FAQ
TL;DR: Whirlpool AWO/C 61010 error F12 points to the heater circuit. There are 5 checks, and “F12 Heater circuit failure” is the key clue. Start diagnosis at the control‑board heater relay. [Elektroda, Piotr2608, post #16936414]
Why it matters: This FAQ helps DIYers quickly confirm an F12 heater‑circuit fault and fix no‑start/overheating without replacing good parts.
Quick Facts
- Meaning: F12 = heater circuit fault detected by the main controller; inspect element, insulation, wiring, and control board. [Elektroda, Piotr2608, post #16936414]
- Proven fix: Replacing the control‑board heater relay restored normal operation for the thread’s case. [Elektroda, Snatch84, post #16944055]
- Relay location: On the main module (programmer), typically near the 4‑pin heater connector; rectangular package. [Elektroda, Piotr2608, post #16936714]
- Relay pin count: The heater relay is a 6‑pin device on the PCB. [Elektroda, zhudomel, post #16936757]
- Not the cause: Dusty diodes or the LNK304PN switcher aren’t responsible for the heater switching. [Elektroda, zhudomel, post #16936696]
What does Whirlpool error F12 actually mean?
F12 means the control unit detected a heater circuit fault. Check the element continuity, insulation to earth, resistance, harness/connectors, and the controller. These five checks isolate shorts, open circuits, or control faults that prevent safe heating and program start. [Elektroda, Piotr2608, post #16936414]
Why did my washer nearly boil water before showing F12?
A stuck ("glued") heater relay can hold the heater on, overheating water, then triggering F12. Pull the programmer (control module) and start diagnostics at the heater relay. Replace it if contacts are welded or the relay is shorted. “Start with the heater relay.” [Elektroda, Piotr2608, post #16936388]
What solved the issue in the forum thread?
The owner replaced the heater relay on the control board. After refitting the module, the washer started and completed cycles normally. This confirms a control‑side switching failure rather than a bad element or sensor. [Elektroda, Snatch84, post #16944055]
Where is the heater relay and how do I recognize it?
It sits on the main control module (“programmer”). Look for a rectangular relay near the heater’s 4‑pin board connector. Photograph the board before work to note orientation. Comparable relays share similar footprints across Whirlpool modules. [Elektroda, Piotr2608, post #16936714]
Does the LNK304PN chip control the heater?
No. The LNK304PN is part of the low‑voltage power supply. Dusty or darkened diodes nearby often just need cleaning. Heater switching is handled by the dedicated relay, not the LNK304PN. “Not smoked, only dusty; vacuum.” [Elektroda, zhudomel, post #16936696]
How many pins does the heater relay have on this board?
Six. When desoldering, expect six through‑hole pins for the relay package. Clear all solder fully to avoid pad lift and ensure a flush replacement. [Elektroda, zhudomel, post #16936757]
What measurements should I take to confirm F12 causes?
Perform five checks: element continuity, insulation to earth, resistance value, wiring/connectors from element to controller, and controller output. These measurements separate load faults from control faults quickly. [Elektroda, Piotr2608, post #16936414]
How do I replace the heater relay (3 steps)?
- Isolate power, remove the programmer, and photograph the board.
- Desolder the 6‑pin heater relay and clean through‑holes.
- Fit an equivalent relay, solder, inspect joints, reassemble, and test.
“Start by changing the relay once it boils water.” [Elektroda, zibi1971, post #16936698]
Should I replace the temperature sensor or heater first for F12?
If water overheats, suspect a stuck heater relay before replacing sensors. A welded relay can power a good heater continuously. Begin at the module and verify the relay contacts and drive. [Elektroda, Piotr2608, post #16936388]
How do I check heater supply voltage safely?
Measure AC supply at the heater terminals during a heat phase, using insulated probes and proper PPE. Unexpected live voltage with the relay commanded off indicates a stuck relay. Work only on isolated equipment. [Elektroda, irek19, post #16936340]
What does a “glued” relay mean in this context?
“Glued” means the relay contacts are welded or stuck closed. The heater remains powered regardless of controller commands, causing overheating and F12. Replacement is the remedy. [Elektroda, Piotr2608, post #16936388]
I replaced the heater and sensor, but F12 remains—what now?
That happens when the control‑board relay is the true fault. Replacing good load‑side parts will not clear F12 if the relay contacts are stuck or the relay drive fails. [Elektroda, Snatch84, post #16936059]
Is the heater connector really 4‑pin while the relay is 6‑pin?
Yes. The heater harness uses a 4‑pin board connector, while the heater relay on the PCB uses 6 pins. Do not confuse the two when tracing the circuit. [Elektroda, Piotr2608, post #16936765]
but yesterday a friend was traveling from Poland, he already bought it for me in the store today, I set up a washing machine and hula 
thank you all for your help. 
