Whirlpool heat pump water heater
Whirlpool Heat pump HPE2K60/80 error codes
Covers: Whirlpool Residential Electric Heat Pump Water Heater HPE2K60HD045V / HPE2K80HD045V (Use & Care Guide 317252-002)
Every code listed in Whirlpool's own manual for this series, with what it means and what Whirlpool says to do. Last checked 2026-10-03.
Is this your model? Whirlpool's literature finder links this guide (317252-002) for HPE2K60HD045V and HPE2K80HD045V. The guide says these are made under license by American Water Heater Company. Faults appear as text messages on the LCD.
| Code | Label | What the manual says it means |
|---|---|---|
| UPPER ELEMENT CONNECT FAULT | Upper element is not functioning | |
| LOWER ELEMENT CONNECT FAULT | Lower element is not functioning | |
| HEAT PUMP CONNECT FAULT | Heat Pump compressor is not functioning. | |
| FAN CONNECT FAULT | Heat Pump fan is not functioning. | |
| AMBIENT TEMP SENSOR SHORT OR OPEN OR AD ERROR | Ambient Temperature Sensor is not functioning. | |
| UPPER TEMP SENSOR SHORT OR OPEN OR AD ERROR | Upper Temperature Sensor is not functioning. | |
| LOWER TEMP SENSOR SHORT OR OPEN OR AD ERROR | Lower Temperature Sensor is not functioning. | |
| DISCHARGE TEMP SENSOR SHORT OR OPEN OR AD ERROR | Discharge Temperature Sensor is not functioning. | |
| COIL TEMP SENSOR FAULT OR AD ERROR | Coil Temperature Sensor is not functioning. | |
| MAIN CIRCUIT BOARD FAULT | Main Circuit Board is not functioning. | |
| HIGH TEMP LOCKOUT | Water temperature in unit has exceeded 190° F. | |
| CONDENSATE DRAIN ALARM | Condensate pump failure. (If Accessory Condensate Pump is Installed) | |
| LOW WATER LEVEL ALARM | Not enough water in the tank. (Tank not full) | |
| COMMUNICATION ERROR | No communication between mainboard and user interface board. | |
| ELECTRONIC POWER ANODE ERROR # | Indicates the power anode is not operating properly |
Whirlpool's manual for this series does not list error codes; see the troubleshooting section below.
Safety first
- Before cleaning/replacing the air filter or condensate drain pan/lines, press the power button to place the water heater in Standby Mode and turn off power at the circuit breaker/fuse box. (pg. 17)
- WARNING Electric Shock Hazard: Disconnect power before servicing. Replace all parts and panels before operating. (pg. 16)
- WARNING Explosion Hazard: If the temperature and pressure relief valve is dripping or leaking, have a qualified person replace it. Do not plug valve. Do not remove valve. (pg. 16)
- ECO: To reset disconnect power at the circuit breaker/fuse box, remove the upper access panel and firmly push the red reset button on the ECO block. If the ECO continues to shut off the water heater contact a qualified person for service. (pg. 13)
- IMPORTANT: If a faulty powered anode is not repaired or has been removed permanently, then all warranties are void. (pg. 15)
- Do not attempt to operate or repair the water heater if it has been submerged or subjected to flooding. (pg. 13)
- WARNING: Water temperature over 125°F can cause severe burns instantly or death from scalds. (pg. 13)
From the manufacturer's manual for this series.
Troubleshooting without a code
NO HOT WATER
Likely cause: No power to the water heater (power button not lit)
What to do: Check for blown fuse or tripped breaker. Restore power to unit then press power button.
NO HOT WATER
Likely cause: Unit in standby (power button RED)
What to do: Press the power button to turn the unit on (power button GREEN)
NO HOT WATER
Likely cause: Unit in Vacation mode
What to do: Press Vacation Mode Button to exit Vacation mode and return to desired operating mode.
NO HOT WATER
Likely cause: High temperature limit switch open
What to do: Reset the high temperature limit switch; see "Safety shut-off" section for more information.
NO HOT WATER
Likely cause: Hot water usage pattern exceeds the capability of the water heater in current mode
What to do: Change to different mode or modify usage patterns.
NO HOT WATER
Likely cause: Non-functioning upper temperature sensor
What to do: Contact a qualified person for service.
