Kenmore 3.8 cu. ft. HE3 Front Load Washer Logo
Posted on Apr 19, 2009
Answered by a Fixya Expert

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Kenmore front loader washer alarm "FdL"

Washer occasionally ceases to work and flashes an alarm "FdL" which I found online means faulty door lock. If we wait a hour or two, we can start the washer without the alarm reappearing. It is doing it rather often now. What is the fix?

I am handy but does it require a service call?
Where can I get the part?
What are the steps to replace faulty part.

  • 4 more comments 
  • steveaspo Apr 19, 2009

    Lock mechanism is clean.

    So first step is remove lower assembly and pull ring for door lock? Then what? report back?

  • steveaspo Apr 19, 2009

    Lock Mechanism is clean.



    I removed the bottom panel and pulled on door lever loop. It did not release the door. What is expected outcome?



    Wiring harness looks clean and well connected.



    Next steps?

  • steveaspo Apr 19, 2009

    Waiting on you for next steps.

  • steveaspo Apr 19, 2009

    Still waiting for additional support and reply.

  • steveaspo Apr 20, 2009

    Where is the microswitch? What does it look like?

  • Anonymous Mar 31, 2014

    i replaced door switch and brushes and washer still wont work

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3 Answers

Ginko

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  • Kenmore Master 19,396 Answers
  • Posted on Apr 20, 2009
Ginko
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Fdl is door lock error. "A Door Lock Error occurs if the door cannot be locked. It will try to lock it six times before displaying the error code."

Your machine sent the impulse to door lock

You just need to replace the door lock.

If you want to test the door lock you can read continuity on lock solenoid (read the lock contacts) , if the lock reads infinite impedance, then the solenoid has blown. Another test is by energizing the lock.
You also test if this is a wiring problem by reading voltages at the lock contacts.

Here is how a door lock works.

To replace the door lock, undo the existing one taking note of connection, and fit in the new one.

Here you find more detailed instructions.

Enter model number on website below to get parts and diagrams:

Searspartsdirect




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  • Master 1,263 Answers
  • Posted on Apr 20, 2009
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If your having problems with the door lock featurte and the alarm still trips despit having a good connection and no corrosing of the contact between the lock of the door and the contact of the housing then it's most like ly the micro switch. when you close the doort and it's suppose to lock but internally the spring activated switch did not trigger therefore you get the alarm physically and visually the door is locked but the computer doesn't get that signal because you switch is faul;ty just replace the switch and that should do it

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  • Contributor 854 Answers
  • Posted on Apr 19, 2009
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Possiblities:

Door Lock Mechanism broken.
Check Door Lock/Switch Assembly for foreign objects
Check Wire Harness connections to the Door Lock/Switch Assembly and Central Control Unit (CCU)
Door Lock/Switch Assembly Failure

To open, remove the lower panel (3 Torx screws), reach up and pull the ring on the bottom of the lock.

  • Anonymous Apr 20, 2009

    F DL

    A Door Lock Error occurs if the door cannot be locked. It will try to lock it six times before displaying the error code.

    Possible Causes / Procedure
    â–  Door lock mechanism is broken or removed from door.
    â–  Door switch/lock unit failure.
    1. Unplug washer or disconnect power.
    2. Check door switch/lock unit.
    3. Check the wire harness connections to the door
    switch/lock unit and Central Control Unit (CCU).

    This was caused by jarring during every cycle.

    1. Remove the top of the machine. This is done by pushing it
    back slightly, about 1/2 inch, so that the tabs come unhooked, and then
    lift it off.


    2. Near the back of the machine on the right hand side is where all of the
    wiring hooks into the computer portion that controls the door lock (and
    other things) is located.

    3. The pink wires control the door lock.
    4. Unplug/replug (pink wire) the socket in a manner similar to a phone jack.
    5. Make sure the wires are all inserted tightly.

    Hope this helps

×

1 Related Answer

Anonymous

  • 15935 Answers
  • Posted on Sep 11, 2010

SOURCE: Kenmore front loader washer alarm "FdL"

