Kenmore · Dishwasher
Kenmore Dishwasher F2 Error Code
Leak detected in base pan
What this error means
F2 on Whirlpool-built Kenmore dishwashers (665.xxxxx) means water reached the base pan and tripped the anti-flood float switch. The control stops filling and may run the drain pump continuously.
How F2 is detected
When F2 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 F2 calls are resolved without parts: turn off power and water, then tilt the unit forward slightly to check the base pan. 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 F2 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
- Torn or compressed door gasket letting spray escape
- Loose drain hose clamp dripping into the pan
- Regular dish soap instead of automatic detergent causing suds overflow
- Worn tub seal at the pump allowing wash water to leak down
Step-by-step fixes
- 1Turn off power and water, then tilt the unit forward slightly to check the base pan
- 2Soak up water with towels and dry the pan completely
- 3Inspect the door gasket for tears—replace WPW10300924 if damaged
- 4Run a cycle while watching underneath for the active leak point
When to call a technician
Persistent internal leaks from pump seals or tub welds require pulling the dishwasher for component access.
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 F2 from lint and food debris buildup.
- Record when F2 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 F2; Kenmore uses multiple revisions with different harness lengths and board firmware.
- Photograph wiring connector orientation before disconnecting any component while troubleshooting F2; reversed plugs on pumps and valves cause immediate repeat faults.