Error code · Washer

Kenmore 110 HE Front-Load Washer Code F31 / F42: Motor control board failure

Medium · inspection needed

Code: F31 / F42
Appliance: Washer
Brand: Kenmore
Warranty: 30-day workmanship

What F31 / F42 means

Kenmore front-load washers with model numbers starting 110. are a Whirlpool-built platform marketed as HE2, HE2 Plus, HE5 and HE5 Steam. F31 means the motor control board failed, and it shows on all of these washers. F42 means the same thing, but only on HE5 and HE5 Steam models. You will see the code on the display, the drum will not run properly and the cycle stops.

Common causes of F31 / F42

Wiring between the motor control board and the drive motor
Motor control board that does not drive the motor correctly
Connection between the motor control board and the main control board

✓ One safe check you can try

1. Open the door and turn the drum by hand to see whether it moves freely. 2. Check that nothing is wedged between the drum and the tub. 3. Try a short cycle with a lighter load. 4. If F31 or F42 shows again, leave the washer unplugged for our visit.

! Why to stop there

Whether the motor wiring or the motor control board is the weak link
Whether the board fails only under load or right at start
Whether the drive motor itself is healthy once the board is tested

Opening a panel yourself does not automatically cancel a manufacturer warranty, but it can cause accidental damage, and some manufacturers set their own service conditions. Check your warranty terms, or ask us, before deciding.

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Other Washer codes

Sud / SUDSKenmore Washer Codes Sud and SUDS: Excessive suds on 110, 796 and 402 front-loads tEKenmore 796 Washer Code tE: Thermistor and heating UEKenmore 796 Washer Code UE: Unbalanced load uLKenmore 110 Oasis Top-Load Washer Code uL: Unbalanced load Wash LED onKenmore 110 VMW Top-Load Washer Wash Light On: No fill or slow fill PFKenmore 796 Front-Load Washer Code PF: Power failure during the cycle PFKenmore 796 Wi-Fi Front-Load Washer Code PF: Power loss message PFKenmore Calypso Top-Load Washer Code PF: Power failure

F31 / F42F31 / F42 questions

Are F31 and F42 really one problem on my Kenmore 110?

It means the motor control board failed. On this Whirlpool-built HE platform that board drives the motor, so the washer cannot spin the drum until it is tested and the problem is found.

Is F42 different from F31?

Both name the motor control board, but F42 appears only on HE5 and HE5 Steam models, while F31 shows on the HE2 as well. The repair path is the same, so we test the board and its wiring.

Can a wiring problem cause this code?

Yes. A loose connection between the board and the motor can look like a failed board. We test the harness first so you are not charged for a part you do not need.

Book a visit

Still seeing F31 / F42?

A technician diagnoses it on site and gives you the price in writing before any work starts.

(713) 955-7152