Kenmore · Dryer
Kenmore Dryer F12 Error Code
Gas valve circuit fault
What this error means
F12 on Kenmore gas dryers means the gas valve circuit did not respond correctly. The burner will not ignite and clothes remain wet after a full cycle.
How F12 is detected
When F12 appears on a Kenmore dryer, the control board has confirmed that water did not leave the machine within the programmed drain window. On Kenmore 110.65132410, Kenmore 110.67822600, 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 F12 calls are resolved without parts: confirm the gas shutoff behind the dryer is fully open. 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 F12 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
- Gas supply valve behind the dryer turned off
- Failed gas valve coil not opening on heat call
- Open radiant flame sensor circuit
- Loose wire at the gas valve harness
Step-by-step fixes
- 1Confirm the gas shutoff behind the dryer is fully open
- 2Listen for valve coil click at heat start—silence means test coils
- 3Inspect the radiant sensor for soot coating
- 4Verify other gas appliances in the home work
When to call a technician
Gas valve and burner service requires a qualified technician—do not disassemble gas lines yourself.
Affected models
- Kenmore 110.65132410
- Kenmore 110.67822600
- Kenmore 110.60932990
Prevention & maintenance
- Clean drain filters and hose terminations monthly on high-use dryers to prevent F12 from lint and food debris buildup.
- Record when F12 appears in the cycle and whether it clears after a 60-second power reset on your Kenmore dryer—that detail speeds diagnosis if you call service.
- Keep the model and serial number from the rating plate when ordering parts for F12; Kenmore uses multiple revisions with different harness lengths and board firmware.
- Photograph wiring connector orientation before disconnecting any component while troubleshooting F12; reversed plugs on pumps and valves cause immediate repeat faults.