Error code · Washer

Kenmore Calypso Top-Load Washer Code SL: Excessive suds

Low risk · DIY check OK

Code: SL
Appliance: Washer
Brand: Kenmore
Warranty: 30-day workmanship

What SL means

On Kenmore Calypso top-load washers, SL means excessive suds. The control sees too much foam in the tub and stops the cycle to protect the drain and the motor. The Calypso line is documented as using SL, and the same letters can mean something else on other lines, so we match your washer first. You will see SL on the display with a tub full of foam. It is about detergent and not about a broken part.

Common causes of SL

Too much high efficiency detergent
Detergent type that foams heavily
Foam that has not had time to settle

✓ One safe check you can try

1. Do not run more cycles right away. 2. Let the washer sit idle for 30 minutes so the suds dissipate. 3. Run the Rinse/Spin cycle to drain the water. 4. Start a new cycle without adding detergent, to rinse the soap out of the load.

! Why to stop there

Whether the suds are from detergent or from something in the load
Whether the washer drains normally after the foam goes down
Whether the SL message is tied to a specific cycle

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

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 rL / OU / F34Kenmore 110 HE Front-Load Washer Codes rL, OU and F34: Clothes in the Clean Washer cycle

SLSL questions

How long should I wait before I try again?

Let the washer sit idle for about 30 minutes so the foam can go down. Then run Rinse/Spin to drain the water. A new cycle without detergent rinses the soap out of the clothes.

Why does the washer stop for suds?

Foam can fool the water sensing and slow the drain, and it puts extra load on the motor. The control stops so it can protect those parts until the suds are gone.

I used high efficiency detergent. Why did SL still show?

Even HE detergent foams if the dose is too big. Use the amount shown for the load size. If SL keeps returning with a small dose, we check the washer and quote in writing.

Book a visit

Still unsure about SL?

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

(713) 955-7152