Whirlpool Refrigerator 01 Code: Service Diagnostics Mode, Not a Fault (How to Exit)

What the code means

Whirlpool side-by-side and French-door refrigerators with a dispenser display have a built-in Service Diagnostics mode for technicians. According to Whirlpool's tech sheets (for example W11050317 and W10689354), pressing the buttons labeled SW1 and SW2 on the switch diagram at the same time for 3 seconds starts it; the fridge chimes and "the display will show 01 to indicate the control is in step 1 of the diagnostics routine." Step 1 is the freezer (FC) thermistor test. The step number is shown with an amber Order Filter light; about 2 seconds later the result of that step is shown with a red Replace Filter light, and for the thermistor tests a result of 01 means Pass (02 = open, 03 = short). So an 01 that alternates with another 01 is a passing step-1 test, not a failure. Whirlpool's sheets also say that in this mode "all button and pad inputs shall be ignored and all inputs shall be off" except for what each test does, which is why the dispenser and controls seem dead while 01 is showing. Owners usually get into the mode by accident while holding two buttons at once, for example while trying to unlock the controls or reset the filter light. iFixit's Whirlpool refrigerator error-code guide also lists "01 on display" as diagnostic mode rather than a fault. Exact button positions and the list of later steps vary by model, so check the switch diagram on the tech sheet for your model.

Likely causes

• Two dispenser buttons (SW1 and SW2 on Whirlpool's switch diagram) were held together for about 3 seconds, which starts Service Diagnostics mode at step 1
• Someone was pressing button combinations to unlock the controls or reset the filter light and triggered the service mode instead
• A technician or a how-to video put the fridge in diagnostics and it hasn't timed out or been exited yet
• Less often, a stuck button on the dispenser panel keeps the controls from responding normally

Safe DIY checks

1. Don't panic: 01 by itself is the step-1 number of Whirlpool's diagnostics routine, and 01 shown as a step result means Pass for the thermistor tests.
2. Exit the mode the way Whirlpool's tech sheet describes: press SW1 and SW2 at the same time for 3 seconds. If you don't know which buttons those are, use one of the other two exits instead.
3. Unplug the refrigerator (or turn off its breaker), wait about 10 seconds, and plug it back in. The controls return to normal operation after the diagnostics mode ends.
4. Or leave it alone: the tech sheet says the mode times out on its own after 20 minutes.
5. Once it's out of the mode, check that the temperature settings are still where you want them and that the dispenser works.
6. If you want to know which buttons are SW1 and SW2 on your model, look up the tech sheet for your model number; Whirlpool says the sheet with the switch diagram ships with the refrigerator.

Parts that commonly fix it

Always match the part number to your exact model.

Related codes

• F6 E1 Whirlpool Refrigerator F6 E1
• PO Whirlpool Refrigerator PO
• CE Frigidaire Refrigerator CE
• Er FA Frigidaire Refrigerator Er FA
• H1 / HI Frigidaire Refrigerator H1 / HI

All Whirlpool codes →

Sources

1. Whirlpool Tech Sheet W11050317 Rev B (enter Service Diagnostics: press SW1 and SW2 for 3 seconds, display shows 01 for step 1; exit with SW1+SW2 for 3 seconds, by disconnecting power, or after 20 minutes; inputs ignored; 01 = Pass for thermistor tests)
2. Whirlpool Tech Sheet W10689354 Rev A, WRX988SIBM French-door (idoc.tips copy: display shows 01 to indicate Step 1 of the diagnostics routine; same three exit options; amber Order Filter and red Replace Filter lights mark step number and status)
3. Whirlpool MSD2559XE / KitchenAid KSRJ25FX service manual (ManualsOnline copy: 3-2-1 countdown, display shows 0I for step 1, tech data sheet ships with the refrigerator)
4. iFixit: Whirlpool Refrigerator Error Codes (Diagnostic Mode, 01 on display)