Kenmore · Dishwasher
Kenmore Dishwasher F10 Error Code
Vent fan not operating
What this error means
F10 means the drying vent fan did not start when commanded. Kenmore dishwashers with a vent fan use it to pull moist air out during the dry phase—F10 leaves dishes wet and may trip related heat faults.
How F10 is detected
When F10 appears on a Kenmore dishwasher, the control board has confirmed that water did not leave the machine within the programmed drain window. On Kenmore 665.13223K901, Kenmore 665.17789K801, and similar variants, the drain pump runs for a fixed interval—often three to seven minutes on washers and dishwashers—while a pressure switch or turbidity sensor verifies the tub or sump is empty. If water remains, the cycle stops to prevent spin with a full tub or overflow on the next fill.
Most F10 calls are resolved without parts: remove the vent grille on the door and inspect the fan blade. Restricted drain paths mimic pump failure because the impeller spins against a blocked hose or filter. Document whether the pump hums audibly during the drain step; a humming pump with no water movement points to a clogged filter or kinked hose, while silence may indicate a failed pump motor or loose wiring at the harness.
After clearing blockages, run a short cycle and listen at the drain hose for steady water flow. If F10 returns on the next load with a clean filter and straight hose, measure resistance at the pump motor connector per the service manual for your model before ordering a replacement pump assembly.
Common causes
- Lint or debris blocking the vent fan blade
- Failed vent fan motor winding
- Loose connector at the vent assembly in the door
- Stuck vent door flap preventing fan airflow
Step-by-step fixes
- 1Remove the vent grille on the door and inspect the fan blade
- 2Spin the fan by hand when power is off—it should rotate freely
- 3Reseat the vent fan harness behind the inner door panel
- 4Run a heated dry cycle and listen for fan start within 30 seconds
When to call a technician
Fan motor that won't run with good voltage at the connector needs vent assembly replacement.
Affected models
- Kenmore 665.13223K901
- Kenmore 665.17789K801
- Kenmore 665.14703N510
Prevention & maintenance
- Clean drain filters and hose terminations monthly on high-use dishwashers to prevent F10 from lint and food debris buildup.
- Record when F10 appears in the cycle and whether it clears after a 60-second power reset on your Kenmore dishwasher—that detail speeds diagnosis if you call service.
- Keep the model and serial number from the rating plate when ordering parts for F10; Kenmore uses multiple revisions with different harness lengths and board firmware.
- Photograph wiring connector orientation before disconnecting any component while troubleshooting F10; reversed plugs on pumps and valves cause immediate repeat faults.