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How can I fix my kenmore washer?

My kenmore washer wont drain. How can I find out why?

Rachel Schriner
October 2006
The manual describes how to run online test sequence diagnostics by pushing certain buttons on the control panel. I didn't take the time because I was certain the hose was clogged, but if I hadn't been so sure, I would have gone through all the various diagnostics available. I'm trying to scan and ocr the Dx page now...here's the online test sequences. Sorry, the pages were a little wet and the OCR wizard did its best:
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Membrane Keypad Test
To activate, unplug power cord and reconnect Press and hold TEMPS and STOP keypads simultaneously at least 2-3 seconds within 10 seconds of power up. Test Sequence:
Press each keypad (CYCLES, TEMPS, SPEED, OPTIONS etc.) seoaratelv to verify each keypad functions and all the LEDs for the selection light up
Press START to verify Display readouts are functional
Proceed to functional "On Line Tesf' below
On Line Test Sequence
This is a functional test for the washer. After first pressing Stop, each successive press of the Start keypad advances the test as noted:
Press STOP to begin test for hot water operation (H appears in display alternating with numerical value from sensor, water enters, tub rotates)
Press Start to test for cold water operation (C appears in display alternating with numerical value from sensor, water enters, tub rotates)
Press Start to test for warm water operation (HC appears in display alternating with numerical value from sensor, water enters, tub rotates)
Press Start to test for water to bleach chamber (bL appears is display, water enters)
Press Start to test for water to fabric softener chamber (FA appears in display, water enters)
Press Start for internal release of door, factory use onlv (dr appears in display, water stops)
Press Start to test for agitation and warm water (HC appears in display, water enters until pressure switch is satisfied, tub rotates in agitation)
Press Start to test for final spin (FS appears in display, pumpout begins and tub begins start of spin cycle, first with load-balancing phase then begins spin after about I \4 minutes)
,. _.: Press STOP then START to repeat the On Line Test sequence
To exit test mode, press CYCLES and STOP simultaneously. Washer will be reset for regular operation. Press STOP again to turn off machine.


Fault Code Handlinl! / .
For Fault Codes FOI, F03, F04, and F05, the Fault Code is displayed and the washer cycle is stopped. To attempt to clear the Fault, press STOP, select a cycle and press Start. If the Fault code cannot be cleared. there is a problem with
the washer and it needs serviced. ~
IfF02 fault is encountered, the Fault Code is flashed on the display until the next cycle is run or until the Fault is
cleared. In both cases, the.washer will continue to operate. . ,
Fault Code Definitions
FOl- This fault is for an internal to the control fault condition. Something bas happened'in the internal operation of the control. This type of fault could be temporary or permanent. If this fault occurs, the control will stop the washer and display FOI.
1t'F0 I fault is encountered, unplug machine for a few seconds then re-connect power. Select a wash cycle and operate. IfFOI re-displays, replace the control as there is likely an internal problem in the board. If the cycle performs without displaying FOI, the fault was temporary, no repair is required at this time.

Fault Code Definitions
FOl- This fault is for an internal to the control fault condition. Something bas happened'in the internal operation of the control. This type of fault could be temporary or permanent. If this fault occurs, the control will stop the washer and display FOI.
1t'F0 I fault is encountered, unplug machine for a few seconds then re-connect power. Select a wash cycle and operate. IfFOI re-displays, replace the control as there is likely an internal problem in the board. If the cycle performs without displaying FOI, the fault was temporary, no repair is required at this time.


