April 19, 2023

Kenmore 402 model front-load washer error codes

Kenmore

These error code explanations can help you diagnose a problem with your Kenmore front-load washer with a model number that starts with 402. For repair how-to help, visit the PartsDirect repair help section, which includes repair help for washing machines, 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 washer.

Error Code
Condition
DIY advice
nd

Won't drain

Check/Repair

Washer fails to drain within 15 minutes. Check the washer drain path for a clog or restriction. Clear the large item filter in the drain pump. If the drain pump is defective or damaged, replace it.

How-to help
Possible parts
Drain pump
LO

Door unlock error

Check/Repair

The door fails to unlock after 7 attempts. Unplug the washer. You will usually need to force the door open. This often damages the door lock/switch assembly. Replace that assembly if it's damaged or defective.

Possible parts
Door lock/switch assembly
nF

Water fill problem

Check/Repair

The washer fills for 40 minutes or the water level doesn't change after 6 minutes. Check the water supply faucets behind the washer to make sure that they are fully open. Check the water fill lines for kinks or freezing (in the winter). Check the water inlet fill valves. If the valves are defective, replace the water inlet valve assembly.

How-to help
Possible parts
Water Inlet Valve Assembly
FL

Door lock error

Check/Repair

Door fails to lock after 7 attempts. Unplug the washer and check the wiring harness connections to the door lock assembly. If the wiring connections are okay, then the door lock assembly will usually need to be replaced.

Possible parts
Door lock/switch assembly
LE

Low water level during the cycle

Check/Repair

Water level drops below the reset level during the wash or rinse portion of the cycle. Check for leaks in the washer tub and connected components. Check the installation of the drain system. Water can siphon out of the washer if it's not installed properly.

Possible parts
Outer tub, Hoses and components attached to the tub
lE

Water level sensor failure

Check/Repair

Unplug the washer. Check the wire harness connections between the water level sensor and the main control board. If no problems are found, then the water level pressure sensor will usually need to be replaced.

Possible parts
Water level sensor
OE

Water overflow

Check/Repair

If the washer is overfilled, unplug it to see if it continues to fill while unplugged. If it does, replace the water inlet valve assembly because the inlet water valves aren't shutting off water flow. If the washer isn't overfilled, replace the water level sensor because it isn't accurately detecting water level.

Possible parts
Water inlet valve assembly, Water level sensor
dc

Unbalanced load

Check/Repair

The load is detected as unbalanced during the final spin. The basket will not spin over 150 rpm when this code is displayed. Cancel the cycle or let it end. Adjust the load and see if the washer will spin properly. If not, then inspect the suspension system in the cabinet. Replace any defective parts.

How-to help
Possible parts
Suspension system components
E2

Stuck button

Check/Repair

A button on the control panel is stuck. Try to free the button. Press down directly on top of all keys on the control panel. If that doesn't free the stuck key, press down slightly off-center on all keys. If you can't free the button, replace the user interface control board (also called the Sub-PCB control board).

Possible parts
User interface control board (Sub-PCB control board)
ds

Door is open while attempting to lock it

Check/Repair

The control detects that the washer door is open while it's being locked. Use the diagnostic test mode to check the door lock/switch assembly. If that component is defective, replace it.

Possible parts
Door lock/switch assembly
tE

Temperature is out of range high or low

Check/Repair

Use the diagnostic test mode to check the water temperature that the control board is sensing. If the actual temperature is significantly different, then the temperature sensor (also called the thermistor) will need to be replaced.

Possible parts
Temperature Sensor (thermistor)
3E

No signal from the drive motor tachometer

Check/Repair

Unplug the washer. Check the wire harness connections between the drive motor and the main control board. Reconnect any loose wires or replace the wire harness if damaged. If the wire connections are okay, replace the motor tachometer. If the problem continues, replace the drive motor.

Possible parts
Drive motor tachometer, drive motor, wire harness
Hr

Heater relay failure

Check/Repair

The heater relay is a component on the Main PCB control board. Unplug the washer for 5 minutes to reset the Main PCB control board. Plug the washer back in. If the code returns, replace the Main PCB control board.

Possible parts
Main PCB control board
nF1

Hot and cold water connections are reversed

Check/Repair

Connect the hot and cold water fill hoses correctly.

Possible parts
2E

Internal control board failure

Check/Repair

Unplug the washer for 5 minutes to reset the electronic control board. Plug the washer back in. If the code returns, replace the electronic control board.

Possible parts
Main PCB control board
Sud

Excessive suds

Check/Repair

Excessive suds is detected during the cycle. The cycle goes into a suds kill routine by filling the tube with water and then tumbling the clothes. If this routine doesn't eliminate the suds, the control displays the Sud code. Use the right amount of high-efficiency (HE) detergent with future loads.

Possible parts
HE Detergent
AE

Communication error between the main control board and the display control board

Check/Repair

Unplug the washer and check the wire harness connections between the main control board and the display control board. Reconnect any loose wires or replace the wire harness if damaged. If the wire connections are okay, replace the main control board, If the problem continues, replace the display control board.

Possible parts
Main control board, display control board, wire harness
SF

Electronic control board error

Check/Repair

Unplug the washer for 5 minutes to reset the electronic control board. Plug the washer back in. If the code returns, replace the electronic control board.

Possible parts
Electronic control board

Most common symptoms to help you fix your washers

Choose a symptom to see related washer repairs.

Main causes: broken lid switch or lid lock, bad pressure switch, broken shifter assembly, faulty control system…

Main causes: lack of electrical power, wiring failure, bad power cord, electronic control board failure, bad user interf…

Main causes: leaky water inlet valve, faulty water-level pressure switch, bad electronic control board…

Main causes: water heater failure, bad water temperature switch, faulty control board, bad water valve, faulty water tem…

Main causes: no water supply, bad water valves, water-level pressure switch failure, control system failure, bad door lo…

Main causes: worn agitator dogs, bad clutch, broken motor coupler, shifter assembly failure, broken door lock, suspensio…

Main causes: unbalanced load, loose spanner nut, worn drive block, broken shock absorber or suspension spring, debris in…

Main causes: clogged drain hose, house drain clogged, bad drain pump, water-level pressure switch failure, bad control b…

Main causes: bad lid switch or door lock, bad timer or electronic control board, wiring failure, bad water inlet valve a…

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