Whirlpool Dryer F70 Error Code: Control Communication Failure (Meaning, Causes, Fixes)

What the code means

Whirlpool's service sheets for its commercial-grade and coin-operated dryers (for example tech sheet W11316893 Rev A and the CED9150 electronic control setup instructions) define F 70 as "Communication failure from dryer CCU to UIC": the user interface control (UIC) is not receiving communications from the central control unit (CCU), the main board that runs the motor and heat. While the error is present, cycles are disabled. Its mirror code, F 71, means the opposite direction, where the CCU isn't hearing from the user interface. Whirlpool's Product Help lists F70 for both its residential and commercial-grade dryers with the same reset steps, and Sears PartsDirect's Whirlpool Duet dryer code list describes F:70 or F:71 as no communication between the main electronic control board and the user interface board assemblies. On newer Whirlpool dryers that use the F#E# format, the communication codes are F6E1 and F6E2 instead, so if your display shows those, the same idea applies but the steps come from that model's tech sheet.

Likely causes

• A power glitch or surge that left the boards out of sync, which a 5-minute breaker reset usually clears
• A loose, damaged or corroded wire harness connector between the main control (CCU) and the user interface board
• A damaged harness between the two boards, for example a pinched wire behind the console
• A failed user interface board
• A failed main control board (CCU)

Safe DIY checks

1. Turn off the dryer's circuit breaker (or breakers) for 5 minutes, then turn them back on. That is Whirlpool's first step for F70.
2. Start a timed dry cycle and watch the dryer for one minute to see whether F70 comes back, as Whirlpool's Product Help says.
3. If the dryer was recently moved, pushed back hard against the wall, or had other work done on it, make sure the power cord and outlet are solid. A loose connection at the outlet can cause power drops.
4. If F70 returns and you're comfortable with it, unplug the dryer first, then check that the connectors between the main control board and the user interface board are fully seated, with no burnt, bent or corroded pins. Sears PartsDirect's Duet guide gives this as the check before calling a technician.
5. Don't run the dryer with panels off, and don't swap boards on a guess. These two boards are expensive, and the code alone doesn't tell you which one failed.

Parts that commonly fix it

Always match the part number to your exact model.

Related codes

• F01 / F-01 / F1 E1 Whirlpool Dryer F01 / F-01 / F1 E1
• F3E2 Whirlpool Dryer F3E2
• E64 Frigidaire Dryer E64
• E11 GE Dryer E11
• F01 / F-01 / F:01 Kenmore Dryer F01 / F-01 / F:01
• D80 LG Dryer D80

All Whirlpool codes →

Sources

1. Whirlpool Product Help: F70 Error Code, Dryer (5-minute breaker reset, timed dry, monitor one minute)
2. Whirlpool Product Help: F70 Error Code, Commercial Grade Residential Dryer
3. Whirlpool tech sheet W11316893 Rev A (F 70 communication failure from dryer CCU to UIC, F 71 reverse)
4. Whirlpool CED9150 electronic control setup instructions, diagnostic codes page (mans.io copy)
5. Sears PartsDirect: Whirlpool Duet dryer error codes (F:70 or F:71, check harness connections, control boards)
6. Whirlpool WED94HEX tech sheet (F6E1/F6E2 communication errors on F#E# models, ManualsLib)