Kenmore Compact Top-Load Washer Lights: Normal, Perm Press and Hand-Wash
On Kenmore compact top-load washers, the Normal, Perm Press and Hand-Wash lights together mean the washer had a long drain. The pump ran and the water did not leave the tub in the expected time. The…
- Code
- Normal, Perm Press and Hand-Wash
- Appliance
- Washer
- Brand
- Kenmore
- Warranty
- 30-day workmanship
What Normal, Perm Press and Hand-Wash means
On Kenmore compact top-load washers, the Normal, Perm Press and Hand-Wash lights together mean the washer had a long drain. The pump ran and the water did not leave the tub in the expected time. The light group takes the place of a numbered code on this compact line. Excess suds are a known reason, because the pump cannot move sudsy water well. A kinked or blocked drain hose is the other usual suspect.
Common causes of Normal, Perm Press and Hand-Wash
- Clog in the drain hose
- Excessive suds that the pump cannot move
- Drain pump that is worn or blocked
1. Check the drain hose for a clog or kink. 2. If there are heavy suds, wait for them to dissipate and press Start/Off. The washer drains and resumes. 3. Use less detergent next time. 4. Unplug the washer before looking at the pump, and leave the pump to us.
- Whether the drain hose, the suds or the pump is the cause
- Whether the pump runs when the control calls for it
- Whether the house drain is backing up
Other Washer codes
How long should I wait for suds to settle?
Give them time to dissipate, then press Start/Off. The control drains the washer and picks up the cycle where it left off. Waiting longer is better than forcing a drain through foam.
Why are suds a problem for the pump?
A drain pump moves water well, but foam is mostly air. When the tub is full of suds, the pump cannot move enough liquid, and the control sees a drain that took too long.
These are cycle lights, not letters. Is that right?
Yes. This compact line signals some conditions by lighting a group of cycle indicators instead of showing letters, and each group has its own meaning, so we match the exact lights you see.
Still seeing Normal, Perm Press and Hand-Wash?
A technician diagnoses it on site and gives you the price in writing before any work starts.