Kenmore washing machines are known for their reliability and efficiency, but like all appliances, they can occasionally run into issues. Fortunately, Kenmore washers are equipped with error codes that help users diagnose and troubleshoot problems without needing to call for professional service immediately. These codes can indicate a wide range of issues, from minor operational errors to more significant mechanical failures.
In this article, we’ll cover all possible Kenmore washing machine error codes. Whether you have a high-efficiency top loader or a front-loading model, this comprehensive guide is your one-stop solution for understanding, diagnosing, and fixing any error codes that might pop up.
Kenmore Washing Machine Error Codes
| Error Code | Meaning | Cause | Possible Fix |
|---|---|---|---|
| F0 E2 | Excessive suds | Too much or improper detergent | Use HE detergent and run a rinse cycle to remove suds |
| F0 E4 | High water temperature in rinse cycle | Water temperature is too high during rinse | Check water heater settings and inlet valves |
| F0 E5 | Unbalanced load | Load is unevenly distributed | Redistribute load and restart the cycle |
| F1 E1 | Main electronic control board failure | Control board malfunction | Reset the machine, replace the control board if error persists |
| F1 E2 | Motor control error on main electronic control board | Motor control failure | Reset the washer, replace the main control board |
| F2 E1 | Stuck key | Key on the control panel is stuck | Clean control panel or replace the user interface |
| F2 E3 | Mismatch of main control board and user interface | Communication error between control board and user interface | Inspect both boards and replace faulty components |
| F3 E1 | Water level pressure sensor fault | Water pressure sensor malfunction | Check pressure hose and sensor, replace if needed |
| F3 E2 | Inlet water temperature fault | Incorrect water temperature entering washer | Check hose connections, replace inlet valve if necessary |
| F5 E1 | Lid switch fault | Washer detects problem with lid switch | Inspect and replace the lid switch |
| F5 E2 | Lid lock fault | Lid cannot be locked | Check for blockages, replace lid lock assembly |
| F5 E3 | Lid unlock fault | Lid cannot be unlocked | Inspect and replace the lid lock mechanism |
| F5 E4 | Lid not opened between cycles | Lid was not opened after the previous cycle | Open the lid to clear the error |
| F7 E1 | Basket speed sensor fault | Speed sensor malfunction | Inspect and replace the speed sensor |
| F7 E5 | Shifter assembly fault | Shifter assembly malfunction | Inspect and replace the shifter assembly |
| F7 E6 | Motor fault | Motor malfunction | Test motor, replace if faulty |
| F7 E7 | Motor is unable to reach target RPM | Motor not reaching speed | Check motor and belt, replace faulty components |
| F8 E1 | Not filling or long fill time | Water is not entering the washer properly | Check water supply and hoses, clean inlet valves |
| F8 E3 | Overflow condition | Water level has exceeded safe limits | Inspect inlet valves and drain system, clear any blockages |
| F8 E5 | Hot & cold fill hoses reversed | Hot and cold hoses connected incorrectly | Connect hoses to correct water inlets |
| F9 E1 | Long drain time | Washer taking too long to drain | Check drain hose, pump, and filter for blockages |
| F01 | Main control board EEPROM error | EEPROM on control board is corrupted | Reset washer, replace control board if error persists |
| F11 | Motor control board failure | Motor control board malfunction | Replace motor control board |
| F20 | Not filling | Washer is not filling with water | Check water supply and hoses, replace inlet valves if necessary |
| F21 | Will not drain | Washer cannot drain water | Inspect and clean drain pump and filter |
| F22 | Door lock failure | Door lock is not functioning | Replace the door lock mechanism |
| F23 | Heating element failure | Heating element malfunction | Replace the heating element |
| F24 | Water temperature sensor error | Temperature sensor failure | Check and replace the temperature sensor |
| F25 | Drive motor tachometer error | Tachometer on drive motor malfunctioning | Inspect and replace the drive motor |
| F26 | Door switch error | Door switch malfunctioning | Replace the door switch |
| F27 | Overflow | Washer detected too much water | Inspect inlet valves and drain system, clear blockages |
