Match the symptom, then work through the safe checks.
1. What best matches what you observe?
2. Complete only the checks that are safe for you.
Show stop conditions
- The washer starts unexpectedly while the door area is being checked
- The code returns with an empty drum after one power reset
- The door, drum, wiring, or internal controls would need to be opened
Likely causes
- Clothing, a cleaning cloth, or another item remains inside the drum
- The Clean Washer cycle was selected instead of a normal wash cycle
- The control still detects a load after the drum has been emptied
Quick checks, in order
Remove every item from the drum
Check the drum, door seal, and folds carefully, then restart the Clean Washer cycle with no laundry inside.
Confirm the selected cycle
Use a normal wash cycle when washing clothing; Clean Washer must run empty.
Reset the control once
If rL remains with an empty drum, disconnect power for 5 minutes, reconnect, and retry once.
Arrange service if the empty drum is still detected
Repeated rL with a confirmed empty drum can require model-specific control or sensing diagnosis.
When does rL appear?
Remove all items and restart the empty cleaning cycle. This is the normal meaning on supported models.
Power-reset once, verify the complete model, and use Whirlpool support if the code returns.
Confirm the display and model number because the code may be misread or used differently on that model.
Stop and get qualified help when
- The washer starts unexpectedly while the door area is being checked
- The code returns with an empty drum after one power reset
- The door, drum, wiring, or internal controls would need to be opened
Official support and model manuals
Use the full model number from the rating label. The manufacturer manual is the deciding reference when codes differ by region or product family.
Frequently asked questions
What does rL mean on a Whirlpool washer?
On supported Whirlpool front-load washers, rL means a load was detected while the Clean Washer cycle was selected.
Is Whirlpool rL the same as F34 or F0E1?
Whirlpool documentation groups rL with load-detected Clean Washer messages on selected models, including F34 or F0E1 variants. Check the exact manual for your model.
Does rL mean a part has failed?
Usually no. First remove everything from the drum. Service becomes relevant only when an empty washer repeatedly reports the same condition.