What should I do if my Whirlpool Hybrid Electric Heat Pump Water Heater displays the “ELC” error code?

CAUTION: Before attempting any corrective actions, ensure the power to the water heater is turned off at the circuit breaker/fuse box to ensure your safety.

INDICATES: The lower element is not functioning.

Possible Cause: There’s a loose connection at the element.

What To Do: Turn off power at the circuit breaker/fuse box and check for a loose connection at the element. For directions on how to access the element, refer to the “Heating Element Replacement” below. If the error persists after checking, proceed to the next step.

Possible Cause: The element itself is non-functioning.

What To Do: Replace the non-functioning element. For detailed instructions, see the “Heating Element Replacement” section in the manual.

Heating Element Replacement

Changing the Heating Part WARNING! Danger of Electric Shock

• Always turn off the power before you start.
• Put everything back in place before turning it on.
• If you don’t, you could get hurt or shocked.

Make sure you get the same kind of heating part that was in your water heater. You can find this info on the part itself or on a label on the water heater.

IMPORTANT:

• Check that you have the right heating part. Your water heater uses two 4500-watt parts. Don’t use a different kind.
• If you use a part that’s more than 4500 watts, it will break the water heater and the warranty won’t cover it.

Steps:

1. Turn off the power to the water heater.
2. Empty the water heater. Look at the “Draining and Flushing” section for help.
3. Open the small door on the water heater and remove the white fluffy thing.
4. Take off the plastic cover over the heating parts.
5. Take off the wires from the heating part. You’ll need to loosen some screws. Then, unscrew the heating part using a big wrench. Remove the rubber ring too.
6. Clean the spot where the rubber ring goes. If you’re changing the bottom part, clean out any dirt at the bottom.
7. Make sure the new heating part is the right kind. Put the new rubber ring on it and screw it into the water heater. Use some soapy water on the rubber ring to make it slide in easier. Tighten it well.
8. Close the water drain. Turn on a hot water tap. Then, turn on the cold water to fill the tank. Let the tap run for 3 minutes to get rid of any air or dirt.
9. Look for any water leaks around the new part.
10. Connect the wires back to the heating part and tighten the screws.
11. Put the plastic cover back on.
12. Put the white fluffy thing and the small door back in place.
13. Make sure the tank is full of water before turning the power back on.
14. Turn on the power at the main power box.
15. Set the water temperature you want.

NOTE: The water heater will check itself for about 8 minutes before it starts working.

If you’re unable to resolve the issue or feel uncomfortable performing these steps, please contact customer service at 1-877-817-6750 for further assistance.