Washer Tech Data Sheet
This information is intended for Oualified Technicians.. Only.
CAUTION: DISCONNECT ELECTRIC CURRENT BEFORE SERVICING
Please Return This Sheet to its Envelope in the Product for Future Reference
Membrane Keypad Test
To activate, unplug power cord and reconnect Press and hold TEMPS and STOP keypads simultaneously at least 2-3 seconds within 10 seconds of power up. Test Sequence:
Press each keypad (CYCLES, TEMPS, SPEED, OPTIONS etc.) seoaratelv to verify each keypad functions and all the LEDs for the selection light up
Press START to verify Display readouts are functional
Proceed to functional "On Line Tesf' below
On Line Test Sequence
This is a functional test for the washer. After first pressing Stop, each successive press of the Start keypad advances the test as noted:
Press STOP to begin test for hot water operation (H appears in display alternating with numerical value from sensor, water enters, tub rotates)
Press Start to test for cold water operation (C appears in display alternating with numerical value from sensor, water enters, tub rotates)
Press Start to test for warm water operation (HC appears in display alternating with numerical value from sensor, water enters, tub rotates)
Press Start to test for water to bleach chamber (bL appears is display, water enters)
Press Start to test for water to fabric softener chamber (FA appears in display, water enters)
Press Start for internal release of door, factory use onlv (dr appears in display, water stops)
Press Start to test for agitation and warm water (HC appears in display, water enters until pressure switch is satisfied, tub rotates in agitation)
Press Start to test for final spin (FS appears in display, pumpout begins and tub begins start of spin cycle, first with load-balancing phase then begins spin after about I \4 minutes)
,. _.: Press STOP then START to repeat the On Line Test sequence
To exit test mode, press CYCLES and STOP simultaneously. Washer will be reset for regular operation. Press STOP again to turn off machine.
Fault Codes for the Washer Electronic Control
The following table shows possible problems associated with fault codes that may be displayed. See "'Fault Code Definitions" below the table for additional information about each fault code.
Display Code FOI F02
Possible Fault Area
Washer Action at TUDe of FaoJt
F03 F04 F05
Fatal error, machiDe goes into fail mode and Thennis&er problem or Rcversc:d Water Hoses

