November 28, 2014

How to display error codes on vertical modular washers (VMWs) video

How to display error codes on a vertical modular washer (VMW).
How to display error codes on a vertical modular washer (VMW).

Kenmore and Whirlpool replaced the common direct drive, top-load washer with the vertical modular top-load washer in 2010.

The vertical modular washer (VMW) has a self-diagnostic system in the electronic control to help you figure out the cause if something goes wrong with the washer.

When a component in the washer fails, the washer stops working, and the lid lock light flashes. The washer won’t work until the problem is corrected.

1. Enter diagnostic mode

To determine the problem, first put the washer into diagnostic mode. Here’s how:

  1. With the washer shut off and all indicator lights off, turn the control dial 1 complete rotation (360 degrees) counterclockwise.

  2. Quickly (within about 6 seconds) turn the control dial 3 clicks clockwise, one click back, and one more click clockwise.

    All the green status lights blink when you successfully activate the diagnostic mode.  

  3. If the status lights don’t blink, turn the control dial one complete rotation counter-clockwise to reset the control and then try again, this time turning the knob faster.

2. Display the error code lights

With the washer in diagnostic mode, follow these steps to display the error code lights:

  1. Turn the control dial 1 click clockwise.

  2. Press the Start button.

  3. Turn the control dial one click clockwise to display the first saved error code.

  4. Turn the control dial one click clockwise to display the next error code.

The control displays up to 4 error codes. Just the Sensing light flashes if no error code was recorded.

3. Decipher the error codes

Error codes for the VMW washers (see chart below) have two parts: the first is the letter F followed by a number and the second is the letter E followed by a number. Which lights are illuminated indicate the numbers.

For example, for error code F5 E3, when the Sensing light is on, the Rinse (4) and the Cycle complete (1) lights are on. Then, when the sensing light is off, the Spin (2) and the Cycle complete (1) lights are on.

The error code flashes repeatedly until you turn the dial one click clockwise to show the next error code.

LightCharacter
Sensing onF
Sensing offE
Wash8
Rinse4
Spin2
Cycle complete1

4. Exit the diagnostic test mode

Turn the washer off to exit the diagnostic test mode.

Repair guides for top-load washers

How to replace the motor coupler on a top-load washer

How to replace the motor coupler on a top-load washer

If the washer drains but won’t agitate or spin, the motor coupler might have broken to protect the drive motor from dama…

Repair difficulty
Time required
 60 minutes or less
How to replace the clutch assembly in a top-load washer

How to replace the clutch assembly in a top-load washer

If the washer spins when the basket is empty but not when the basket is full, the problem could be the clutch assembly. …

Repair difficulty
Time required
 60 minutes or less
How to replace the drive block on a top-load washer

How to replace the drive block on a top-load washer

The drive block rotates the spin basket. If the basket wobbles or rattles in the spin mode because the drive block is wo…

Repair difficulty
Time required
 60 minutes or less

Articles and videos for top-load washers

How to use your washing machine efficiently

How to use your washing machine efficiently

Find tips for using your washing machine efficiently to save energy and help reduce utility bills.…

How to enjoy all the online benefits we offer on our Sears PartsDirect website

How to enjoy all the online benefits we offer on our Sears PartsDirect website

Learn about all the convenient features on our Sears PartsDirect website that make your parts purchases easier.…

Top questions about Sears and Sears PartsDirect

Top questions about Sears and Sears PartsDirect

Get answers to frequently asked questions about Sears and Sears PartsDirect.…