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Whirlpool Dryer AF, Check Vent and F4E3: What They Mean and How to Fix Them
Seeing AF, the Check Vent light or F4E3 on your Whirlpool dryer? Here is what Whirlpool says they mean, the airflow checks you can safely do yourself, and when to call for help.
What Does Whirlpool AF or Check Vent Mean?
Whirlpool says AF, the Check Vent light and F4E3 mean restricted airflow: the lint screen or vent is clogged, or the vent is crushed, kinked or has too many turns. The dryer keeps running, but drying takes longer, and lint buildup is a fire risk. Sources: Whirlpool AF / Check Vent (opens in a new tab) and F4E3 (opens in a new tab) pages.
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Common Signs With AF or Check Vent
You may notice one or more of these along with the warning.
What Causes Whirlpool AF and F4E3?
These are the causes Whirlpool lists and what a technician checks.
How to Fix Whirlpool AF and Check Vent
Try these steps in order. Unplug the dryer or switch off its breakers before moving it, and for gas dryers take care not to strain the gas line.
Clean the lint screen and vent
Clean the lint screen, check the vent from the dryer to the wall for crushing or kinks, and clear lint from the vent and the outside hood.
Test the airflow outside
Run the dryer for 5 to 10 minutes and feel the air at the outside hood. Whirlpool says airflow weaker than a hair dryer on high means the whole system needs cleaning.
Restart on Timed Dry
Restart the dryer on a Timed Dry cycle and touch any key to clear the message. Whirlpool says to clean the vent every 1 to 2 years.
When to Call a Technician
Schedule a repair if:
- The warning returns after cleaning
- The vent run inside the wall is clogged
- Loads still take two cycles
- The dryer smells hot or burning
Related Whirlpool Dryer Pages
Whirlpool dryer repairMore help, including other Whirlpool codes:
Whirlpool dryer F3E1 error codeDryer repair for every brandWhirlpool washer F9E1 error codeWhirlpool dishwasher F9E1 error codeAll Whirlpool appliance repairWhirlpool long dry time guideWritten estimate first
Need Help With Whirlpool Check Vent?
ALAS cleans dryer vents and repairs Whirlpool dryers, and gives you a written estimate before any work.
- Diagnostic fee credited toward the repair
- 90-day warranty, 6 months for members
- Open daily, 8 AM–8 PM
Whirlpool Dryer AF and Check Vent FAQs
Whirlpool says the dryer keeps running, but poor airflow lengthens dry times. Lint buildup in a restricted vent is also a common cause of dryer fires, so clean the lint screen and vent as soon as you can and don’t leave the dryer running unattended.
Yes, they are the same family. Whirlpool calls F4E3 restricted airflow and gives the same checks as AF and Check Vent.
It depends on the model, so check your Installation Instructions. Whirlpool says many dryers perform best under 35 feet of equivalent length, and every elbow adds to that length. Rigid or semi-rigid metal vent works best.
Yes. ALAS cleans dryer vents as well as repairing dryers, which is what Whirlpool recommends when the Check Vent warning keeps coming back. See our Whirlpool dryer repair page or book a visit.
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- Based in Plano