I have a kenmore elite he3 front loader; it gives me the "sud" code during a wash cycle. What could be the potential problem?

Vinegar does a great job of cutting suds and bubbles. I would put it in the detergent, softener, and bleach reservoirs and run a cycle. Then make sure you read the detergent amounts. It's easy to overdo detergent on a front-loader.

SUDS LOCK (to much detergent detected during the wash cycle)

he motor control unit senses a suds lock condition by analyzing the current draw on the drive motor. If "Sud" is displayed a potential suds lock is detected. This may signify a bad pump, an extra heavy load, excessive detergent, or excessive suds.

Potential Causes

• If too much detergent was used, run the unit through a Rinse/ Spin cycle then a Normal cycle without adding any detergent. This should clear the unit of the excess detergent.
• Check the drain hose and make sure it is not plugged or kinked.

Hello there"
Sud SUDS LOCK (Overdose of Detergent detected during the Wash Cycle)
The motor control unit senses a suds lock condition by analyzing the current draw on the drive motor. If "Sud" is displayed a potential suds lock is detected. This may signify a bad pump, an extra heavy load, excessive detergent, or excessive suds.

• If too much detergent was used, run the unit through a Rinse/Spin cycle, then a Normal cycle, without adding any detergent. This should clear the unit of the excess detergent.
• Check the drain hose and make sure it is not plugged or kinked.
• Check Wire Harness connectors to the Drain Pump, Pressure Switch, and Central Control Unit (CCU)
• Check/Clean Drain Pump Filter of foreign objects
• Check Drain Pump
• Check Pressure Switch
• Check CCU

Hi there
I have found this and i hope this gets you in the right direction. Merry X-mas and Happy New Year also.
Sud SUDS LOCK (Overdose of Detergent detected during the Wash Cycle)
The motor control unit senses a suds lock condition by analyzing the current draw on the drive motor. If "Sud" is displayed a potential suds lock is detected. This may signify a bad pump, an extra heavy load, excessive detergent, or excessive suds.

• If too much detergent was used, run the unit through a Rinse/Spin cycle, then a Normal cycle, without adding any detergent. This should clear the unit of the excess detergent.
• Check the drain hose and make sure it is not plugged or kinked.
• Check Wire Harness connectors to the Drain Pump, Pressure Switch, and Central Control Unit (CCU)
• Check/Clean Drain Pump Filter of foreign objects
• Check Drain Pump
• Check Pressure Switch
• Check CCU

Thank you for writing to Fix Ya.
Best regards Richard

The following link explains how to access the drain pump on a Kenmore Elite HE3 front loader to clean the drain pump:

http://www.fixya.com/support/r385844-checking_drain_pump_kenmore_elite_front

If you are experiencing drainage issues and cleaning the pump does not work, you may have to replace the drain pump. You will usually experience an "F2", "SUD" or "F21" error code (depending on model number) for a drain blockage problem. Since this error code occurs when the drain cycle exceeds 8 minutes, if the pump motor or impeller becomes damaged, the pump will not pump at the required volume and the error code will continue to occur. Replacement pumps can be purchased on line at:

searspartsdirect.com
pcappliancerepair.com
appliancepartspros.com
repairclinic.com

Prices vary between these sites, so shop all of them for the best deal.

NOTE: Make sure you also check the drain hose and the inlet hose that runs from the bottom of the wash tub to the drain pump. Small articles of clothing can commonly get lodged in this area.

If you have any questions, please let me know. I hope this helps you.

yes!! the F/11 is triggered under high voltage conditions like high speed spinning. The part is called the MCU motor control unit. if it goes into failure while using your machine and locks the door, just wait 3 minutes and the door will unlock after the MCU resets. Try using you machine with a low speed spin for awhile.

Sud

SUDS LOCK (Overdose of detergent detected during the wash cycle)

The motor control unit senses a suds lock condition by analyzing the current draw on the drive motor. If “Sud” is displayed a potential suds lock is detected. This may signify a bad pump, an extra heavy load, excessive detergent, or excessive suds.

Potential Causes

A. If too much detergent was used, run the unit through a Rinse/ Spin cycle then a Normal cycle without adding any detergent. This should clear the unit of the excess detergent.
B. Check the drain hose and make sure it is not plugged or kinked
C. Check Wire Harness connections to the Drain Pump, Pressure Switch, and Central Control Unit (CCU)
D. Check / Clean Drain Pump Filter of foreign objects
E. Check Drain Pump
F. Check the Pressure Switch
G. Check CCU

Replace failed component.

Remove the lower front panel 3 screws across the bottom. Pump will be behind this panel.

Try a vinegar rinse or there are also defoaming products available.

removethe lower acess panel 3 screws across the bottom , run the cycle and watch to see where exctly the leak is coming from it should be quite apparent