Kenmore · Washing Machine
Kenmore Washing Machine F8 Error Code
Water inlet valve stuck open or closed
What this error means
F8 means the CCU detected a water inlet valve that would not close or would not open on command. Fill may stop mid-cycle or continue when the washer is powered off.
How F8 is detected
When F8 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 F8 calls are resolved without parts: shut off hot and cold taps behind the washer immediately if tub fills when off. 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 F8 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
- Inlet valve solenoid stuck open from mineral buildup
- Failed valve not opening when commanded to fill
- Loose spade connectors at the dual inlet valve
- CCU relay welded on the water valve circuit
Step-by-step fixes
- 1Shut off hot and cold taps behind the washer immediately if tub fills when off
- 2Unplug and confirm whether water still enters the drum with power removed
- 3Inspect valve wire terminals for corrosion
- 4Replace the dual inlet valve if water flows with the unit unplugged
When to call a technician
Call service before running another fill cycle if the tub fills while unplugged—both solenoids are stuck open.
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 F8 from lint and food debris buildup.
- Record when F8 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 F8; Kenmore uses multiple revisions with different harness lengths and board firmware.
- Photograph wiring connector orientation before disconnecting any component while troubleshooting F8; reversed plugs on pumps and valves cause immediate repeat faults.