Question about Kenmore Elite 45986 Front Load Washer
The first thing you need to try is to pull a vacuum on the drain hose to see if you can pull water from the tub. You can do this by using a wet/dry shop vac and connecting it to the end of the drain hose. If the water drains from the washer you may not have a clog. It may actually be a bad drain pump. If water does not flow, or is draining slowly you will need to check the drain pump AND the hose between the pump and wash tub. You can accomplish this by removing the lower kick panel under the door. There are three 7mm screws under the bottom edge. The drain pump is located on the right hand side of the machine or directly in front under the wash tub. It is the ONLY pump in the washer so it should be easy to find. There is a clean-out access that you can remove to clean out the pump impeller. Removing this access will cause whatever water is remaining in the tub and drain lines to come gushing out. That's why it is important to try to remove as much water as you can, FIRST. Even if draining the tub with a vacuum is slow, let it drain. When removing the drain access, look for anything that may be obstructing the impeller. I have found items as small as a Q-tip can stop the pump (believe it or not). In a nut shell: Pull a vacuum on the drain hose - 1. WATER DRAINS EASILY - failed drain pump or obstructed impeller. 2. WATER DRAINS SLOW - Obstructed drain pump and/or drain line. 3. WATER DOES NOT DRAIN - Serious obstruction somewhere in the drain line BEFORE the pump (usually a sock or wash cloth that has worked it's way between the basket and wash tub). *You will notice the drain hoses collapsing as you pull a vacuum if there is a serious clog. Let me know if this helps you.
Posted on Aug 18, 2007
Thank You!!! Though this was posted in August of 2007, I found it useful today! My washing machine was making a noise so I thought I would stop the cycle to check what was "clanking" on the glass. When I tried to resume the wash it showed an error code of F-01. I went to the manual and tried the manufacturer's solution which was to turn in on and select drain/rinse cycle. After numerous tries I decided to do an online check and THANK THE LORD!!!! I found this web site. After scrambling around for a while trying to locate the correct tools to remove the lower kick panel door, I was victorious in removing it. I then proceeded to undo the clean out valve's lid and to my suprise, it had obstructions (one necklace, a part of an earring, a neddle, several pellets from my son's pellet gun and to my suprise...a AA battery!
I followed jsrocks516's instructions and am proud to report that my washer is working again!!! Thanks Again!
Posted on Jul 21, 2008
The IE fault code indicates that your washer is not filling properly with water This error code is displayed if the washer is not fully drained within 10 minutes. I will give you troubleshooting tips for both the fill problem and the drain problem.
To troubleshoot a drain problem, follow these steps:
Here are some troubleshooting steps for the filling problem:
F## code (F-type error code) appears in display
System error code. Press START/PAUSE once to clear the code. Then press START/PAUSE again to restart washer. If code appears again, call for service.
I called Whirlpool at 1-800-442-1111, and according to customer support the manufacturer intentionally no longer provides descriptions for F codes (though there are still a few owners manuals that will describe something like F21 = Long Drain). Check to see if your owner's manual provides any F code help in the troubleshooting section.
Generally, what I was told is that F codes indicate customers need help from a technician. Not always completely true, and really not very helpful--especially if you want to attempt to avoid scheduling service.
Since there are numerous F## codes, please provide the specific code number if you desire further assistance.
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Here are letter codes Whirlpool provided in the owners manual (copying from a PDF works poorly):
-
oL (overloaded)
appears in display
Load too large. If an overload is detected, the washer will drain any water and
detergent in the washer. Remove several items and add HE
detergent. Close lid and press START/PAUSE.
-
uL (unbalanced load)
appears in display
Load not balanced. The washer is
running a load-balance correction
routine.
Allow the machine to continue. If the dial is flashing and the
machine has stopped, redistribute the load, close the lid, and
press START/PAUSE.
-
LF (too long to fill)
appears in display
Washer taking too long to fill.
Drain extends more than
4.5" (114 mm) into standpipe.
Check plumbing for correct drain hose installation. Use drain
hose form and attach securely to drainpipe or tub. Do not tape
over drain opening. See "Installation Instructions".
-
Ld (too long to drain
water ) appears in
display
Washer taking too long to drain
water. Drain extends more than
4.5" (114 mm) into standpipe.
Check plumbing for correct drain hose installation. Use drain
hose form and attach securely to drainpipe or tub. Do not tape
over drain opening.
Lower drain hose if the end is higher than 96" (2.4 m) above
the floor. Remove any clogs from drain hose. See "Installation
Instructions".
-
etc...etc...
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Usually answered in minutes!
Since my wash machine and dryer are close together, and I am not strong enough to move them myself. I decided to try cleaning out the drain trap first. Yes it was messy, but I used a trash bag to catch the majority of the water. The drain access was easy to find. When I opened it I found two golf tees and a quarter in the basket. The propeller on the pump is really small and I didn't find anything around it. I put everything back together and turned on the machine with nothing in it. It just finished the wash cycle and is draining as I type!!!!! I have my fingers crossed that it will finish the cycle without any problems.
I forgot to say THANK YOU!!! You saved my weekend.
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