F02 - This fa'ft is"'fot: a \Ihlter Fill :remperature problem. The problem could be in the Temperature Sensor or the Inlet
Hoses may b
!t
: .evers
.
.
,"
.
ed. In either case, the control will try to resolve the error and the washer will continue to run.
Before testiti. e slsor, first check the wiring to make sure it is properly connected. To test the Temperature Sensor,
unplug the was ~iU1d disconnect wiring to the sensor: Use an ohmmeter to measure the resistarice of the sensor. A reading below about 3K ohm or above about 163K ohm indicates the sensor may be bad and should be replaced.
F03 - This fault code indicates a problem with the Water Fill or Pump system. This type offault could be temporary or permanent. If this fault occurs, the control will stop the washer and display F03. For the fill system, the problem could be the inlet water is turned off. To test the Filling Fault, run the washer with no clothes load and check if the tub fills to the proper level. If the tub is over filled or the water does not shut off, check the Pressure Switch wiring and the pressure tube connection to the air dome and pressure switch. If these check out, the problem could be in the Pressure Switch or Water Valves.
.Ifthe tub fills correctly, run the washer in the Drain/Spin cycle to assure the Pump operates and pumps out water. If the pump is not running, check the wiring connections. If the wiring is proper and seated, measure the voltage across pins 1 and 2 on the pump connector, it should be about 120V AC. If it is not, check the voltage between Pin 3 of the
large 4-pin connector (JX) and Pin 3 of the S-pin connector (111) (neutral). Voltage should measure about 120V AC.
, ~
F04 - This fault indicates either the washer ran too long in one cycle (max. time out) or there is a possible problem with the Motor Control. This type of fault could be temporary or permanent. If this fault occurs, the control will stop the washer and display F04. To test this fault, select and start the Heavy Duty cycle with the Heavy Soil/Stain Option deactivated. The tub should be rotating and begin filling with water. If the tub is not turning, but is fi1ling with water, wait about 30 seconds after the tub is full and confirm the washer is agitating. If the tub is not moving, check the wiring and proceed to the Motor Will Not Run section on reverse side. If the motor is running and the tub filled, let the washer run for at least 6 minutes while measuring the voltage between Pin 1 ofthe'S-pin connector (111) and Pm 7 of the 7-pin connector (J6). The voltage should be below 50V AC when the Timer Advance is Off and should measure at Line Voltage when the Timer Advance is On. Constantly monitor the volt meter thrOughout this 6 minute run time to . be certain to observe the voltage c~ge as ''Timer Advance On" is only on for a short time and could be missed when it reverts to the lower voltage readiDg when Timer Advance is Off.
FOS - ~ fault ~ indi~ a ~ible proble~ with the keypads. One of the keys may be stuck or J>?5Sibly the membrane connectIon to the controllS faulty. This type of fault could be temporary or permanent. If this fault occurs, the control will stop the washer and display F05.
"
Membrane Kev Pad Probl~ms
If the membrane switches or LEDs are not functioning correctly or are functioning erratically, check the connection of
the Membrane Tail to the control for proper assembly. To release the ribbon tail, lift the connector block upward at each end about 1/8". The block'will remain in place but the ribbon connection will be released. The darker lines side of the ribbon printed circuit must,face the control and the connector block must be seated down in locked position for operation.
Press START But Nothine: HaDDens
After selecting a cycle, there is a 4-5 second delay before water fill or start of operation. If the washer fails to start after 5 seconds after selecting a cycle and pressing Start, BEFORE PROCEEDING FURTHER, disconnect poyver cord from the outlet for"a couple seconds and re-connect. This wilfdear the board if it was inadvertently set to "Demo" mode. (Demo does not allow unit to operate when pressing start).
DisDlav Flashes Very Ouicklv Between Time and P AU
When the washer is in spin cycle and STOP is pressed, the display will alternate very qUickly between time remaining and P AU (indicating pause). This ~t alternating display will continue until the door lock releases in 2-3 minutes. The door will be locked,th~ tub will tumble and the display will show DOOR LOCK until door lock releases. The display will then,after'11atc!$fowly betWeen time remaining and P AU until the cycle is restarted. If left in Pause, the
washer will automaticall/ restart after 30. minutes if the door is closed.
- . ;-:.. ,,'. .,..
*~
IMPORTANT - Electrastatie Dischal'e:e
If Replacing a dmtrol Board, DO}olPThandle the component without first discharging static electricity from your
body by touching a water faucet.'., .
SeDaratine: DISPLAY from Conttol Board
Prior to installing a new control, cut and discard the two 13/16" long plastic bars holding the display to tht( plastic board housing. The display must be separated and oriented the oPpOsite direction when installed in the cohsole.

mdibiofuel
June 2007
I also just had error F03. I was unable to find much info online. However, after I removed the back panel, I discovered a wonderful packet of information in a yellow envelope taped to the inside skin of the washer. Included was a full explanation of error F03. Bottom line: look for the technical explanation on paperwork stuck to the inside of the washer unit. It's far too long for me to transcribe. My problem was solved by snaking out the drain line with a length of sturdy household electrical wiring -- I determined that the pump motor was running by feeling the vibrations of the pump motor. I loosened the hose clamp on the g'zouta of the pump and water sprayed everywhere, so I concluded that the plastic drain line was clogged, and I was correct.

mdibiofuel
June 2007
I've got a Kenmore Washer model 417 (44072) and recently had the error code F-03 or F03 show up. The water sat in the machine unable to drain. I took the back off and disconnected the tube between the wash tumbler and the drain pump (its just a hose clamp). I removed a piece of a ball-point pen stuck in there. It must have come out of a pocket and fallen through the little tumbler holes. After reconnecting the hose, the washer works great again.

G. Kessler
April 2007
I've got a Kenmore Washer model 417 (44072) and recently had the error code F-03 or F03 show up. The water sat in the machine unable to drain. I took the back off and disconnected the tube between the wash tumbler and the drain pump (its just a hose clamp). I removed a piece of a ball-point pen stuck in there. It must have come out of a pocket and fallen through the little tumbler holes. After reconnecting the hose, the washer works great again.

G. Kessler
April 2007

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