What to do now
Allow the correction routine if it is running safely, or redistribute the load when the washer has stopped and the dial is flashing.
Error code
Whirlpool Top Load HE Washer Error Ofb: Meaning, Safe Checks and Official Source
The washer load is out of balance and the machine may be trying to correct it. Allow the correction routine if it is running safely, or redistribute the load when the washer has stopped and the dial is flashing. Do not keep running the appliance if the code returns or a safety sign appears.
Applies to: Whirlpool top-load HE washer support article scope.Confidence HIGHLast verified 2026-07-23
Applies to
- Whirlpool top-load HE washers covered by the cited Product Help article
- Displayed code Ofb in that top-load scope
Region: United States. This page does not generalize the code to every Whirlpool washer.
What the code means
The washer has detected an out-of-balance load. Whirlpool says the washer may run a load-balance correction routine and advises loose, even loading around the washplate.
Confirmed: Whirlpool documents Ofb for top-load HE washers as an out-of-balance load, with load redistribution and cycle-selection guidance.
Can you keep using it?
Only after safe supply checks and only if the code clears.
When to stop
Stop using the washer if it walks, hits nearby objects, leaks, makes harsh mechanical noise, or remains unstable after load redistribution.
When to call a professional
Contact service if balanced loads still trigger Ofb or the washer vibrates violently despite proper loading.
Safe checks
- Wait until movement has stopped before opening the lid.
- Redistribute items loosely and evenly around the washplate.
- Avoid washing a single heavy item without balancing towels or similar items.
Confirmed by the manufacturer
- The load is out of balance.
- Single or wet heavy items can unbalance the washer.
- Oversized nonabsorbent items may require the Bulky/Sheets Deep Water Wash cycle.
Commonly associated with this fault
- Vibration during spinning is compatible with the out-of-balance condition described by Whirlpool.
Not confirmed for this exact model
- Suspension, leveling or drive failures are not confirmed by the cited Ofb row and should be diagnosed only if loading corrections do not help.
Reset instructions
If the dial is flashing and the washer has stopped, Whirlpool says to redistribute the load, close the lid and press START/PAUSE.
Try one corrected load restart. If Ofb returns with reasonable loading, stop repeating and check installation or service options.
Information to collect before calling service
Record the model label, load type, whether the dial was flashing, floor/leveling observations, and whether Ofb occurs only with bulky items.
Official source
For Whirlpool top-load HE washers, Ofb is documented as an out-of-balance load; the article says the washer may run a load-balance correction routine, then users can redistribute the load and press START/PAUSE when stopped.
- Source
- Whirlpool Product Help (A)
- Section
- Top-load article table
- Last checked
- 2026-07-21