I have a Kenmore elite 520 water softener filled with water will not drain out this is a water softener not a washing machine.

Possible blocking on the drain from the tray, remove the accumulated softener from the dispenser , clean and check the drain line. It can be blocked with residue or dirt.

The softener water flow is clogged. You know, open the dispenser while it's filling in the final rinse and look over the softener dispenser. Is there water flowing?

The problem with the fabric softener not dispensing is not likely related to and F03 error code due to the washer not draining.

For the dispenser problem, I recommend that you pull the dispenser drawer out and clean it thoroughly.
The fabric softener dispenser works on a siphoning principle.
Make sure that the siphon hole in the dispenser is clear and not restricted or plugged.

You can fill the fabric softener compartment with water and make sure that it is siphoning properly while you are cleaning it.
Make sure that the cover is properly replaced on the fabric softener dispenser when the drawer is replaced in the washer.
You can use the diagnostic test described below to test the fabric softener dispenser.
If the softener dispenser does not fill and dispense properly, you could have a failed dispenser valve, a failed control board or a wiring failure between components.

You indicated that you tested the pump and that it is good. You could have a clogged drain hose or a clogged washer drain that would prevent the washer from draining.
You could also have a failed drain pump even though it runs. If the impeller is jammed or damaged, it will not pump out the water in the washer.
You will likely need to unplug the washer and drain the water out of the tub using a wet/dry shop vacuum.
To check the pump and drain hose at the bottom of the washer, remove the bottom front service panel and remove the drain pump. You may find a clog or restriction in the drain pump or connecting hoses. If the drain pump is damaged or will not work, it will need to be replaced.



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The LEFT slot is for detergent. Do not overfill, or you may experience a "SUDS" error. It is recommended that only HE detergent is used. The RIGHT front slot is where you put the fabric softener. Again, only fill to the fill line.

These washers are engineered to use very little water, so you only need a little detergent. If you have questions, please let me know. I hope this helps you.

remove the drawer and clean the siphon it sounds as if it is blocked up either with powder or concentrated fabric softener. this should fill up with water and then empty itself due to gravity. the siphon should look like an upside down cup on a cylinder.

it sounds like a bad lid switch if it will not drain or spin,the switch controls that-mike

if it has to go in the rinse,,this means you have to put it in the fabric softner compartment of the dispencer,,,also do not fill pass mark fill line in dispencer or it will sphion down by itself before time..onthejob

Remove the dispenser cup and clean it. Be sure to use He soap.

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open the dispenser all the way,place your finger towards the back left of dispenser.you should see a tab,depress the tab and pull entire dispenser cup out.the bleach and fab soft part of the disp has a removable tray.clean all pieces out including the long shafts on the insert.you will more than likely find a build up of softener,this breaks the siphon and does not allow the water to drain out.good luck

Is the dispenser full? It could be that it is a bit clogged. I would try just pouring a little very hot water in for several loads and using dryer softener sheets during this time. Let's see if we can unclog it .