INSUFFICIENT HOT WATER / SLOW HOT WATER RECOVERY
Likely cause: Temperature set-point too low
What to do: Increase set point temperature; see "Adjusting the User Interface Module" section
INSUFFICIENT HOT WATER / SLOW HOT WATER RECOVERY
Likely cause: Air filter dirty
What to do: Clean air filter
INSUFFICIENT HOT WATER / SLOW HOT WATER RECOVERY
Likely cause: Hot water usage pattern exceeds the capability of the water heater in current mode
What to do: Change to different mode or modify usage patterns (For example if in Efficiency Mode switch to Hybrid Mode)
INSUFFICIENT HOT WATER / SLOW HOT WATER RECOVERY
Likely cause: Water connections to unit reversed
What to do: Ensure the cold connection is at the bottom and that the hot connection is at the top
INSUFFICIENT HOT WATER / SLOW HOT WATER RECOVERY
Likely cause: Heat lost through long run of exposed pipe
What to do: Insulate exposed piping
INSUFFICIENT HOT WATER / SLOW HOT WATER RECOVERY
Likely cause: Hot water leak at faucet or piping
What to do: Repair hot water leaks
INSUFFICIENT HOT WATER / SLOW HOT WATER RECOVERY
Likely cause: Non-functioning heating element
What to do: Call qualified person for service
INSUFFICIENT HOT WATER / SLOW HOT WATER RECOVERY
Likely cause: Sediment or scale build up in tank
What to do: Drain and flush tank. Water conditioning may be necessary to minimize build up
HIGH OPERATION COSTS
Likely cause: Temperature set-point too high
What to do: Decrease set point temperature; see "Adjusting the User Interface Module"
HIGH OPERATION COSTS
Likely cause: Air filter dirty
What to do: Clean air filter
HIGH OPERATION COSTS
Likely cause: Electric mode selected
What to do: Change to Efficiency or Hybrid mode for reduced energy costs
HIGH OPERATION COSTS
Likely cause: Water connections to unit reversed
What to do: Ensure the cold connection is at the bottom and that the hot connection is at the top
HIGH OPERATION COSTS
Likely cause: Heat lost thru long run of exposed pipe
What to do: Insulate exposed piping
HIGH OPERATION COSTS
Likely cause: Hot water leak at faucet or piping
What to do: Repair hot water leaks
HIGH OPERATION COSTS
Likely cause: Sediment or scale build up in tank
What to do: Drain and flush tank. Water conditioning may be required to minimize build up
DRIP FROM TEMPERATURE & PRESSURE RELIEF VALVE (Warning: Do not plug or cap T&P discharge pipe.)
Likely cause: Excessive water pressure
What to do: Check water supply inlet pressure. If higher than 80 PSIG, install a pressure reducing valve (50-60 PSIG is the recommended pressure.)
DRIP FROM TEMPERATURE & PRESSURE RELIEF VALVE (Warning: Do not plug or cap T&P discharge pipe.)
Likely cause: Add or service a thermal expansion tank.
What to do: See "Closed System/Thermal Expansion" section
DRIP FROM TEMPERATURE & PRESSURE RELIEF VALVE (Warning: Do not plug or cap T&P discharge pipe.)
Likely cause: Non-functioning Temperature & Pressure Relief Valve
What to do: Replace the Temperature & Pressure Relief Valve
OTHER
Likely cause: The water heater does not immediately start
What to do: When first started the water heater takes about 8 minutes to complete a diagnostic routine
OTHER
Likely cause: The heat pump does not run in Efficiency mode.
What to do: Contact a qualified person for service
Owner maintenance
routine preventive maintenance (visual inspection)
How often: at least monthly
Air filter (remove and inspect, clean if needed, and reinstall); condensate drain pan and condensate lines; the lower metal drain pan for standing water (may indicate a clogged condensate drain pan, condensate lines, or plumbing leak); leaking or damaged water piping; presence of corrosive materials; presence of combustible materials near the water heater. If you lack the necessary skills, get help from a qualified person.
clean air filter
How often: at least monthly inspection
Press the power button to place the water heater in Standby Mode and turn off power at the circuit breaker/fuse box. Locate the screw securing the filter panel to the heat pump shroud and loosen it. Remove (slide) the filter from the unit. To clean the filter use a vacuum with a hose attachment to remove any dust or debris. Place the new or cleaned filter into the water heater and secure it with the screw. Restore power and press the power button (the unit runs a system diagnostic).
condensate drain pan and lines
How often: at least monthly inspection
Place in Standby Mode and shut off power at the circuit breaker/fuse box. Remove the access panel (fan side). Check the condensate drain pan and drain lines for dirt or debris; wipe out with a damp cloth. Secure the access panel. Restore power and press the power button.
T&P relief valve
How often: at least once a year
Standing clear of the outlet (discharged water may be hot), slowly lift and release the lever handle. If the valve fails to completely reset and continues to release water, immediately disconnect the electrical power, close the cold water inlet valve and call a qualified person.
drain and flush tank
How often: every 6 months
Place the water heater in Standby Mode with the power button. Turn off the power at the circuit breaker/fuse box. Open a nearby hot water faucet until the water is no longer hot. Close the cold water inlet valve. Connect a hose to the drain valve and terminate it to an adequate drain or external to the building. Open the drain valve and drain; flush as needed to remove sediment. Close the drain valve, refill, and restart. Do not turn on power unless the tank is completely filled with water.
anode (powered anode)
How often: should not need to be replaced under normal operating conditions
Non-sacrificial powered anode; operates only when electrical power is applied. If it malfunctions it should be replaced by a qualified technician. Do not shut off power to the unit for extended periods; if power must be turned off for an extended period, drain the tank completely (pg. 14).