Kenmore Washer Troubleshooting - How to Find Error Codes & Recalibrate to Fix Your Washer

If you have a Kenmore Washer that has problems like it won't spin, this video is to help you "Open Up" the washer and put this washer into diagnostic mode. These style washers (made from 2009 to 2016 and still today with other brands) have a powerful error code mode that will show you how to solve stuff like your Kenmore Washer won't spin - or at least isolate why that's an issue. Using these systems should help you pin down why a Kenmore Washer won't spin, or other issues like a Kenmore washer won't drain. These steps can be done on many other styles of VMW washers (which all have the green oval lights and go under brand names like Maytag, Kenmore, Amana, Roper, Whirlpool, Inglis, Admiral and others).

In this video, we're showing you the 4 primary mode of the Kenmore Washer Diagnostic system:

- Error Code modes to help isolate why a Kenmore Washer's Not Spinning or your Kenmore Washer Not Draining
- Automatic Test Mode to test all Kenmore Washer Parts & Components
- Manual Test Mode (IMPORTANT!) to test all Kenmore Washer Parts individually
- Kenmore Washer Recalibration and Kenmore Washer Reset - this mode is NEEDED when you install a new Kenmore Washer Part!

My hope is this video helps you to identify what's going on with the washer. This doesn't show you how to install parts, buy parts, or diagnose the part via multimeter, but at least points you in the right direction. I plan on doing future videos on this.

Parts Links for Major Failure Points:

DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission.

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[dooshbag]

3 years later and you're out here saving people from so many headaches! Thank you! 👍

[michaeldichiara]

Thank You for this well documented video. Just knowing where the service manual is located alone is a huge help. But your step by step guidance fills in the holes the service manual leaves out. After checking error codes and nothing came up I ran the Recalibration - no parts needed and washer is back doing the laundry. No question your video saved me some $$.

[shandelleonard]

Thank you, I reset the codes (deleted the codes). Then waited about five minutes before unplugging the machine for 2 minutes (this part I saw on another video)- once plugged in, I closed and opened the door six (6) times, selected a cycle and it start working :) The sensing process take anywhere from 2-4 mins, so be patient and don't touch or change the cycle type while it's sensing. NOTE: The problem I was having was the machine never stopped sensing along with a flashing door locked light.

[raulmarin]

Very good content.
Thank you.
just fixed my washer not working after I replaced the main board.
When through manual mode test then recalibration, ran a cycle and it's working as I'm typing.
Thanks againg.
Keep the good work.

[Me-ewuh]

I have the exact same machine and I can't enter diagnostics with this method. Any idea why? thanks

[brianwalsh]

What if the start button doesn’t work? It’s not stuck or anything, just no response when pushed. Works sometimes, others nothing happens when pushed.
Thanks!

[WillRose]

Thanks so much, helped me fix my problem! Washer was stuck on Sensing. Used the trick to fake the machine in thinking the lid was closed, found the F7E1 error code, recalibrate, and everything was good to go! So glad because it's 1am here and I needed those clothes clean for the morning!

[JaydeSerich]

This video saved me a maintenance call! Thank you! I checked and no error codes. Moved on to recalibration and that did the trick. 👍

[kevinpugh]

Thanks! I did codes and tried all morning. When you told where the manual was I took apart my machine to get it. I had replaced the shock absorbers and putting back the lid I saw something black hanging< It was the component that the lid shuts into to lock door and activate for machine to run! I popped it into its place and the machine started right up. Would have not known it had come loose except when I saw it when getting the manual. Thanks!!!!

[billmcveagh]

First let me thankyou for your outstanding videos. I have a Kenmore Series 500 and I have replaced the speed sensor twice it worked for 1 year. This time it stopped the recalibration after a minute plus and the lid lock started flashing any ideas are welcome. Thanks so much for your help.

[joyceforbes-smith]

What model # is this washer. Cant find mine.

[rholbrook]

So helpful!! My stupid washer stopped mid-cycle and I was dreading the troubleshooting and repair, however, your clear instructions and the ability to CLEAR the code saved the day! I can't send you the money that I saved but you earned my respect and a subscription too. I had already seen a few of your videos but they were less about appliances I have, and more about what I was shopping for in stores. Many thanks from your friend in Tennessee!!

[JewelzPositano]

Great Video!! I have a Kenmore 500 top loader and no green lights. Most of the time when my washer changes cycles, nothing happens. But the motor hums and if I get to it in time, I have to push the tub and it starts the cycle. What's wrong?? Thanks 💞💞💞

[malliemolly]

How do you know if the manual test mode is running cause no sound is coming from the washer

[nahahaha]

I forced the lid open and now it won't "lock" it just keeps clicking, any tips? I also removed the lid striker an manually inserted into the lock but no luck. :(

[seanweck]

Excellent info. You tube out ads in at the absolute worst timd

[davidh]

Hi Ben, my Kenmore VMW washer seems to be stuck on the WASH cycle. There were no codes stored. When I did the Recalibration mode, my green lights did not move from right to left like in the video. They all lit up at the same time. The Drain pump was also running during the entire time. Do you think my washer has a control board issue? Thanks!

[wrenchhead]

This video was so detailed and so full of information… information that I never want to know.. so I dragged the machine outside.. I bought an old school 100% refurbished washing machine with 2 knobs.. for 300 bucks… bye-bye computerized junk!!!
But thank you. Very nice video.

[ritawashere]

Great video, so helpful. I shared it on a Pinterest board. I hope that helps your channel.😊 I was going to ask you a question but then I forgot it, I'll get back to you when it comes to mind.😂

[Maria-nlgt]

Excellent video !! Thank you / do you know how to re set the water filler problem ? Mine does not fill up enough even with a very small load