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Kenmore Washer Drain Pump Replacement

Video Guide
This guide was transcribed from a YouTube video.

Introduction

Use this guide to replace the drain pump and filter assembly in a Kenmore front-load washer. The drain pump removes water from the tub during drain and spin cycles. Replace it if the washer shows an F02 or FO2 drain error, leaves standing water in the drum, or starts draining without actually pumping water out. This guide was written for a Kenmore washer with a lower front access panel and front-mounted pump assembly, so the mounting details may differ slightly on other models.

What you need

  1. Edit

    • Unplug the washer before opening the lower front panel.

    • Turn off the water supply valves if you need to move the washer or disturb any hoses.

    • Keep towels and a large bowl nearby because the pump and tub can still hold water even when the drum looks empty.

    • Don't work on the wiring with wet hands or while standing in pooled water.

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  2. Edit

    • Use this repair when the washer shows an F02 or FO2 drain error, will not pump out, or starts drain and spin without draining.

    • Check the pump filter and pump inlet for debris before replacing the pump.

    • Debris rubbing the impeller can stop the pump, and cleaning it may clear the error.

    • Replace the pump if the washer still doesn't drain after the blockage is removed.

    • A drain pump can also fail over time from wear.

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  3. Edit

    • Use a 1/4 inch nut driver to remove the three screws along the lower front access panel.

    • Pull the lower front access panel away from the washer and set it aside.

    • If the washer sits on a pedestal drawer, open it, lift it, and remove it for more room.

    • Set the screws aside where they won't roll away.

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  4. Edit

    • Place a large bowl under the pump cleanout before opening the pump.

    • Don't rely on the holes in a pedestal drawer to catch the water.

    • Spread towels around the work area to catch spills.

    • Squeeze the retaining clips on the nearby plastic holder and move it aside for more room.

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  5. Edit

    • Support the pump with one hand and push it up slightly to relieve pressure on the front latch.

    • Pull the front tab forward to release the pump from the mount.

    • Some models use a screw through a rubber grommet instead of a pull tab.

    • Remove that screw first if your pump uses it.

    • Slide the rear rubber feet out from under the mounting tabs and pull the pump forward.

    • Don't yank the pump forward because the hoses and wiring are still attached.

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  6. Edit

    • Unclip the pump wiring from the holder that keeps it away from the pump.

    • Squeeze the two tabs on the connector cover and lift the cover to expose the pump plug.

    • Pull the plug straight out of the pump connector.

    • Keep the washer unplugged while this connector is exposed.

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  7. Edit

    • Move the loosened pump forward just enough to position the cleanout cover over the bowl.

    • Slowly loosen the cleanout cover and let the water drain into the bowl.

    • Don't remove the cleanout cover all at once if the tub is full of water.

    • Use a container large enough for the remaining water, or tighten the cover and empty the bowl as needed.

    • Tighten the cleanout cover after the water stops draining.

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  8. Edit

    • Use pliers to compress the tabs on the first hose clamp.

    • Slide the clamp back along the hose, away from the pump fitting.

    • Twist and pull the hose off the pump fitting.

    • Repeat the clamp and hose removal for the second pump hose.

    • The clamps are usually the hardest part because the space behind the pump is tight.

    • Tongue-and-groove pliers can help if a clamp is hard to reach.

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  9. Edit

    • Remove the old drain-pump and filter assembly from the washer.

    • Compare the new pump with the old one, including the hose fittings, electrical connector, and mounting points.

    • This assembly is commonly sold under part numbers 280187, 8181684, and 285998.

    • Verify the replacement against the washer model number before installing it.

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  10. Edit

    • Set the new pump on the rubberized mount before reconnecting the hoses.

    • Slide the rear feet under the rear mounting tabs.

    • Slide the front of the pump under the two rubber loops on the mount.

    • Push the pull tab forward and up over the front mount until the pump locks in place.

    • A small amount of movement is normal because the mount is rubberized.

    • Reinstall the mount screw if your model uses one.

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  11. Edit

    • Use pliers to compress the rear hose clamp.

    • Slide the rear hose fully onto the rear pump fitting while holding the clamp open.

    • Release the clamp only after the hose is fully seated.

    • Compress the second clamp and slide the second hose fully onto the other pump fitting.

    • Release the second clamp after the hose is fully seated.

    • Check that both clamps sit over the fittings so the hoses won't leak.

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  12. Edit

    • Plug the pump wiring connector back into the pump.

    • Close the connector cover over the plug.

    • Clip the wiring back into its holders so it stays away from the pump and hoses.

    • Make sure the pump cleanout cover is tight before adding water.

    • Leave the lower front access panel off for leak testing.

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  13. Edit

    • Dry the area under the pump before testing the washer.

    • Plug the washer in and run a short fill, drain, or drain-and-spin cycle.

    • Watch the pump, hose connections, cleanout cover, and floor for leaks while the washer fills and drains.

    • Keep hands, tools, and towels away from exposed wiring while the washer is powered.

    • The pump may sound rough at first while trapped air works out of the system.

    • Confirm that the pump primes and moves water with a strong flow.

    • Unplug the washer before adjusting any hose, clamp, or connector.

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  14. Edit

    • Unplug the washer after the leak test passes.

    • Reinstall the lower front access panel with the three screws.

    • Reinstall the pedestal drawer if you removed it.

    • Run a normal cycle and confirm that the F02 or FO2 error doesn't return.

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Conclusion

The washer should now drain normally without leaks. Repair didn't go as planned? Ask our Answers community for help.

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