F06
What code F06 means on a Kenmore washing machines, what causes it, and which part to check first.
● SEVERITY: HIGH
Kenmore F06 means: Steamer failure. The documented cause is: Unplug the washer and check the wire harness connections between the steamer and the steamer electronic control board. Reconnect any loose wires or replace the wire harness if damaged.
What F06 means
Steamer failure
The display shows F06 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 |
|---|
| Unplug the washer and check the wire harness connections between the steamer and the steamer electronic control board |
| Reconnect any loose wires or replace the wire harness if damaged |
| If the wire harness connections are okay, replace the steamer |
| To clear the error code and reset the washer, run the diagnostic test |
| To enter the diagnostic test, plug in the washer and close the door |
| With the tub empty and the control off, select any one key except Stop/Cancel or Control Lock and press the key in this pattern: press and hold for 3 seconds, release, press and hold for 3 seconds, release, press and hold for 3 seconds, release, press and hold for 3 seconds, release, press and hold for 3 seconds |
| After the 5th iteration, the control will display the last stored error code (F61). Press the sam |
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.
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Frequently asked questions
What does F06 mean on a Kenmore?
Steamer failure The documented cause is: Unplug the washer and check the wire harness connections between the steamer and the steamer electronic control board. Reconnect any loose wires or replace the wire harness if damaged. If the wire harness connections are okay, replace the steamer. To clear the error code and reset the washer, run the diagnostic test. To enter the diagnostic test, plug in the washer and close the door. With the tub empty and the control off, select any one key except Stop/Cancel or Control Lock and press the key in this pattern: press and hold for 3 seconds, release, press and hold for 3 seconds, release, press and hold for 3 seconds, release, press and hold for 3 seconds, release, press and hold for 3 seconds. After the 5th iteration, the control will display the last stored error code (F61). Press the sam
Can I fix F06 myself?
It depends on the part involved: Unplug the washer and check the wire harness connections between the steamer and the steamer electronic control board. Reconnect any loose wires or replace the wire harness if damaged. If the wire harness connections are okay, replace the steamer. To clear the error code and reset the washer, run the diagnostic test. To enter the diagnostic test, plug in the washer and close the door. With the tub empty and the control off, select any one key except Stop/Cancel or Control Lock and press the key in this pattern: press and hold for 3 seconds, release, press and hold for 3 seconds, release, press and hold for 3 seconds, release, press and hold for 3 seconds, release, press and hold for 3 seconds. After the 5th iteration, the control will display the last stored error code (F61). Press the sam 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.