Display shows ERR2 and unit stops mid-regeneration
Safety Warning
This repair may involve working with high voltage components or water connections. Always unplug the appliance before removing any panels.
If you are not confident in your ability to perform this repair safely, we strongly recommend contacting a professional technician.
Possible Causes
How to Fix / Troubleshooting
Safety first: Disconnect power and place the softener in bypass before opening any brine or valve components.
Steps to check:
- 1. Inspect brine line: Follow the brine line from the control valve to the brine well in the salt tank. Check for kinks, cracks, or blockages. Remove the line and blow through it; replace if restricted.
- 2. Clean the venturi/injector: On Whirlpool softeners, the venturi assembly is typically under a cap on the control valve. Remove the cap, screens, and nozzle/venturi. Soak parts in warm water with a small amount of vinegar to dissolve iron or scale. Rinse thoroughly and reassemble in the correct order.
- 3. Check brine valve operation: Locate the brine valve or brine solenoid on the valve body. With power restored, start a manual regeneration and listen/feel for the valve clicking or opening during brine draw. If there is no operation, unplug and test the solenoid coil for continuity. Replace the brine valve assembly if open or mechanically stuck.
- 4. Verify brine flow: During brine draw, the water level in the brine well should drop. If it does not, recheck for obstructions in the brine valve, float assembly, and brine line.
When to call a technician: If ERR2 persists after cleaning and replacing obvious faulty parts, the control valve body or main control board may be defective and should be serviced by a professional.
Repair Difficulty
Required Part
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