Kenmore · Washing Machine
Kenmore Washing Machine F6 Error Code
Door lock mechanism failed
What this error means
F6 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.
How F6 is detected
When F6 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 F6 calls are resolved without parts: pull fabric out of the gasket crease and press the door until it clicks. 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 F6 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
- Clothing trapped in the door boot fold
- Broken door tab that inserts into the lock receiver
- Failed door lock motor or wax motor
- Loose three-wire harness at the lock assembly
Step-by-step fixes
- 1Pull fabric out of the gasket crease and press the door until it clicks
- 2Inspect the door tab for cracks or wear
- 3Unplug, open the lower access panel, and reseat the lock harness
- 4Listen for lock motor buzz at cycle start—silence with F6 means replace the lock
When to call a technician
A new door lock with intact wiring that still shows F6 may indicate CCU lock driver failure.
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 F6 from lint and food debris buildup.
- Record when F6 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 F6; Kenmore uses multiple revisions with different harness lengths and board firmware.
- Photograph wiring connector orientation before disconnecting any component while troubleshooting F6; reversed plugs on pumps and valves cause immediate repeat faults.