Washer will not start; control panel lights may be on but cycle will not run, sometimes accompanied by a relay click and then nothing.
Safety Warning
This repair may involve working with high voltage components or water connections. Always unplug the appliance before removing any panels.
If you are not confident in your ability to perform this repair safely, we strongly recommend contacting a professional technician.
Possible Causes
How to Fix / Troubleshooting
Safety First: Unplug the washer or switch off the breaker before any disassembly. Capacitors on the control board can hold a charge; avoid touching bare circuitry.
Steps:
- Power reset: Unplug the washer for 5 minutes, then plug back in and try a rinse/drain cycle. Sometimes a transient fault clears.
- Check outlet and power cord: Verify the outlet has 120V using a meter and that the Kenmore power cord is not loose or damaged at the plug or strain relief.
- Access the main control (CCU): Remove the top panel (usually 3 screws at the back, slide back and lift). The CCU is typically mounted at the rear or side under the top.
- Inspect for damage: Look for burnt spots, bulged components, or a burnt smell on the CCU. Check all harness connectors for looseness or corrosion.
- Reseat connectors: One at a time, unplug and firmly reinsert each wiring connector to the CCU, especially the power input and motor/door lock connectors.
- Test again: Reassemble the top, restore power, and run a diagnostic or normal cycle. If F01 returns and power supply is good, the CCU is likely defective.
- Replace CCU if needed: Order the correct Kenmore main control board using the full model number from the door frame. Transfer one connector at a time from old to new board to avoid miswiring.
When to call a technician: If you are not comfortable working around electronic boards or if the new board still shows F01, professional diagnosis is recommended.
Repair Difficulty
Required Part
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