Error code · Washer

Kenmore 110 Top-Load Washer Code F3 E1: Water level signal unusable

Medium · inspection needed

Code: F3 E1
Appliance: Washer
Brand: Kenmore
Warranty: 30-day workmanship

What F3 E1 means

Kenmore top-load washers whose model numbers start with 110. are a Whirlpool-built platform sold in VMW and VMAX versions. On both, F3 E1 is a water level sensing problem: the pressure switch that reads how deep the water is, which lives on the main electronic control board, is giving a signal the control cannot accept, or one outside its range. You will see F3 E1 on the display and the washer may fill wrongly, stop mid-cycle or refuse to start.

Common causes of F3 E1

Air hose between the bottom of the tub and the pressure switch pinched, blocked or leaking
Water level pressure switch on the main electronic control board
Main electronic control board itself

✓ One safe check you can try

1. Run a short cycle and watch the fill to see whether the water level looks normal. 2. Make sure the washer is level and nothing is pressing on the lower cabinet. 3. Check that the drain hose is not siphoning water out. 4. Do not open the console to reach the air hose or the board. That part is ours to test.

! Why to stop there

Whether the air hose is kinked or leaking, or the pressure switch has drifted
Whether the water level is actually correct while the signal is wrong
Whether the board is the cause, which we confirm only after the hose is cleared

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

F3 E1F3 E1 questions

Does F3 E1 mean the pressure hose or the control board?

It means the water level signal is not usable. On this Whirlpool-built VMW and VMAX platform the control cannot trust the reading from its pressure switch, so it stops and shows F3 E1.

Is the hose or the board the problem?

Either can be. A pinched or leaking air hose is the first thing we test because it is the cheaper path, and the board comes last, once the hose and fill are proven good.

Can F3 E1 flood the floor?

A wrong level reading can let the washer over- or under-fill. If you see water rising, close both faucets and unplug it. Otherwise the cycle usually just stops.

Book a visit

Still seeing F3 E1?

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

(713) 955-7152