April 19, 2023

Kenmore VMAX dryer error codes

Kenmore

These error code explanations can help you diagnose a problem with your Kenmore 110 Model VMAX dryer. For repair how-to help, visit the PartsDirect repair help section, which includes repair help for dryers, other major appliances, lawn and garden equipment, garage door openers, vacuum cleaners and more. Search for your model number to find a complete list of replacement parts for your dryer.

Error Code
Condition
DIY advice
F1 E1

Motor relay stuck on the electronic control board

Check/Repair

Replace the electronic control board.

Possible parts
Electronic control board
F1 E3

Wrong electronic control board installed

Check/Repair

The code appears when you install the wrong electronic control board. Order and install the correct electronic control board for your model of dryer.

Possible parts
Electronic control board
F2 E1

Stuck button

Check/Repair

A stuck button on the user interface control causes this code. If you can't free the stuck key, replace the user interface control.

Possible parts
User interface control
F2 E4 or F2 E5

User interface software error

Check/Repair

The user interface has an internal failure. Replace the user interface control.

Possible parts
User interface control
F3 E1

Exhaust thermistor failure

Check/Repair

Unplug the dryer and check the exhaust thermistor wiring. Reconnect any loose wires. Replace the wire harness if damaged. Check the resistance of the exhaust thermistor. It should measure about 10,000 ohms at room temperature. If the thermistor is defective, replace it. Replace the electronic control board if the exhaust thermistor and wiring are okay.

Possible parts
Exhaust thermistor, Wire harness, Electronic control board
F3 E2

Moisture sensor failure

Check/Repair

Check for a metal object shorted across the 2 metal moisture sensor bars inside the dryer. Unplug the dryer and check the moisture sensor wire harness. Reconnect any loose wires. Replace the moisture sensor wire harness if damaged.

Possible parts
Moisture sensor wire harness
F3 E3

Inlet thermistor failure

Check/Repair

Unplug the dryer and check the inlet thermistor wiring. Reconnect any loose wires. Replace the wire harness if damaged. Check the resistance of the inlet thermistor. It should measure about 50,000 ohms at room temperature. If the thermistor is defective, replace it. Replace the electronic control board if the inlet thermistor and wiring are okay.

Possible parts
Inlet thermistor, Wire harness, Electronic control board
F4 E1 or F4 E2

Heater relay failure

Check/Repair

Unplug the dryer and check the wire harness connections on the electronic control board heater relays and the heating element. Reconnect any loose wires. Replace the wire harness if damaged. Replace the electronic control board if the wiring is okay.

Possible parts
Electronic control board, Wire harness
F4 E3

Airflow restriction

Check/Repair

Clean the lint screen. Check the flexible vent hose behind the dryer for kinks or clogs. Clean the duct system that vents dryer air to the outside of your home. Make sure that the damper vent on the outside of your home opens properly.

Possible parts
F4 E4

Voltage supply error

Check/Repair

The L2 leg of 240-volt power is missing. Check the house circuit breaker that supplies the L2 leg of 240-volt power to the dryer. Reset the breaker if necessary. Unplug the dryer and check the power cord wiring on the dryer terminal block. Reconnect any loose power cord connections and wire the power cord according to the directions in the installation manual. Replace the power cord if damaged. With the dryer still unplugged, check the wiring connections on the electronic control board and reconnect any loose wires. Replace the control board if you find damage.

Possible parts
Power cord, Electronic control board
F6 E2 or F6 E3

Communication failure

Check/Repair

Communication between the electronic control board and user interface control has been lost. Unplug the dryer and check the wire harness between the electronic control board and the user interface control. Reconnect any loose wires. Replace the wire harness if damaged. Replace the user interface control. If the problem persists, replace the electronic control board.

Possible parts
Wire harness, User interface control, Electronic control board

Most common symptoms to help you fix your dryers

Choose a symptom to see related dryer repairs.

Main causes: bad gas valve coils, broken heating element, tripped safety thermostat or fuse, bad operating thermostat, c...

Main causes: clogged exhaust system, heating system failure, deposits on moisture sensor, control system failure...

Main causes: bad drum support roller, damaged idler pulley, broken blower fan blade, worn drum glide bearing, bad drive ...

Main causes: door switch failure, lack of power, broken belt, blown thermal fuse, bad drive motor, control system failur...

Main causes: damaged door strike, worn door catch...

Main causes: clogged exhaust vent, bad motor relay, loose dryer door catch, bad door switch, control system failure, fau...

Main causes: bad timer or electronic control board, door switch failure...

Main causes: lack of electrical power, bad power cord, wiring failure, bad control board, blown thermal fuse, bad door s...

Most common repair guides to help fix your dryers

These step-by-step repair guides will help you safely fix what’s broken on your dryer.

How to replace a dryer thermistor

How to replace a dryer thermistor

The thermistor senses the air temperature in the dryer. If your dryer overheats or doesn't heat at all, the thermistor ...

Repair difficulty
Time required
30 minutes or less
How to install a thermal cut-off fuse kit in a gas dryer

How to install a thermal cut-off fuse kit in a gas dryer

The thermal cut-off fuse shuts off the heat if the dryer overheats when the high-limit thermostat fails. The thermal cut...

Repair difficulty
Time required
15 minutes or less
How to replace a dryer drive belt

How to replace a dryer drive belt

If the drive belt breaks, the motor runs but the drum won't rotate. These step-by-step instructions guide you through th...

Repair difficulty
Time required
90 minutes or less

Effective articles & videos to help repair your dryers

Use the advice and tips in these articles and videos to get the most out of your dryer.

How to use your clothes dryer efficiently

How to use your clothes dryer efficiently

Get expert tips on using your dryer efficiently to save energy....

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....