Uh oh, is your Whirlpool dishwasher displaying the dreaded ‘drn’ error code? Don’t worry, this common issue simply means your appliance is having trouble effectively draining water. This isn’t usually a major disaster, and with a few simple checks, you can often get your dishwasher back to delivering sparkling clean dishes in no time.
Typical Faults Leading to the ‘drn’ Error
- Clogged filter assembly
- Obstructed or jammed drain pump impeller
- Kinked, bent, or internally blocked drain hose
- Malfunctioning drain pump (electrical or mechanical failure)
- Issues with the air gap (if installed) or garbage disposal connection
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Your Step-by-Step Solution
- Safety First: Prior to any inspection or repair, always ensure your Whirlpool dishwasher is completely unplugged from its power outlet to prevent electrical hazards.
- Inspect the Filter Assembly: Locate the filter at the bottom of the dishwasher tub. Remove it according to your owner’s manual instructions and thoroughly clean it of any food debris, grease, or foreign objects. Rinse it well under running water and reinstall it correctly.
- Check the Drain Hose: Gently pull your dishwasher out from its cabinet (if possible) and examine the drain hose that connects to your sink’s air gap or garbage disposal. Look for any visible kinks, tight bends, or blockages. Disconnect the hose from the sink/disposal side and check for internal obstructions.
- Access and Inspect the Drain Pump: This step requires a bit more effort. You’ll typically need to remove the lower access panel of your dishwasher. Once you can see the drain pump, carefully inspect the impeller area for any foreign objects – small pieces of glass, plastic, or hard food debris can often jam it.
- Test the Drain Pump Operation: If no physical obstructions are evident, the drain pump itself might be faulty. If you are comfortable using a multimeter, you can test for continuity. Alternatively, try to listen for the pump attempting to run during the drain cycle; a humming sound without water movement often indicates a jammed or failing pump motor.
- Reassemble and Test: After performing these checks and clearing any clogs or obstructions, carefully reassemble all components. Plug your dishwasher back into the power outlet and run a short wash cycle to verify that the ‘drn’ error has cleared and water drains properly.
If you’ve meticulously followed these steps and the ‘drn’ error continues to appear, it’s highly probable that the drain pump, filter, or even the drain hose requires replacement. Selecting the correct replacement part is essential for a lasting repair.
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