Kenmore · Washing Machine
Kenmore Washing Machine F13 Error Code
Dispenser motor current out of range
What this error means
F13 means the CCU measured abnormal current from the dispenser motor—either too high from a mechanical stall or too low from an open winding.
How F13 is detected
When F13 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 F13 calls are resolved without parts: clean hardened detergent from the drawer tracks and rear inlet ports. 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 F13 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
- Detergent buildup binding the dispenser cam
- Foreign object jammed in the dispenser housing
- Shorted dispenser motor winding
- Open wire in the dispenser circuit
Step-by-step fixes
- 1Clean hardened detergent from the drawer tracks and rear inlet ports
- 2Manually rotate the dispenser cam—it should move without grinding
- 3Inspect the motor harness for pinched wires at the top panel hinge
- 4Replace the dispenser motor if the cam is free but F13 persists
When to call a technician
New dispenser motor with immediate F13 may indicate a CCU current sense fault.
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 F13 from lint and food debris buildup.
- Record when F13 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 F13; Kenmore uses multiple revisions with different harness lengths and board firmware.
- Photograph wiring connector orientation before disconnecting any component while troubleshooting F13; reversed plugs on pumps and valves cause immediate repeat faults.