Whirlpool Microwave F6 Error Code: Microwave Relay or Relay Control Board Fault

What the code means

Whirlpool's Product Help article for F6 on over-the-range microwaves says the oven could not execute the function and that there may be a problem with the Relay Control Board or the associated wiring. Its owner step is a power reset: turn off the circuit breaker for one minute, turn it back on, monitor the microwave for one minute to make sure the code does not return, then verify operation. The Whirlpool technician sheet for these microwaves (tech sheet W10268739A) lists F6 as an MW relay failure, meaning the relay that switches power to the microwave's high-voltage section. Its procedure is to unplug the microwave, check the wiring to relay 4903, and check whether that relay's contacts on the relay electronic control have welded closed; after reassembly and power-up, if the problem persists, the repair is to replace the electronic control. The same sheet notes that many failure codes clear with a one-minute power cycle, which is why that is the first step. Newer Whirlpool microwaves report the same relay problem as F1E4, and F6E0 is a different code: Whirlpool's F6E0 article points to the appliance control board or its wiring rather than the relay board.

Likely causes

• A temporary control glitch, which Whirlpool's tech sheet says a one-minute power cycle often clears
• Microwave power relay 4903 whose contacts have welded closed, the failure named on tech sheet W10268739A
• Loose or damaged wiring to relay 4903
• A failed relay control board (electronic control), the repair when the code persists after the wiring check

Safe DIY checks

1. Turn off the microwave's circuit breaker (or unplug it if you can reach the plug) for one full minute, then turn it back on.
2. Watch the display for about a minute with the microwave idle. If F6 does not come back, try a short timed heat with a cup of water to confirm it works.
3. If F6 returns, stop using the microwave and leave it off at the breaker until it is repaired. A relay stuck closed is not something to keep testing.
4. Note your model number from the label (usually inside the door frame) before you call, so the technician can bring the right control board.
5. Don't remove the grille or control panel to look at the board yourself. Microwaves hold a high-voltage capacitor that can stay charged even when unplugged.

Parts that commonly fix it

Always match the part number to your exact model.

Related codes

• F1E4 Whirlpool Microwave F1E4
• E-11 Frigidaire Microwave E-11
• F3 GE Microwave F3
• F4 GE Microwave F4
• PF GE Microwave PF

All Whirlpool codes →

Sources

1. Whirlpool Product Help: F6 - Error Code - Over-the-Range Microwave (could not execute the function, Relay Control Board or wiring, one-minute breaker reset, 1-866-698-2538)
2. Whirlpool Tech Sheet W10268739A, copy hosted on the AppliancePartsPros forum (F6 MW relay: check wiring to relay 4903, check for welded contacts, then replace electronic control; one-minute power cycle note)
3. Whirlpool Product Help: F6E0 - Error Code - Over-the-Range Microwave (appliance control board or wiring, for contrast)