Kenmore washer
showing FE
FE means the washer found more water than it should hold.
Mon–Sat, 8am–8pm
- Water supply
- Water inlet valve repair
- Source: Kenmore
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What FE
actually means.
FE means the washer found more water than it should hold. The drain pump runs without stopping while the code shows, and the chart names inlet valves that fail to shut off after filling.
Kenmore washer display
What to do when FE shows on the washerKind of codeWater supply
Water arrived too slowly, not at all, or kept coming after it should have stopped. The supply valves on the wall and the screens inside the fill hoses are checked before the inlet valve or the level sensor.
Usually leads toWater inlet valve repair
A washer that will not fill, fills slowly, fills with only cold water or keeps filling, repaired at the inlet valve and its screens.
Shows up asWasher Overflowing
The washer keeps filling past the normal level, and water spills over the tub, out of the door or onto the floor.
MakeKenmore
The long-running Sears store brand, whose washers were produced by several different manufacturers.
SourceSears PartsDirect: Kenmore 796 model front-load washer error codes (Wayback copy, 12.11.2019)
Kenmore front-load washers with model numbers starting with 796.
Before you book,
in this order.
Each step comes from Kenmore's own guidance for FE on its washers. Follow it to the end: the last card says whether this is a visit.
If water is on the floor, turn off both supply valves and unplug the washer.
Otherwise let the pump run and do not start a new cycle.
Book a visit: the inlet valve assembly is the part the chart points to.
Still there?
It usually turns into water inlet valve repair. Book with the code and the model number.
What not to do
FE is not the same as a slow drain. The pump is working hard; the extra water is coming in through the fill side.
What you may
notice with it.
The washer problems FE tends to arrive with. Answer these at the washer before anyone is booked.
All problems
Washer Overflowing
5 causes, cheapest first
Where FE usually leads
Water inlet valve repair.
Kenmore
washers.
The long-running Sears store brand, whose washers were produced by several different manufacturers.
Kenmore washer repairMore Kenmore codes
Water supply on other makes
Front-load washer
A horizontal drum behind a sealed glass door, a rubber boot, a locking latch and a pump with a filter you can reach from the front.
Top-load washer
The upright washer with a lid on top, moving clothes either with a tall central agitator or with a low impeller plate in the bottom of the basket.
Stackable washer
The washer at the bottom of a stacked pair or a single-frame laundry center, repaired inside the closet or recess it was sized for.
In Kenmore's own words
The drain pump runs constantly when the FE error code is displayed.
Every code on this site is taken from the manufacturer's documentation, never from a forum or a parts listing. Kenmore front-load washers with model numbers starting with 796.
Kenmore FE washer repair,
where we come out.
The same visit in every metro below: the code, the model number, and a diagnosis before any part is ordered.
All service areasTampa BayFL · 31 areas
Miami / South FloridaFL · 47 areas
New York MetroNY · 75 areas
HoustonTX · 36 areas
ChicagoIL · 50 areas
Los AngelesCA · 95 areas
San DiegoCA · 31 areas
Questions
about FE.
Can I clear FE myself?
Why is my Kenmore pumping nonstop with FE on the display?
Is it safe to leave my Kenmore plugged in with FE showing?
Back to your everyday
Still showing FE?
Book with the code as it appears, the full model number, and whether any water is on the floor — for a code, that is where the diagnosis begins.