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Error code · Washer

Whirlpool Laundry Tower Washer Code FAE1: Remove the Shipping Bolts

FAE1 on the washer section of a Whirlpool laundry tower or stacked laundry center means the shipping bolts are still installed. Those bolts hold the drum steady during transport and must be removed before the first…

Low risk · DIY check OK
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Code
FAE1
Appliance
Washer
Brand
Whirlpool
Warranty
30-day workmanship

What FAE1 means

FAE1 on the washer section of a Whirlpool laundry tower or stacked laundry center means the shipping bolts are still installed. Those bolts hold the drum steady during transport and must be removed before the first cycle. With them in place, the drum cannot move freely and the control stops the cycle and shows the code. It is nearly always seen on a newly delivered or newly moved unit, and the fix is a matter of installation rather than repair.

Common causes of FAE1

  • Transport bolts left in the back of the washer after delivery
  • Packing blocks or foam not fully removed
  • Drum movement reading, if the bolts are confirmed out
✓ One safe check you can try

1. Unplug the washer before reaching behind it. 2. Find the shipping bolts and remove them as the installation instructions show, keeping the plugs for the openings. 3. Plug the washer in and unplug it again for 5 minutes to reset the control. 4. Run a short cycle. If FAE1 returns, schedule service.

! Why to stop there
  • If every bolt is out and the code stays, the drum movement reading becomes the question.
  • We check the drum and installation together, since a unit moved from another home may have been re-secured.
  • The price is written before work starts, and the work we do is covered by a 30-day workmanship warranty.
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.
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FAE1FAE1 questions
Where are the shipping bolts on a laundry tower washer?

They are at the back of the washer section, screwed through the cabinet into the drum support. The installation instructions show the count and positions for your unit.

Do I need to save the bolts?

Keep them if you may move the unit later, since they protect the drum in transit. The openings should be closed with the plugs that come with the installation hardware.

Can running the washer with the bolts in cause damage?

Yes, the drum is held rigid and the machine can shake hard. If it ran with the bolts installed, stop, remove them and tell us if you hear grinding.

Book a visit

Still unsure about FAE1?

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

(713) 589-6107