1. Unplug washer.
2. Remove the outer portion of the door bellow. This is the gray rubber boot around the door. Feel around the edge of the door bellow where it attaches to the front of the washer. You will find a wire retaining hoop in the seam between the rubber and the front case. Follow this wire hoop to the bottom of the door bellow and you will find a tension spring. Carefully, stretch this spring apart and remove the wire hoop.
3. Pull the rubber bellow from the door facing on the front of the washer being careful not to rip or tear it. Once removed, fold the rubber backwards inside the drum so you can access behind the front panel. DO NOT remove the rubber bellow from the wash tub.
4. The door latch assembly is located behind the front panel of the washer on the right hand side. Locate and remove the three screws on the washer front that hold the door latch assembly in place. The whole assembly should come free from the washer front and be held by a plastic mounting bracket and several wire connectors.
5. Carefully remove the latch assembly from the plastic mounting bracket BEFORE attempting to unplug any wires. It makes it much easier to access if you do.
6. Unplug the wire connectors using care not to break any of the wires. You may want to write them down, but I believe they will only plug into their respective slots.
7. Remove the old door latch and install the new one in the reverse order of the steps I just presented to you. Plug the wires back in first, then place the whole assembly back into the plastic mounting bracket, and then reattach to the front of the washer.
8. Now, when you get the reinstalling the rubber door boot, you may want to get the assistance of a second pair of hands as it can be difficult sometimes to manipulate the wire retainer back into place. Carefully reattach the rubber bellow to the door facing on the front of the washer first.
9. Starting at the top of the door bellow at the 12 o'clock position begin inserting the wire hoop back into the groove. Work your way around with both hands to the 4 and 8 o'clock positions. (This is where you could use those second pair of hands). While holding a slight downward tension on the wire hoop to keep it in place, pull the tension spring apart enough to snap the remaining part of the hoop into place at the bottom. Once you've completed these steps make sure the door closes and latches properly. NEVER slam a door with an electronic latch. They can break easily.

Now plug the washer back in and test operate. NOTE: You can run diagnostics on these washers by referring to the tech sheet provided by the manufacturer. The tech sheet is located behind the lower panel under the door, or along the interior cabinet walls. Included, are instructions on how to run diagnostics and troubleshooting tips associated with the list of fault codes. It is recommended that this tech sheet remain inside the washer to prevent it from being lost.


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Thanks for using FixYa. Error fdl means a Door Lock Error occurs if the door cannot be locked. It will try to lock it six times before displaying the error code.

It has occurred due to
1. Door lock mechanism is broken or removed from door.
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Kenmore front loader washer alarm "FdL"

1. Unplug washer.
2. Remove the outer portion of the door bellow. This is the gray rubber boot around the door. Feel around the edge of the door bellow where it attaches to the front of the washer. You will find a wire retaining hoop in the seam between the rubber and the front case. Follow this wire hoop to the bottom of the door bellow and you will find a tension spring. Carefully, stretch this spring apart and remove the wire hoop.
3. Pull the rubber bellow from the door facing on the front of the washer being careful not to rip or tear it. Once removed, fold the rubber backwards inside the drum so you can access behind the front panel. DO NOT remove the rubber bellow from the wash tub.
4. The door latch assembly is located behind the front panel of the washer on the right hand side. Locate and remove the three screws on the washer front that hold the door latch assembly in place. The whole assembly should come free from the washer front and be held by a plastic mounting bracket and several wire connectors.
5. Carefully remove the latch assembly from the plastic mounting bracket BEFORE attempting to unplug any wires. It makes it much easier to access if you do.
6. Unplug the wire connectors using care not to break any of the wires. You may want to write them down, but I believe they will only plug into their respective slots.
7. Remove the old door latch and install the new one in the reverse order of the steps I just presented to you. Plug the wires back in first, then place the whole assembly back into the plastic mounting bracket, and then reattach to the front of the washer.
8. Now, when you get the reinstalling the rubber door boot, you may want to get the assistance of a second pair of hands as it can be difficult sometimes to manipulate the wire retainer back into place. Carefully reattach the rubber bellow to the door facing on the front of the washer first.
9. Starting at the top of the door bellow at the 12 o'clock position begin inserting the wire hoop back into the groove. Work your way around with both hands to the 4 and 8 o'clock positions. (This is where you could use those second pair of hands). While holding a slight downward tension on the wire hoop to keep it in place, pull the tension spring apart enough to snap the remaining part of the hoop into place at the bottom. Once you've completed these steps make sure the door closes and latches properly. NEVER slam a door with an electronic latch. They can break easily.

Now plug the washer back in and test operate. NOTE: You can run diagnostics on these washers by referring to the tech sheet provided by the manufacturer. The tech sheet is located behind the lower panel under the door, or along the interior cabinet walls. Included, are instructions on how to run diagnostics and troubleshooting tips associated with the list of fault codes. It is recommended that this tech sheet remain inside the washer to prevent it from being lost.


Thanks for using FixYa - a 4 THUMBS rating is appreciated for answering your FREE question.
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