| F28 | Communication error between main and motor control boards | Failure of communication between boards | Inspect connections, replace faulty boards |
| F29 | Door unlock error | Door cannot be unlocked | Inspect and replace the door lock mechanism |
| F30 | Dispenser system failure | Dispenser system malfunctioning | Check and clean the dispenser, replace parts if necessary |
| F31 | Motor control board failure | Motor control board malfunctioning | Replace motor control board |
| F33 | Pump drive system failure | Pump malfunctioning | Inspect and replace the pump |
| F34 | Door lock mechanism error | Door lock mechanism malfunctioning | Replace the door lock mechanism |
| rL | Load detected during clean washer cycle | Clothes are inside the washer during clean cycle | Remove clothes and restart the cycle |
| OU | Out of balance | Load is uneven or too large | Redistribute load and restart the cycle |
| Sd | Excessive suds | Too much or improper detergent | Use HE detergent and run a rinse cycle to remove suds |
How to Identify Kenmore Washing Machine Error Codes
Using the Display Panel
Kenmore washing machines with digital displays will show error codes directly on the panel when a problem occurs. These codes are typically alphanumeric and may flash or remain steady, depending on the nature of the error. Some models use a combination of flashing LEDs and beeps to signal an issue.
Entering Diagnostic Test Mode
For models without a digital display or if you need to recall stored error codes, you can enter diagnostic test mode. To do this, follow the instructions in your washer’s user manual or consult the manufacturer’s website for model-specific steps. Diagnostic mode will reveal any error codes stored in the machine’s memory, allowing you to address issues quickly.
Error Codes and Troubleshooting Guide
F0 Error Codes
F0 E2 – Excessive Suds
This error occurs when the washer detects an excess amount of suds, often caused by too much or improper detergent.
How to fix:
- Use high-efficiency (HE) detergent and ensure you’re using the correct amount.
- Run a rinse cycle to clear excess suds.
F0 E4 – High Water Temperature in the Rinse Cycle
This error indicates the water temperature during the rinse cycle is too high.
How to fix:
- Check the water heater settings and ensure the temperature isn’t set too high.
- Inspect the water inlet valves for malfunction.
F0 E5 – Unbalanced Load
The washer detects an unbalanced load, which can prevent the spin cycle from running correctly.
How to fix:
- Stop the washer, redistribute the laundry, and restart the cycle.
- Avoid washing large items that may throw the machine off balance.
F1 Error Codes
F1 E1 – Main Electronic Control Board Failure
This code indicates that the main electronic control board has malfunctioned.
How to fix:
- Unplug the washer for five minutes, then plug it back in to reset the system.
- If the error persists, the main electronic control board needs to be replaced.
F1 E2 – Motor Control Error on Main Electronic Control Board Failure
This error suggests a motor control issue on the main control board.
How to fix:
- Reset the washer by unplugging it.
- Replace the main control board if the error does not clear.
F2 Error Codes
F2 E1 – Stuck Key
A button on the control panel is stuck or not functioning properly.
How to fix:
- Clean the control panel to ensure there’s no dirt or debris causing the button to stick.
- Replace the user interface if necessary.
F2 E3 – Mismatch of Main Electronic Control Board and User Interface Control
This code indicates a communication error between the control board and the user interface.
How to fix:
- Inspect both the main control board and the user interface for any visible damage.
- Replace any faulty components.
F3 Error Codes
F3 E1 – Water Level Pressure Sensor Fault
This error points to a problem with the water level pressure sensor.
How to fix:
- Check the pressure hose for blockages or kinks.
- Replace the water level sensor if needed.
F3 E2 – Inlet Water Temperature Fault
The washer detects that the water temperature entering the machine is incorrect.
How to fix:
- Ensure that the hot and cold water hoses are connected correctly.
- Inspect and, if necessary, replace the inlet valve or temperature sensor.
F5 Error Codes
F5 E1 – Lid Switch Fault
The washer is detecting a problem with the lid switch, which may prevent the machine from starting a cycle.
