Kenmore · Oven
Kenmore Oven F16 Error Code
Communication error between ERC and UI
What this error means
F16 specifically flags lost serial communication between the display UI and the ERC—common after replacing only one of the two assemblies on Kenmore ranges.
How F16 is detected
When F16 appears on a Kenmore oven, the control board has confirmed that water did not leave the machine within the programmed drain window. On Kenmore Elite 790.75903, Kenmore 790.46187300, 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 F16 calls are resolved without parts: compare part numbers on ui and erc before mixing boards. 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 F16 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
- Partial board replacement with incompatible firmware
- Cut ribbon cable during console removal
- Corrosion on low-voltage comm pins
- Failed ERC UART output driver
Step-by-step fixes
- 1Compare part numbers on UI and ERC before mixing boards
- 2Replace the ribbon if creased or torn
- 3Run a keypad test through service mode if available
- 4Power-cycle after any harness work
When to call a technician
Order UI and ERC together using model and serial when F16 follows a single-board swap.
Affected models
- Kenmore Elite 790.75903
- Kenmore 790.46187300
- Kenmore 790.72409410
Prevention & maintenance
- Clean drain filters and hose terminations monthly on high-use ovens to prevent F16 from lint and food debris buildup.
- Record when F16 appears in the cycle and whether it clears after a 60-second power reset on your Kenmore oven—that detail speeds diagnosis if you call service.
- Keep the model and serial number from the rating plate when ordering parts for F16; Kenmore uses multiple revisions with different harness lengths and board firmware.
- Photograph wiring connector orientation before disconnecting any component while troubleshooting F16; reversed plugs on pumps and valves cause immediate repeat faults.