Error code · Washer

Kenmore Compact Top-Load Washer Lights: Heavy Duty, Normal and Perm Press

Medium · inspection needed

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

What Heavy Duty, Normal and Perm Press means

Kenmore compact top-load washers show the Heavy Duty, Normal and Perm Press lights together when the fill is slow. The control waited for the tub to reach the right level and the water arrived too gradually. That points to the water coming in, not to a problem with the load. It is common in portable installations that hook to a sink faucet, because the supply is easier to restrict there than in a plumbed laundry wall.

Common causes of Heavy Duty, Normal and Perm Press

Portable hookup where hot water is selected but the sink controls temperature
Clogged screens at the water inlet valve
Faucet or hose supplying less water than the washer expects

✓ One safe check you can try

1. Select only the Cold water temperature button if the washer is hooked to a sink, because the faucets set the temperature. 2. Check that the faucet is fully open and the hose is not kinked. 3. Unplug the washer if you need to look at the hose ends. 4. If the lights return, let us look at the inlet valve screens.

! Why to stop there

Whether the screens at the inlet valve are partly blocked
Whether the supply pressure from your faucet is enough
Whether the valve itself should be replaced instead of cleaned

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 Perm PressHeavy Duty, Normal and Perm Press questions

Why does a portable hookup matter?

A portable washer takes water from a sink faucet, so you control the temperature there. If the washer asks for hot or warm water through its own valves, the fill can be slow or incomplete.

Can I clean the inlet screens myself?

We advise against it. A clogged screen on this valve is normally handled by replacing the valve assembly, because the screen is not made to be taken apart and put back reliably.

Will it run once the fill catches up?

Sometimes the cycle resumes, but a slow fill will keep coming back until the supply or the valve is fixed. We check both and quote in writing first.

Book a visit

Still seeing Heavy Duty, Normal and Perm Press?

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

(713) 955-7152