How to Use Diagnostic Mode on a Kenmore Washing Machine

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Introduction

Use the washer’s built-in service software to pinpoint why it may not spin, drain, or complete cycles. This guide shows you how to open the top panel, pull the hidden technician sheet, enter diagnostic mode, read and clear error codes, run automatic and manual component tests, and finish with the required recalibration. No special skills are needed—just a few hand tools and careful attention to the safety notes.

What you need

Step 1 Gather the required tool

Use a quarter-inch hex head screwdriver to service the washer.

Step 2 Remove the rear screws

Remove the harness plate screw and the two top panel screws from the rear of the washer with the quarter-inch hex driver.

Step 3 Release the top panel

Pull the lid toward you, lift it upward, then push it back to let the top panel pivot on its rear hinges.

Step 4 Secure the open top

Tape the washer lid closed before lifting the top panel to keep it from swinging open.
Rest the open top against a wall or brace it with a support so it cannot fall while you work.

Step 5 Retrieve the service manual

Remove the technician sheet from the front left corner inside the cabinet and keep it handy for code reference.

Step 6 Set the selector knob to neutral

With power connected rotate the cycle knob counter-clockwise until it reaches the 12 o’clock position completing one full turn.

Step 7 Activate diagnostic mode

Turn the knob right three clicks, left one click, then right one click, pausing about half a second between each movement.
Confirm entry when every status LED flashes together.

Step 8 Access the diagnostic sub-menus

Rotate the knob clockwise to scroll through Error Code, Automatic Test, Manual Test, and Recalibration modes.

Step 9 Open error code mode

Stop when only the Cycle Complete LED is lit and press Start to enter the error code menu.
Wait for the LEDs to flash once, indicating stored faults are ready to display.

Step 10 Read the stored fault codes

Turn the knob clockwise to view each of the four most recent fault codes.
If the Sensing Fill LED is lit the code begins with F; if it is dark the code begins with E.
Add the numbers shown by the other lit LEDs to complete the code and record it for spin or drain troubleshooting.

Step 11 Clear all fault codes

After the fourth code turn the knob once more, then press and hold Start for about five seconds while all LEDs flash to erase the memory.

Step 12 Run the automatic component test

Rotate to Automatic Test and press Start; the washer will fill, agitate, drain, and spin through every major function in roughly three minutes.
The lid lock engages during this test, blocking your view unless the lock is bypassed.

Step 13 Bypass the lid lock for observation

Remove the two Torx screws securing the lid striker, slide the striker off, and insert it into the lid lock.
Opening the lid during high-speed spin can cause injury or damage; observe at your own risk.

Step 14 Evaluate automatic test results

Watch and listen as the washer moves through each step to identify any component that fails to actuate, fill, drain, or spin.

Step 15 Enter manual test mode

Select Manual Test, press Start, then rotate the knob to the function you wish to test individually.
Choose Lid Lock first when you need to run agitation or spin tests.

Step 16 Run and exit manual tests

Press Start to begin the selected action and press it again to stop when finished.
Hold Start for three to four seconds to cancel manual mode and return the control to standby.

Step 17 Recalibrate the washer

From diagnostics rotate the knob four clicks clockwise until only the Rinse LED remains lit, then press Start.
Let the recalibration run for about two and a half minutes until all LEDs turn off.

Step 18 Reinstall the top panel

Lower the top panel onto the cabinet, slide it forward to seat the hinges, and tighten the two top panel screws and harness plate screw.

Step 19 Return the washer to service

Remove the tape, move the washer back into place, and resume normal use with diagnostics complete.

Conclusion

Your Kenmore washer now has a clean fault log, fully proven components, and a fresh calibration. If problems such as no-spin or no-drain persist, use the codes you recorded and the tech sheet you pulled to focus further troubleshooting.