Dehumidifier shows P1 and does not start dehumidifying

Note: On many Whirlpool dehumidifiers, P1 is an informational code indicating the unit is in defrost mode, not a failure.

Steps to handle P1:

• Check room temperature: Ensure the room is within the operating range (typically above 41°F / 5°C). In very cool basements, the unit may stay in defrost (P1) frequently.
• Allow defrost cycle to complete: Leave the unit plugged in and powered on. During P1, the compressor is off while the fan may run to melt ice. Once the coil warms, the unit should resume normal operation automatically.
• Inspect for heavy frost: If the evaporator is heavily iced, turn the unit off and let it thaw completely. Clean the air filter and ensure airflow is not restricted.
• Check evaporator thermistor: If P1 never clears even in a warm room, the coil sensor may be misreading. Inspect and test the evaporator thermistor as described under E2, and replace if out of range.

Test: After thawing and cleaning, run the unit in a moderate-temperature room and confirm that P1 appears only briefly during defrost and then clears.