Whirlpool · Dryer Moderate

AF — Airflow Restriction

AF (Air Flow) warns that the dryer detected restricted exhaust airflow. It is a venting warning, not a part failure.

Keep using it?
Yes, with caution
DIY difficulty
Easy
Typical cost
$15-30
Verified against
producthelp.whirlpool.com ↗

The fix

Dryer vent cleaning kit

Restricted airflow

$15-30 easy difficulty 30 min Tools: screwdriver

Diagnose first: Clean the entire vent line from dryer to exterior wall — not just the lint screen. AF often follows years of skipped vent cleaning and is a fire risk.

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How to fix it

  1. Clean the lint filter (wash it if it has softener film).
  2. Clean the vent hose and the full wall-duct run.
  3. Clear the exterior vent flap of lint.

Why it happens

Typical signs: Long dry times · Clothes still damp · AF on the display

  • Clogged lint filter Clean it every load; fabric-softener film also chokes airflow.
  • Blocked vent run Lint in the vent hose, wall duct, or exterior flap.

Related repair guides

Dryer Smells Like Burning — Stop and Check This →Dryer Stops Mid-Cycle or Shuts Off Before Dry →Dryer Takes Too Long to Dry Clothes — Fixes →

More Whirlpool dryer codes

E1 E1 — Exhaust Thermistor Open/Shorted E2 E2 — Outlet (Exhaust) Thermistor Shorted Err Err — Door Not Fully Closed F01 F01 — Main electronic control board failure F02 F02 — User Interface / Keypad Failure F1E1 F1E1 — Stuck Motor Relay on Main Control

All Whirlpool codes → All dryer codes →

Always unplug an appliance before servicing it. This guide is for informational purposes and is not a substitute for a qualified technician. Verified against manufacturer documentation: producthelp.whirlpool.com.