How to fix:
- Inspect the lid switch and its wiring for damage.
- Replace the lid switch if faulty.
F5 E2 – Lid Lock Fault
This error indicates that the washer is unable to lock the lid.
How to fix:
- Check the lid lock mechanism for blockages or wear.
- Replace the lid lock assembly if necessary.
F5 E3 – Lid Unlock Fault
The washer is unable to unlock the lid after a cycle.
How to fix:
- Inspect the lid lock for obstructions or damage.
- Replace the lid lock mechanism if needed.
F5 E4 – Lid Not Opened Between Cycles
This error means the washer’s lid was not opened between cycles, which can prevent the machine from functioning properly.
How to fix:
- Ensure that the lid is opened after each cycle.
- This error should clear once the lid is opened and closed.
F7 Error Codes
F7 E1 – Basket Speed Sensor Fault
This code indicates a problem with the basket’s speed sensor.
How to fix:
- Inspect the basket and surrounding components for any blockages.
- Replace the speed sensor if it is damaged.
F7 E5 – Shifter Assembly Fault
The washer is experiencing a problem with the shifter assembly.
How to fix:
- Inspect the shifter assembly and replace any faulty components.
F7 E6 – Motor Fault
This error points to a malfunction in the washer’s motor.
How to fix:
- Test the motor and inspect the motor connections for continuity.
- Replace the motor if it fails testing.
F7 E7 – Motor Unable to Reach Target RPM
The motor is struggling to reach its designated speed during operation.
How to fix:
- Check the motor and belt for wear and replace any damaged parts.
F8 Error Codes
F8 E1 – Not Filling or Long Fill Time
The washer is not filling with water in a timely manner.
How to fix:
- Check the water supply and ensure that the water inlet valves are open.
- Inspect the hoses for kinks or blockages.
F8 E3 – Overflow Condition
This code means that the washer has detected an overflow of water.
How to fix:
- Inspect the water inlet valves and pressure sensor.
- Ensure that the drain system is not clogged.
F8 E5 – Hot & Cold Fill Hoses Reversed
The error occurs when the hot and cold fill hoses are installed incorrectly.
How to fix:
- Ensure that the hot water hose is connected to the hot water inlet and the cold hose to the cold inlet.
F9 Error Codes
F9 E1 – Long Drain Time
The washer is taking too long to drain, which may indicate a blockage in the drain system.
How to fix:
- Check the drain hose and pump for blockages or clogs.
- Clean the drain filter if necessary.
Other Common Error Codes
F01 – Main Control Board EEPROM Error
This error occurs when the EEPROM on the main control board is corrupted.
How to fix:
- Unplug the washer for five minutes and then restore power. If the error persists, replace the main control board.
F11 – Motor Control Board Failure
This code points to a failure in the motor control board.
How to fix:
- Test and replace the motor control board as needed.
F20 – Not Filling
The washer is not filling with water properly.
How to fix:
- Ensure the water supply is turned on and hoses are not kinked or blocked.
F21 – Will Not Drain
The washer is unable to drain the water from the tub.
How to fix:
- Inspect the drain pump and filter for any blockages and clean them out.
F22 – Door Lock Failure
The washer door lock is not engaging properly.
How to fix:
- Replace the door lock mechanism if faulty.
rL, OU – Load Inside the Washer During Clean Washer Cycle
These errors indicate that there are clothes inside the drum during the clean cycle.
How to fix:
- Remove clothes from the washer and restart the clean cycle.
Sd – Excessive Suds
The washer has detected an excessive amount of suds.
How to fix:
- Run a rinse cycle to remove the suds.
- Use the correct amount of HE detergent in future loads.
Conclusion
Kenmore washing machines come with a wide range of error codes to help diagnose problems and guide repairs. Understanding these codes can save you time and money by allowing you to troubleshoot and fix issues yourself. By addressing these codes as soon as they appear, you can ensure that your Kenmore washer continues to run smoothly for years to come.