Error code · Cooktop

Whirlpool Smoothtop Cooktop Code F42 Is a Power Control Board Message

Medium · inspection needed

Code: F42
Appliance: Cooktop
Brand: Whirlpool
Warranty: 30-day workmanship

What F42 means

An F42 shows on an older Whirlpool electric radiant smoothtop cooktop when the control reports a problem on the power side. The reset instructions for it point to the cooktop power control board or its wiring, and nothing else. You will see F42 on the display, and the cooking areas may stay cold. This is an older style of code that we still see in Houston kitchens.

Common causes of F42

The cooktop power control board
The wiring connected to that board
A temporary electrical event cleared by cycling power

✓ One safe check you can try

1. Make sure every control is off. 2. Flip the cooktop's breaker off and wait one minute. 3. Turn the breaker back on. 4. Look at the readout for a minute to see if F42 returns. 5. If it stays clear, test the cooking areas one at a time. If it returns, leave the cooktop off.

! Why to stop there

The code names a board and wiring, but it cannot show which one is the real cause.
We inspect the connections and test the power board before suggesting a part.
On an older cooktop we say plainly when a repair is not worth it, and the price is written before work.

Opening a panel yourself does not automatically cancel a manufacturer warranty, but it can cause accidental damage, and some manufacturers set their own service conditions. Check your warranty terms, or ask us, before deciding.

→Same appliance

Other Cooktop codes

Indicator or Hot Light OnWhirlpool Smoothtop Cooktop Hot Light On: Control Still on or Glass Still Hot LockWhirlpool Smoothtop Cooktop Lock: Control Lock Is on Performance Boost FlashingWhirlpool Induction Cooktop Performance Boost Flashing: Zone Limited Power Level Lower Than Level RequestedWhirlpool Induction Cooktop Power Level Lower Than Requested, a Power Limit at Work U-uWhirlpool Induction Cooktop U-u: No Suitable Pan Detected FC E1Whirlpool Cooktop Code FC E1: Touchpad Message FC E4Whirlpool Cooktop Code FC E4: Harness to the Touchpad FC LFWhirlpool Cooktop Code FC LF: Left Front Element Circuit

F42F42 questions

What is F42 on a Whirlpool cooktop?

It is a control code tied to the power control board or its wiring. The maker's only instruction is to cut power at the breaker for a minute and watch whether it comes back.

Can I keep cooking if F42 clears?

If the code stays gone after the reset and the cooking areas heat normally, yes. Stop using it if F42 returns, and let us check the board and connections.

How long does an F42 repair take?

That depends on what the test finds. We diagnose first, give you a written price, and cover the work with our 30-day workmanship warranty.

Book a visit

Still seeing F42?

A technician diagnoses it on site and gives you the price in writing before any work starts.

(713) 589-6107