F53
What code F53 means on a Kenmore washing machines, what causes it, and which part to check first.
● SEVERITY: HIGH
Kenmore F53 means: Motor control over-temperature. The documented cause is: The motor control portion of the main electronic control board is overheating. This can be caused by a high current draw through the motor circuit due to excessive friction in the drive system.
What F53 means
Motor control over-temperature
The display shows F53 and the machine stops until the fault is cleared.
What the technical documentation says
Causes documented in the technical source published by applianceaid.com
| DOCUMENTED CAUSE OR CHECK |
|---|
| The motor control portion of the main electronic control board is overheating |
| This can be caused by a high current draw through the motor circuit due to excessive friction in the drive system |
| Check to see if the basket spins freely |
| If not, examine and repair the cause of the excessive friction |
| If the basket spins freely, then the drive motor and/or the main electronic control board may need to be replaced |
Replacement parts
Tools you'll need
Before you open anything
Unplug the machine and close the water tap before removing any panel. Water and mains electricity sit centimetres apart inside a washing machine. If the drum still holds water, drain it from the filter first — it can be scalding.
What to check, in order
From the quickest check to the one that needs a technician.
Find a specialist
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Frequently asked questions
What does F53 mean on a Kenmore?
Motor control over-temperature The documented cause is: The motor control portion of the main electronic control board is overheating. This can be caused by a high current draw through the motor circuit due to excessive friction in the drive system. Check to see if the basket spins freely. If not, examine and repair the cause of the excessive friction. If the basket spins freely, then the drive motor and/or the main electronic control board may need to be replaced
Can I fix F53 myself?
It depends on the part involved: The motor control portion of the main electronic control board is overheating. This can be caused by a high current draw through the motor circuit due to excessive friction in the drive system. Check to see if the basket spins freely. If not, examine and repair the cause of the excessive friction. If the basket spins freely, then the drive motor and/or the main electronic control board may need to be replaced Clearing a filter or straightening a hose is within reach of anyone; anything behind a panel means mains electricity and water together — that is a job for a technician.
Does Kenmore use other codes on this appliance?
Yes: we document 142 other codes for Kenmore on this washing machines. They are listed at the bottom of this page, each with its own meaning.
Does the same code mean the same thing on other brands?
Often not. The same two characters can point to completely different faults depending on the manufacturer — always check the page for your own brand.