F-31
What code F-31 means on a Kenmore tumble dryers, what causes it, and which part to check first.
● SEVERITY: MEDIUM
Kenmore F-31 means: Low L2 voltage. The documented cause is: The L2 leg of 240 volt power is below 30 volts. Check the house circuit breakers for the dryer and reset the L2 breaker if it's tripped.
On Kenmore appliances the codes F-31, F:31 report the identical fault with the identical documented cause: this page covers all of them.
What F-31 means
Low L2 voltage
The display shows F-31 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 L2 leg of 240 volt power is below 30 volts |
| Check the house circuit breakers for the dryer and reset the L2 breaker if it's tripped |
| Unplug the dryer and check the power cord wire connections on the terminal block |
| Reconnect any loose wires or replace the power cord if it's damaged |
| Have an electrician check the 240 volt power supply for the dryer |
Replacement parts
Tools you'll need
Before you open anything
Unplug the machine before removing any panel. Lint is flammable: never run a dryer with the filter removed, and clear the duct if the code points to airflow.
What to check, in order
From the quickest check to the one that needs a technician.
Find a specialist
TroubleAtlas Pro
TroubleAtlas Certified
What is the TroubleAtlas Score?
Beyond fault codes and specialists, we rate the reliability of appliance brands and models — a transparent score that owes nothing to the manufacturer. The reference to check before you buy or repair.
See all appliance scores →TA YouTube Channel
Frequently asked questions
What does F-31 mean on a Kenmore?
Low L2 voltage The documented cause is: The L2 leg of 240 volt power is below 30 volts. Check the house circuit breakers for the dryer and reset the L2 breaker if it's tripped. Unplug the dryer and check the power cord wire connections on the terminal block. Reconnect any loose wires or replace the power cord if it's damaged. Have an electrician check the 240 volt power supply for the dryer
Can I fix F-31 myself?
It depends on the part involved: The L2 leg of 240 volt power is below 30 volts. Check the house circuit breakers for the dryer and reset the L2 breaker if it's tripped. Unplug the dryer and check the power cord wire connections on the terminal block. Reconnect any loose wires or replace the power cord if it's damaged. Have an electrician check the 240 volt power supply for the dryer 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 65 other codes for Kenmore on this tumble dryers. 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.