F28
What code F28 means on a Kenmore washing machines, what causes it, and which part to check first.
● SEVERITY: HIGH
Kenmore F28 means: Communication error between the main electronic control board and the motor control board. The documented cause is: Unplug the washer and check the wire harness connections between the main electronic control board and the motor control board.
What F28 means
Communication error between the main electronic control board and the motor control board
The display shows F28 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 main electronic control board and the motor control board |
| Check the wire harness connections between the motor control board and the drive motor |
| Reconnect any loose wires or replace any wire harness that you find damaged |
| If those wire connections are okay, check the wire connections between the door lock/switch assembly and the main electronic control board |
| Reconnect any loose wires or replace the wire harness if damaged |
| A bad door lock/switch also prevents the motor control board from getting power, resulting in the F28 code |
| Replace the door lock/switch assembly if damaged |
| The cabinet has grounding switches on the front and back |
| Defective grounding switches can trigger the F28 code |
| Check the wire harness connect |
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 F28 mean on a Kenmore?
Communication error between the main electronic control board and the motor control board The documented cause is: Unplug the washer and check the wire harness connections between the main electronic control board and the motor control board. Check the wire harness connections between the motor control board and the drive motor. Reconnect any loose wires or replace any wire harness that you find damaged. If those wire connections are okay, check the wire connections between the door lock/switch assembly and the main electronic control board. Reconnect any loose wires or replace the wire harness if damaged. A bad door lock/switch also prevents the motor control board from getting power, resulting in the F28 code. Replace the door lock/switch assembly if damaged. The cabinet has grounding switches on the front and back. Defective grounding switches can trigger the F28 code. Check the wire harness connect
Can I fix F28 myself?
It depends on the part involved: Unplug the washer and check the wire harness connections between the main electronic control board and the motor control board. Check the wire harness connections between the motor control board and the drive motor. Reconnect any loose wires or replace any wire harness that you find damaged. If those wire connections are okay, check the wire connections between the door lock/switch assembly and the main electronic control board. Reconnect any loose wires or replace the wire harness if damaged. A bad door lock/switch also prevents the motor control board from getting power, resulting in the F28 code. Replace the door lock/switch assembly if damaged. The cabinet has grounding switches on the front and back. Defective grounding switches can trigger the F28 code. Check the wire harness connect 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.