20 Most Recent Kenmore Elite 45986 Front Load Washer - Page 4 Questions & Answers

Remove the soap tray and clean the orifice.


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"F13" is a "Dispenser Circuit Error". If the dispenser motor cannot move to its correct position, the error code is generated. You will need to check the following:

- Check the mechanical linkage from the dispenser motor to the top of the dispenser. NOTE: 9 times out of 10 the small spring that connects the motor to the armature comes off and needs to be reconnected.
- Check the electrical connections from the Central Control Unit (CCU) and the dispenser motor. NOTE: The CCU is the Main Computer located directly behind the wash tub.
- Check to make sure the dispenser motor is running.

In order to see all of this you will need to remove the top panel of the washer. Remove the three screws holding the top panel in place in the rear. Once the screws are removed, the panel slides back then off. Locate the dispenser. Make sure there is a small spring attached from the dispenser motor to a small plastic armature on top of the dispenser. Without it the dispenser will not function. Place the washer in diagnostics mode by performing the following:

Select DRAIN/SPIN, NO SPIN and press any key under OPTIONS (must be the same key) 4 times. "C00" will be displayed on the console as the washer enters a series of diagnostics tests. The first portion of diagnostics tests the operation of the dispenser. You should see the armature moving as the different compartments of the dispenser are being tested. If not, I would suspect a possible dispenser motor failure. As a long shot, the CCU can also fail, but may cause different symptoms and multiple error codes. Press PAUSE/CANCEL twice to exit diagnostics.

I hope this information is helpful to you. Please post back if you need further assistance.

F21 relates to a motor or control board fault.

this code is for flow error , its telling you the washer hasn't detected the proper flow of water in the time allotted for it to fill up , ck your hoses for kinks and your shut off valves for being full open (they need full open) also can be a fault in the flow sensor inside washer (happens a lot with high mineral water ) it sets up hard inside the flow sensor and blocks it from working well ohh and I have seen in one case the homes water pressure was too low for washer to work as well , but this is rare and that one case was on a well system not a city supply ,but this too is fixable as well (pun intended)

Before digging further, lets try unplugging the washer from power for 3 minutes, then plug it back in, turn it on and select a cycle and try starting it.

It means the washer did not get any water. Make sure the HOT and COLD taps are both turned on (even if you only use cold). If that wasn't it, check the screens on the inlet where your hose connects to the washer. They get clogged or rusted. If this does not solve your problem it could be a water valve or water sensor issue.

you probably broke the door switch and the machine thinks the door is open. little piece on top of the lock catch. need to change the door switch

Have you cleaned your machine lately? They make an in wash boost- it gets rid of the extra suds built up inside the machine that you cant see but your machine detects it and causes faults such as that. Also, there is a small wire on the control board that may need replaced if it keeps kicking the error code.

If you can use a soldering iron, this will help.http://adsisecurity.com/KenmoreWasher.htm

Could be that the 'spider' mount for the drum is broken and the drum is catching on the surrounding plastic outer drum.

yes

the drain turns on its good. might have something in the tub blocking water into the pump

its because there is water trapped in between the drum and water containment drum , this is a common thing on front loaders and there are many commercial cleansers to clean it , but the best I have found is a heavy dose of bleach (no clothes) and run a hot wash cycle if you have the ability to see water that is pumped out , you will see what comes out of this space I spoke of doing this .

It's the motor coupling -- a $15 part

A prewash is exactly that a wash that takes plaxce before the main wash cycle for heavily soiled clothes, you can use the same detergent as you do for main wash. I do not think that I have ever used prewash.Hope this helps

water level sensor is faulty

Sounds to me like the belt is broken or has slipped off. Try taking the back off (6-8 screws) and you will immediately see if that is the problem.