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
- Internal controls, wiring, or the drive system would need to be opened
Likely causes
- Clothing, a cleaning cloth, or another item remains in the drum or door-seal folds
- Clean Washer was selected instead of a normal laundry cycle
- The washer still detects a load after the drum has been emptied
Quick checks, in order
Empty the drum completely
Remove all clothing and loose items, check the door-seal folds, then restart Clean Washer with no laundry inside.
Confirm the selected cycle
Use a normal wash cycle for clothing. Whirlpool's Clean Washer cycle must run empty.
Power-reset once if the drum is empty
Whirlpool advises disconnecting power for 5 minutes, reconnecting, and retrying once when rL remains with an empty drum.
Arrange service if rL keeps returning
A repeated load-detected message with a confirmed empty drum needs model-specific diagnosis rather than repeated resets.
When does the Whirlpool rL code appear?
Remove every item and restart the empty cleaning cycle. This is the normal meaning on supported models.
Power-reset once, verify the complete model number, and use Whirlpool support if the code returns again.
Recheck the display and model because the code may be misread or defined differently on that washer.
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
- Internal controls, wiring, or the drive system 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 the machine detected a load while the Clean Washer cycle was selected.
How do I clear the Whirlpool washer rL code?
Remove every item from the drum and restart Clean Washer. If the drum is definitely empty and rL remains, disconnect power for 5 minutes and retry once.
Are rL, F34, and F0E1 related on Whirlpool washers?
Whirlpool documentation uses rL with F34 and, on selected models, F0E1 for a load detected during the Clean Washer cycle. Check the exact model manual.