Kenmore · Washing Machine
Kenmore Washing Machine F3 Error Code
Pressure sensor circuit shorted
What this error means
F3 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.
How F3 is detected
When F3 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 F3 calls are resolved without parts: remove the pressure hose and blow through it to confirm it is open. 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 F3 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
- Pressure hose pushed too far onto the CCU stem causing an air leak
- Water trapped inside the clear pressure tube from a prior overflow
- Pinched hose between the tub ring and cabinet
- Failed pressure transducer integrated into the CCU
Step-by-step fixes
- 1Remove the pressure hose and blow through it to confirm it is open
- 2Reattach with a snug fit without bottoming the hose on the board stem
- 3Inspect the tub air dome port for detergent crust
- 4Run a short fill cycle and listen for normal water level changes
When to call a technician
A clear, intact hose with recurring F3 during normal fill requires CCU replacement—the transducer is not field-serviceable.
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 F3 from lint and food debris buildup.
- Record when F3 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 F3; Kenmore uses multiple revisions with different harness lengths and board firmware.
- Photograph wiring connector orientation before disconnecting any component while troubleshooting F3; reversed plugs on pumps and valves cause immediate repeat faults.