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Kenmore

Kenmore 402 model front-load washer

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 Codes

Error Code
nd
Condition

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.

Possible Parts Required
Drain pump
Error Code
LO
Condition

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 Required
Door lock/switch assembly
Error Code
nF
Condition

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.

Possible Parts Required
Water Inlet Valve Assembly
Error Code
FL
Condition

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 Required
Door lock/switch assembly
Error Code
LE
Condition

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 Required
Outer tub, Hoses and components attached to the tub
Error Code
lE
Condition

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 Required
Water level sensor
Error Code
OE
Condition

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 Required
Water inlet valve assembly, Water level sensor
Error Code
dc
Condition

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.

Possible Parts Required
Suspension system components
Error Code
E2
Condition

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 Required
User interface control board (Sub-PCB control board)
Error Code
ds
Condition

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 Required
Door lock/switch assembly
Error Code
tE
Condition

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 Required
Temperature Sensor (thermistor)
Error Code
3E
Condition

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 Required
Drive motor tachometer, drive motor, wire harness
Error Code
Hr
Condition

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 Required
Main PCB control board
Error Code
nF1
Condition

Hot and cold water connections are reversed

Check / Repair

Connect the hot and cold water fill hoses correctly.

Error Code
2E
Condition

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 Required
Main PCB control board
Error Code
Sud
Condition

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 Required
HE Detergent
Error Code
AE
Condition

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 Required
Main control board, display control board, wire harness
Error Code
SF
Condition

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 Required
Electronic control board

Repair guides for top-load washers

How to replace the water level pressure switch on a direct-drive top-load washer

How to replace the water level pressure switch on a direct-drive top-load washer

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Repair time and Difficulty

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How to replace the water temperature switch on a direct-drive top-load washer

Replace the water temperature switch on your direct-drive top-load washer if the water temperature is wrong.…

Repair time and Difficulty

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If the washer won't spin or agitate with the motor running, replace the gear case, following the steps in this repair gu…

Repair time and Difficulty

 60 minutes or less

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