Kenmore · Washing Machine
Kenmore Washing Machine F9 Error Code
Overflow water level detected
What this error means
F9 reports an overflow condition on Kenmore HE front-load washers. The pressure switch sees tub water above the safe fill level and the drain pump may run continuously while the cycle halts.
How F9 is detected
When F9 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 F9 calls are resolved without parts: turn off hot and cold supply valves behind the washer. 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 F9 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 stuck open filling when the washer is off
- Pressure switch air dome hose cracked or disconnected
- Drain pump unable to remove water during a fill phase
- Excess suds from non-HE detergent raising perceived water level
Step-by-step fixes
- 1Turn off hot and cold supply valves behind the washer
- 2Inspect the clear pressure hose from the tub dome to the CCU
- 3Run Drain/Spin only with water supply off until F9 clears
- 4Switch to HE detergent at the lowest marked dose if suds were visible
When to call a technician
F9 with a tub that fills while unplugged requires inlet valve replacement before any further use.
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 F9 from lint and food debris buildup.
- Record when F9 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 F9; Kenmore uses multiple revisions with different harness lengths and board firmware.
- Photograph wiring connector orientation before disconnecting any component while troubleshooting F9; reversed plugs on pumps and valves cause immediate repeat faults.