F20 error on kenmore elite front load washer - Kenmore Elite 45986 Front Load Washer

"F20" is a water inlet problem. This indicates you have insufficient water supply for the washer. Whirlpool is the manufacturer of your washer and they recommend that you unplug the washer and check the following:

1. Check water faucets to ensure they are completely turned on.
2. Check the inlet hose screens where they connect to the washer. The screens can clog with sediment over time and require cleaning. This can be a problem if you live in an area with well water and/or hard water.
3. Ensure the inlet hoses are in good shape and are not kinked.

If you check all the common sense items first and the problem still persists, you need to check the water inlet valve. To access, you will need to remove the top panel of the washer by removing the three screws that hold it in place. Once the screws are removed, the panel slides back, then off. The water inlet valve is located in the left-rear of the washer just prior to the dispenser. Double the electrical connectors to make sure they are not corroded and double check the hoses that run from the inlet valve to ensure they are not kinked. A resistance check of the water inlet solenoids (with the connectors removed) should read about 800 ohms. If the solenoid readings are abnormal, replace the valve.

If you have NO water in the wash tub, check the following:

- Inlet water valve may be clogged. Clean inlet screens if necessary.
- Make sure water taps are on.
- Check inlet hoses for kinks or clogs.

If you HAVE water filling the wash tub, check the following:
If you have ever experienced the problem where you washer continually fills but never reaches the proper level (not an overflow). Or, the wash tub water level cannot be maintained, because the water level keeps dropping. You may be experiencing what is known as ?siphoning?. This occurs when there is no air gap for the drain line at the standpipe. The standpipe is the drain pipe at the wall where the washer drain line is placed. With no air gap, a vacuum is created, and water will begin to drain from the wash tub prematurely. To prevent this from occurring, follow this advice:

• The standpipe should be 2 inches in diameter to allow a sufficient air gap between the top of the standpipe and the drain hose.
• The standpipe should be a minimum of 34? from the floor, and should not exceed 72 inches in height.
• DO NOT seal the top of the standpipe. Many consumers seal the standpipe in the belief that this will prevent overflows, or get rid of drain odors. This often creates more problems than solutions.
• DO NOT place the drain hose too far down into the pipe. Water stays in the drain trap area of the standpipe. If the end of the drain hose rests in this area, no air gap is created, and this can also cause siphoning. 4 to 6 inches is sufficient.
• The drain hose length must not exceed 10 feet in length. Excessive drain hose length can cause drain problems and back wash.