Kenmore Elite Washing Machine Problems And Their Solutions
Is your Kenmore Elite washing machine acting up? Washing machine problems usually sprout a year after using it. If you are not taking good care of your washer, it can even cause more washer problems.
Diagnose your washer problems first. Learn more about the parts of your washer so you can determine the parts that are more likely to act up.
Here are some of the most common Kenmore washer problems and their plausible solutions:
1. Washer Smell
Why this happens: It is not just Kenmore. Most modern washers seem to have this problem. Front loaders are quite prone to this problem because of excess moisture inside. The machine does not effectively dispel all the moisture leading to the accumulation of moisture inside and that will eventually prompt the appearance of molds.
It is probably caused by detergent residues as well. You have to clean your washer regularly or lessen your usage of the detergent.
Solution: Clean your washer. Try running an empty hot water cycle and add half a bag of baking soda and one cup of distilled white vinegar. Allow this solution to circulate inside and dissolve molds or mildew. This will also help clean the drum and make it look shiny.
2. Code F21 and F33 error
Why this happens: The f21 error is the slow drain error. It usually appears when the machine is not draining water. Kenmore has to drain water out in approximately 8 minutes. If it still detects water inside after the allotted time, this error will appear.
The F33 error will tell you that there is something wrong with the pump drive system of the machine. This is the same pump that drains out the water.
Solution: If you still have your clothes inside the washer, remove them. Siphon the water out or remove the water inside bucket by bucket. It may take a while but you need this to temporarily drain the water.
If the pump is not working, you should try replacing the central control unit of your Kenmore washer. This is probably best done by a professional as the professional will test the functionality of the pump first.
If you are getting F21 errors only, try unplugging your washer for about an hour. After the allotted time, reset the central control unit. If this will not correct the error, you need to check the drain hose for signs of obstructions. If the hose is kinked, you need to straighten it out to make water flow out seamlessly.
3. The spin cycle is too fast and the vibration is getting out of hand
Why this happens: Most washers have a very fast spin cycle. They run in about 1000RPM speed or more. This is needed to extract most of the moisture in clothes. This way, you no longer have to dry your clothes for a long time in the dryer.
Solution: The next time you do your laundry, make sure that you load the washer evenly. Uneven loads can cause vibrations and weird noise. Also do not spin very thick clothes and those clothes with protruding buckles or studs.
The bottom part of the washer has to be firmly planted on the floor as well. You might need to use a platform to ensure that the washer is sitting on even surface. You can also try using anti vibration pads that will help muffle out the sound of your washer.
4. Water goes back to the washer after draining
Why this happens: It can be caused by a blocked drain pump or a malfunctioning inlet water control. If the drain pump is blocked, most of the water drained out will go back because they cannot pass through effortlessly.
If the machine has already been switched off but water is still coming back to the washer drum, it is most likely caused by a malfunctioning inlet water control valve.
Solution: Replace the water valve with a new one.
5. F28 code errors
Why this happens: This is a serial communication error which is problem caused by a broken CCU or MCU. The control boards are the problem.
Solution: There is no other solution to this than have the affected control board replaced by the manufacturing company. If your washer is under an extended warranty or the original warranty, you can use that.
If you can't get someone from Kenmore to fix the problem, you are probably better off buying a new washer.
6. Water pressure is low
Why this happens: It is probably caused by a dirty water filter. If your other water sources have a high water pressure and only your washer seems to have a lot water pressure, you should check the filter. It can be clogged by collected debris.
Solution: You need to clean the water filter in soapy water. Use a soft-bristled brush to get rid of hardened minerals or debris.
Are you trying to save space? You might want to get a new Kenmore stackable washer . For more laundry area space-saving ideas, visit us at http://www.washingmachineadvisor.com.
Frequently Asked Questions
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QUESTION:
Why isnt my washing machine filling up with water all the way?
My washing machine is not filling all the way, what is wrong or what should i do?-
ANSWER:
Depending on the make and model of your machine there could be more than one answer. If the load is full it could be that you have the water setting on low. If the load is half full it could be that your washing machine has a sensor to determine this an adjust the water level accordingly.The machine should fill up about seven eighths full on a full load. A little bit of air is necessary to allow the water a little movement around the washing and lets proper soap suds form.
If it never fills up to what you would call full, no matter what the setting or amount of items in the machine it’s time to get a repairer in to look at it.
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QUESTION:
How can I descale my washing machine?
My washing machine is getting really noisy when it spins, so I think it needs descaling.-
ANSWER:
I’m not sure about the area you live in and the water type, but when ever my washing machine makes funny noises, it’s either the bearings, or a belt.I recommend you call a repair company, as I seriously doubt “lime scale” or “hard water deposits” would cause noise when it spins.
If it is scale (seriously, I think it’s not likely) you can try running 1/2 gallon of plain white vinegar through a regular wash load. Worst case you waste the vinegar- It’s cheap, if it helps, run another 1/2 gallon again and see if the stain/noise dissapears.
If it does not, likely you need to call a repair co for the bearings or belts.
Good Luck
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QUESTION:
What kind of washing machine should you get if you run a boarding barn?
Would a conventional washing machine work or would something else be better?
Are there any other ways of cleaning blankets besides a washing machine?-
ANSWER:
If you are planning to wash turnout rugs or heavy stable rugs then you need a special machine for that.http://www.washinghorserugs.co.uk/washing-equipment.php
http://www.laundrymachines.co.uk/page.php?xPage=set_equine.html
They are expensive.
If, on the other hand, it is just for “normal” stuff – boots, numnahs, sweat rugs etc can all go into an ordinary machine ( although we had to adapt the filter on ours as it kept getting clogged even if we brushed the hair off first) I can get most of my stable rugs into my machine but the turnouts go to the Equine Laundry.
Cleaning a rug without a washing machine ?
Yeah that’s fun. You need a hot day, a clean yard and a stiff brush. ( A jetwash can be useful too) If you have friends ” helping” you it usually ends up as a water fight.
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QUESTION:
What would cause a washing machine to only fill up so far then start draining?
My washing machine will only fill up to wash on low/med level but if set any higher than that it won’t hold the water it will start draining when it gets so full.-
ANSWER:
If your drain pipe is too short and the water gets above that point it will start draining out. You might want to check that. For some troubleshooting help try going here:
http://www.repairclinic.com/Washing-Machine-Troubleshooting
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QUESTION:
Whats the difference between your mom and a washing machine?
The washing machine doesn’t follow me around for a week after I put a load in it. Booya!-
ANSWER:
The washing machine makes less noise, too.
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