Kenmore Error Codes

Common error codes our technicians see in the field. Find your code, learn what it means, and book a diagnostic if you need one.

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Applied to the cost of the repair when work is done.

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Warranty: 6-month parts, 3-month labor. Technician quotes the repair on-site before any work.

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Below are 30 common Kenmore error codes our technicians see in the field, ordered by severity. Find your code, see what it typically means, and call us if you need expert help. transparent service-call pricing (applied to repair).

Critical (13)

— food spoiling, safety, or appliance unusable
CodeWhat it means
F1Main control board communication error.
Models: Elite, Pro, Kenmore Standard
Fix: Technician will check wiring harness and replace main control board if necessary.
F10Main control board failure.
Models: Elite, Pro, Kenmore Standard
Fix: Technician will replace the main electronic control board.
F11Communication error between boards.
Models: Elite, Pro, Kenmore Standard
Fix: Technician will inspect wiring harness and replace faulty control board(s).
F14Main motor or compressor fault.
Models: Elite, Pro, Kenmore Standard
Fix: Technician will test compressor windings and start relay, replace if necessary.
F15Heating element failure.
Models: Elite, Pro, Kenmore Standard
Fix: Technician will test the heating element for continuity and replace if open.
F18Drainage error.
Models: Elite, Pro, Kenmore Standard
Fix: Technician will check drain hose, pump, and filter for obstructions.
F19Main control board communication issue.
Models: Elite, Pro, Kenmore Standard
Fix: Technician will verify wiring integrity and replace the main control board.
F25Main control board communication error.
Models: Elite, Pro, Kenmore Standard
Fix: Technician will inspect all control board connections and replace the main board.
F27Drain pump failure.
Models: Elite, Pro, Kenmore Standard
Fix: Technician will check the drain pump for obstructions and electrical faults.
F29Heating element failure.
Models: Elite, Pro, Kenmore Standard
Fix: Technician will test the heating element for continuity and replace if defective.
F6Main motor or circulation pump error.
Models: Elite, Pro, Kenmore Standard
Fix: Technician will check motor windings and connections, replace pump or motor if failed.
F7Drain pump error.
Models: Elite, Pro, Kenmore Standard
Fix: Technician will check drain pump for obstructions or electrical failure.
F8Overheating detected.
Models: Elite, Pro, Kenmore Standard
Fix: Technician will inspect heating element and thermostat for malfunction.

Important (16)— needs service within days

CodeWhat it means
F13Defrost system fault.
Models: Elite, Pro, Kenmore Standard
Fix: Technician will test defrost heater, thermostat, and fan motor.
F16Door lock mechanism error.
Models: Elite, Pro, Kenmore Standard
Fix: Technician will inspect and replace the door lock assembly.
F17Water fill error.
Models: Elite, Pro, Kenmore Standard
Fix: Technician will check water supply, inlet valve, and flow meter.
F2Defrost system error.
Models: Elite, Pro, Kenmore Standard
Fix: Technician will inspect defrost heater, thermostat, and control board for faults.
F20Motor or fan failure.
Models: Elite, Pro, Kenmore Standard
Fix: Technician will test motor windings and bearings, replace if necessary.
F21Water sensor fault.
Models: Elite, Pro, Kenmore Standard
Fix: Technician will inspect the water level sensor and tubing.
F22Door switch circuit fault.
Models: Elite, Pro, Kenmore Standard
Fix: Technician will test the door switch and its wiring harness.
F23Water inlet valve malfunction.
Models: Elite, Pro, Kenmore Standard
Fix: Technician will check for water pressure issues and test the valve solenoid.
F24Defrost system malfunction.
Models: Elite, Pro, Kenmore Standard
Fix: Technician will test defrost heater, thermostat, and control board.
F26Temperature sensor error.
Models: Elite, Pro, Kenmore Standard
Fix: Technician will measure thermistor resistance and replace if outside specifications.
F28Motor or fan failure.
Models: Elite, Pro, Kenmore Standard
Fix: Technician will test the motor or fan for proper operation and replace if needed.
F3Temperature sensor error.
Models: Elite, Pro, Kenmore Standard
Fix: Technician will test thermistor resistance and replace if out of spec.
F30Water fill system error.
Models: Elite, Pro, Kenmore Standard
Fix: Technician will inspect the water inlet valve and flow meter for issues.
F4Water inlet valve error.
Models: Elite, Pro, Kenmore Standard
Fix: Technician will check for blockages and test the water inlet valve solenoid.
F5Door switch error.
Models: Elite, Pro, Kenmore Standard
Fix: Technician will inspect the door switch and its wiring for continuity.
F9Water level sensor error.
Models: Elite, Pro, Kenmore Standard
Fix: Technician will check the water level sensor and its air tube for blockages.

Minor (1)— quality of life issue, can wait

CodeWhat it means
F12User interface or display error.
Models: Elite, Pro, Kenmore Standard
Fix: Technician will check connections to the user interface and replace if defective.

Code matches a symptom? Read the diagnostic guide

Kenmore codes often correspond to a broader appliance issue. Match your code to a symptom below:

Don't see your Kenmore code?

Call us — we've seen most Kenmore codes in the field. transparent service-call pricing (applied to repair).

Error code meanings are based on field observation by our technicians. Some codes may indicate multiple underlying issues — a diagnostic visit confirms the root cause. We are an independent appliance repair service and not affiliated with Kenmore or its parent manufacturer. Codes shown reflect common scenarios across the Kenmore product line; specific behavior may vary by model year and configuration.

How our repair process works

Five steps from your first call to the warranty receipt. No surprises.

  1. 1

    Inspection

    Your technician examines the appliance, listens to your description, and notes the model + serial for parts lookup. Visual + audio-based diagnostics first — non-invasive.

  2. 2

    Diagnostics

    Targeted tests on the failing subsystem (compressor, control board, heating element, motor, etc.) to identify the exact root cause. You get a clear explanation, not jargon.

  3. 3

    Fix decision

    Up-front estimate before any work begins: cost, parts, and the realistic likelihood of success vs. recommending replacement on an old or uneconomical unit. You decide.

  4. 4

    Operational test

    After the repair we run the appliance through its normal cycle on-site — never "it should work now, call us if it doesn't." You sign off when it's actually working.

  5. 5

    Warranty + consultation

    Receipt with warranty terms in writing. Plus a quick walkthrough of how to extend the appliance's life (filter cleaning, drain maintenance, etc.) — included free.

What our customers say

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Nancy Chapman

Nancy Chapman

11 months ago
Google

Pavel responded to my phone call quickly. We immediately scheduled a time for him to come to my house to check on my appliance. A month ago I scheduled another repairman to check my icemaker but he could not repair it. A couple of days ago, a friend refer…

Josh Wainer

Josh Wainer

a year ago
Google

Pavel was great. Came on time. Diagnosed and found this issue right away. Very knowledgeable. He found the best and most cost effective way to fix our appliance. I would absolutely call again. I just hope I don't need to :)

nadirangel7

nadirangel7

a year ago
Google

He fixed my refrigerator and that I really appreciate that I can say thank you very much for the service. Fix it in two days. I love you thank you thank you.

Robert Williams

Robert Williams

a year ago
Google

"Fix It" is run by Paul who personally services all your appliances. He is reliable and his prices are very reasonable. He has repaired our refrigerator, washing machine and also installed our new dishwasher. We have extreme confidence in him and have never ha…

Nazar Maliarchuk

Nazar Maliarchuk

a year ago
Google

I had a great experience getting my refrigerator repaired. They fixed it in just 5 hours and even cleaned it thoroughly. Excellent service!

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