Kenmore Washing Machine Error Codes
Kenmore HE washers (often Whirlpool-built) use F21, F11 CCU-MCU comm, and F35 analog pressure sensor codes on 110.4xxx and 110.5xxx models.
General troubleshooting
Try these checks before opening a specific error code page—they resolve many Kenmore washing machine faults without parts.
- 1Clean drain pump filter on front-access models
- 2Reseat MS2 and M13 connectors if F11 appears
- 3Use HE detergent only
- 4Check supply hose screens for F35 fill issues
- 5Unplug two minutes to reset CCU
Common symptoms
Owners often search for a code after noticing one of these issues on their Kenmore washing machine:
- F21 drain fault on 110.47511701 front-loaders
- F11 communication between CCU and MCU
- F35 pressure sensor fault at fill
- Sd suds lockout
- Oversudsing with wrong detergent
All Kenmore washing machine error codes
| Code | What it means | Guide |
|---|---|---|
| F10 | Motor control EEPROM failureF10 means the Motor Control Unit failed its EEPROM memory check. Drive commands from the CCU are ignored until the MCU resets or is replaced. | View fix → |
| F11 | Communication fault between CCU and MCUF11 is the most common Kenmore HE4t and HE5t fault—it means serial data between the Central Control Unit and Motor Control Unit was lost. Rinse and spin may stop mid-cycle when the boards cannot exchange motor commands. | View fix → |
| F12 | Dispenser motor cannot reach latch positionF12 means the detergent dispenser motor could not drive the diverter cam to the commanded position. Auto-dispense cycles on Kenmore HE models may skip bleach or fabric-softener steps. | View fix → |
| F13 | Dispenser motor current out of rangeF13 means the CCU measured abnormal current from the dispenser motor—either too high from a mechanical stall or too low from an open winding. | View fix → |
| F14 | Central control EEPROM errorF14 means the Central Control Unit detected a corrupted EEPROM or memory verification failure. Cycle parameters cannot be stored reliably until the board is reset or replaced. | View fix → |
| F15 | CCU internal memory check failedF15 is a secondary CCU memory fault on some Kenmore HE platforms—the control cannot pass its startup integrity check and may flash F15 before any cycle will start. | View fix → |
| F16 | Door lock cannot lock or unlockF16 means the door lock mechanism failed to complete a lock or unlock cycle. The CCU commanded the latch but did not receive the expected position feedback within the timeout window. | View fix → |
| F2 | Stuck button on the user interfaceF2 on Kenmore Elite HE front-load washers (110.41382, 110.41952 series) means the Central Control Unit sees a user-interface button held down. The washer will not accept cycle changes until the stuck key clears. | View fix → |
| F21 | Drain cycle exceeded time limitF21 on Kenmore front-load washers is the long-drain fault inherited from Whirlpool Duet platform—the drain pump ran longer than about eight minutes without emptying the tub. The washer pauses and locks the door until water is removed. | View fix → |
| F3 | Pressure sensor circuit shortedF3 means the Suds Control Circuit or pressure transducer on the Central Control Unit reads a short. Water level detection fails and the washer may stop fill or drain steps immediately. | View fix → |
| F4 | Pressure switch stuck during drainF4 appears when the pressure switch does not release during the drain portion of a cycle. The CCU still sees tub water when the drain pump should have emptied the drum. | View fix → |
| F5 | Water temperature sensor out of rangeF5 means the water temperature sensor (NTC) on Kenmore HE washers reported a value outside the expected range during the water heating step. Heated cycles may abort before reaching target temperature. | View fix → |
| F6 | Door lock mechanism failedF6 means the door lock assembly could not achieve a locked position after multiple attempts. Kenmore HE front-loaders block fill and spin until the latch confirms the door is secure. | View fix → |
| F7 | Motor control processor faultF7 means the Motor Control Unit detected an internal processor fault. The drive system stops and the drum will not agitate or spin until the MCU resets or is replaced. | View fix → |
| F8 | Water inlet valve stuck open or closedF8 means the CCU detected a water inlet valve that would not close or would not open on command. Fill may stop mid-cycle or continue when the washer is powered off. | View fix → |
| F9 | Overflow water level detectedF9 reports an overflow condition on Kenmore HE front-load washers. The pressure switch sees tub water above the safe fill level and the drain pump may run continuously while the cycle halts. | View fix → |
16 codes documented with causes, fixes, and affected models.