Kenmore · Washing Machine
Kenmore Washing Machine F11 Error Code
Communication fault between CCU and MCU
What this error means
F11 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.
How F11 is detected
When F11 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 F11 calls are resolved without parts: unplug and remove the top cover to access connectors labeled ms2 and m13 on the tech diagram. 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 F11 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
- Loose MS2(1,2,3) connector at the CCU after vibration
- Corroded pins on the M13 harness at the MCU
- Failed CCU serial driver chip
- Failed MCU not acknowledging CCU messages
Step-by-step fixes
- 1Unplug and remove the top cover to access connectors labeled MS2 and M13 on the tech diagram
- 2Remove and reseat both harness ends—squeeze female pin gaps if loose
- 3Power-cycle five minutes after reconnecting
- 4Run the same cycle that triggered F11 as a verification test
When to call a technician
F11 after reseating both harnesses usually requires CCU or MCU replacement—order by model suffix from the rating plate.
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 F11 from lint and food debris buildup.
- Record when F11 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 F11; Kenmore uses multiple revisions with different harness lengths and board firmware.
- Photograph wiring connector orientation before disconnecting any component while troubleshooting F11; reversed plugs on pumps and valves cause immediate repeat faults.