Kenmore · Washing Machine
Kenmore Washing Machine F10 Error Code
Motor control EEPROM failure
What this error means
F10 means the Motor Control Unit failed its EEPROM memory check. Drive commands from the CCU are ignored until the MCU resets or is replaced.
How F10 is detected
When F10 appears on a Kenmore washing machine, the control board has confirmed that water did not leave the machine within the programmed drain window. On Kenmore Elite 41382 31102, Kenmore Elite 41952 99111, 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: unplug the washer for five minutes. 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
- Lightning surge through the laundry circuit
- Loose MS2 communication harness after moving the washer
- MCU board moisture from a vent leak
- Corrupted EEPROM on the motor control assembly
Step-by-step fixes
- 1Unplug the washer for five minutes
- 2Reseat the MS2 connector at both CCU and MCU ends
- 3Inspect MCU for swollen capacitors or burnt traces
- 4Run a short spin after power returns as a board test
When to call a technician
F10 that returns immediately after power-up requires a new Motor Control Unit with matching part number.
Affected models
- Kenmore Elite 41382 31102
- Kenmore Elite 41952 99111
- Kenmore 22202 90002
Prevention & maintenance
- Clean drain filters and hose terminations monthly on high-use washing machines 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 washing machine—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.