Get free shipping on your order, with any water filter subscription. Find my filter

Open Hamburger Menu
Sears Parts Direct
Tips to find your model number
Kenmore

Kenmore compact top-load washer

These error code explanations can help you diagnose a problem with your Kenmore compact top-load washer. The washer stops and the water level LED blinks when the washer encounters a problem. Three of the four cycle LEDs (Heavy Duty, Normal, Perm Press, Hand-Wash) turn on to indicate the specific error code. 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
Normal, Perm Press and Hand-Wash
Condition

Long drain

Check / Repair

Check the drain hose for a clog. Check for excessive suds because the pump can't drain sudsy water. Allow time for the suds to dissipate and then resume the cycle by pressing the Start/Off button. The control will drain the washer and resume the cycle. Unplug the washer and replace the drain pump if it won't drain water when activated.

Possible Parts Required
Drain pump
Error Code
Heavy Duty, Perm Press and Hand-Wash
Condition

Incorrect fill water level

Check / Repair

Unplug the washer and check the wire harness connections between the water level pressure switch and the electronic control board. Reconnect any loose wires or replace the wire harness if damaged. If the wire harness connections are okay, check the air hose on the water level pressure switch for proper connection and damage. Reconnect the air hose if loose or replace it if damaged. If the wire connections and air hose are okay, replace the water level pressure switch.

Possible Parts Required
Water level pressure switch, air hose, wire harness
Error Code
Heavy Duty, Normal and Hand-Wash
Condition

Unexpected fill during agitation or soak

Check / Repair

This code will appear if you remove garments from the basket after the washer filled. Push the Start/Off button to reset the control. The control will fill the washer and resume the selected cycle. If you didn't remove any garments, then the tub could have a leak. Unplug the washer and check the tub, drain pump and drain hose for leaks. Replace any leaking components.

Possible Parts Required
Tub, drain pump, drain hose
Error Code
Heavy Duty, Normal and Perm Press
Condition

Slow fill

Check / Repair

Select only the Cold water temperature button when using the portable installation because you control water temperature using the sink faucets. Unplug the washer and check the water inlet valve screens for clogs. If a screen is clogged, replace the water inlet valve rather than cleaning the screen. Cleaning could allow debris to enter the valve, resulting in the valve sticking open and causing a flood. If an inlet valve won't open when activated, replace the defective water inlet valve.

Possible Parts Required
Water inlet valve

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

Replace the water level pressure switch on your direct-drive top-load washer if the washer overfills or doesn’t fill.…

Repair time and Difficulty

 15 minutes or less
How to replace the water temperature switch on a direct-drive top-load washer

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

 15 minutes or less
How to replace the gear case in a top-load washer

How to replace the gear case in a top-load washer

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

Articles and videos for top-load washers

What does a washer lid switch do? Signs it’s failing

What does a washer lid switch do? Signs it’s failing

A washer lid switch keeps cycles safe and moving. Find out how it works, how to spot failure signs, and when replacement…

Kenmore top-load washer uE and UE error codes

Kenmore top-load washer uE and UE error codes

Learn what to do when your Kenmore washer displays the eE and UE error codes.…

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

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

Learn how to enter diagnostic mode and view the error codes for Kenmore and Whirlpool vertical module washers (VMWs).…