is detected from the Central Control Unit to the User Interface.
F71 error code means User Interface Heartbeat
Failure. If a Central Control Unit Heartbeat Failure is displayed, no
communication is detected from the User Interface to the Central
Control Unit.
In both the above situations the following things are required to be checked and replaced where required:
1. Continuity of the User Interface harness.
2. Wire harness connections to the User Interface and the Central Control Unit.
3. Replace User Interface if drum is rotating.
4. Replace Central Control Unit if drum is not moving.
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thank you for using fixya,rate my answer,
vijay
F70 and F71 are two logic board error codes that point at a communication error between the main log...
Regards.
Ginko.
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