Error code · Washer

Kenmore Compact Top-Load Washer Lights: Heavy Duty, Normal and Hand-Wash

Medium · inspection needed

Code: Heavy Duty, Normal and Hand-Wash
Appliance: Washer
Brand: Kenmore
Warranty: 30-day workmanship

What Heavy Duty, Normal and Hand-Wash means

On Kenmore compact top-load washers, the Heavy Duty, Normal and Hand-Wash cycle lights lit together signal an unexpected fill during agitation or soak. The control found the water level had dropped after the tub filled, so it knows something changed. This can happen when garments are taken out mid-cycle, which lowers the level, or when the tub is losing water. The washer pauses with the three lights on instead of a numbered code.

Common causes of Heavy Duty, Normal and Hand-Wash

Garments removed from the basket after the fill
Leak at the tub or in a connected hose
Water level pressure switch that reads a level change that did not happen

✓ One safe check you can try

1. Think back on whether you took clothes out after the washer filled. 2. If you did, press Start/Off to reset the control. The washer refills and resumes the cycle. 3. If you did not, unplug the washer and look at the floor and hoses for water. 4. If you find a leak or the lights return, call us before you run another load.

! Why to stop there

Whether the water is truly leaving the tub or the switch is misreading the level
Where a leak starts, if there is one
Whether the cycle resumes correctly after a reset

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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Heavy Duty, Normal and Hand-WashHeavy Duty, Normal and Hand-Wash questions

Why does opening the lid cause this?

Taking out clothes lowers the water in the tub. The control sees that level drop after the fill and treats it as an unexpected change. Pressing Start/Off lets it refill and carry on with your cycle.

These are buttons, not an error code. Is that normal?

Yes. This compact line reports some conditions by lighting a group of cycle indicators, so the lights stand in for a code on the display.

How do I know if the tub is leaking?

Look for water under or behind the washer after a fill, with the cord unplugged. A dry floor makes a misreading switch more likely, and we test both before quoting any repair.

Book a visit

Still seeing Heavy Duty, Normal and Hand-Wash?

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

(713) 955-7152