Error code · Washer

Kenmore 110 Top-Load Washer Code F3 E2: Inlet temperature sensor reading

Medium · inspection needed

Code: F3 E2
Appliance: Washer
Brand: Kenmore
Warranty: 30-day workmanship

What F3 E2 means

On Kenmore top-load washers with model numbers starting 110., a Whirlpool-built platform sold in VMW and VMAX versions, F3 E2 reports a problem with the inlet water temperature reading. The thermistor, a small temperature sensor that rides with the water valve assembly, is not giving the control a believable value. The display shows F3 E2 and the washer may stop at the fill or choose the wrong water temperature for the cycle.

Common causes of F3 E2

Temperature thermistor in the inlet valve wiring harness
Wiring between the main electronic control board and the water valve assembly
Main electronic control board input for the thermistor

✓ One safe check you can try

1. Check that the hot and cold faucets behind the washer are both open. 2. Make sure the fill hoses are not kinked or crushed. 3. Start a cold-only cycle to see whether F3 E2 repeats. 4. Leave the console closed. The thermistor wiring sits behind it and needs a meter to judge.

! Why to stop there

Whether the thermistor is out of range or its wiring is loose
Whether the water valve assembly harness is damaged
Whether the control reads the sensor correctly once the wiring is proven

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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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 SdKenmore HE2 Front-Load Washer Code Sd: Too many suds SdKenmore HE5 Front-Load Washer Code Sd: Excessive suds

F3 E2F3 E2 questions

Why would a top-loader flash F3 E2 at the first fill?

It means the water temperature sensor reading is wrong. On this Whirlpool-built VMW and VMAX platform the thermistor sits with the inlet valve, and the control stops when its value does not make sense.

Could my hot and cold hoses be swapped?

A reversal is a separate code on VMW models, F8 E5. F3 E2 is about the sensor signal itself. We check the hoses anyway because it costs nothing.

Will the washer run at all with F3 E2?

Sometimes it will fill and wash, sometimes it stops at the first fill. Either way the sensor circuit needs testing before the code is trusted to stay away.

Book a visit

Still seeing F3 E2?

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

(713) 955-7152