On the covered Kenmore HE2, HE5 and HE5 steam model front-load washer, F03 means Kenmore's service table lists this code as: heating element broken. The HE5 chart states the element has an internal short; measure it with the washer unplugged and compare it with a healthy element.
Differential
Likely causes of “Kenmore HE2, HE5 and HE5 steam model front-load washer code F03”, and how to tell them apart
- 1
The heating element has an internal short circuit
What separates it F03 shows on a model with a heater and the water never warms, or the code appears early in a hot fill
How to confirm The HE5 chart states the element has an internal short; measure it with the washer unplugged and compare it with a healthy element
- 2
A damaged connector or harness at the element terminals
What separates it The code appears intermittently and moving the harness or the washer seems to change the behavior
How to confirm Look for scorched, loose or discolored terminals at the element before condemning the element itself
- 3
A leak or moisture reaching the element connections
What separates it The code follows a leak, a door-seal problem or a very humid laundry area
How to confirm Check under the drum for water tracks or residue around the terminals and dry everything before testing again
Before you touch a setting
Record this first — changing settings destroys the evidence
- Whether the water warms at all on a hot wash cycle
- The full model number from the label, since only some series have this heater
- Any burnt smell or visible scorch marks near the connector
- Whether the code appears at the start of a heated fill or later in the cycle
Try in this order
0 of 4 completedCorrect only the documented fault domain
ReversibleThe heating element has an internal short circuit. Unplug the washer and replace the heating element. Parts named: heating element.
Unplug the washer and pull the lower access panel
ReversibleWater and mains voltage share this space. A screwdriver or nut driver is usually enough for the panel screws; keep towels and a shallow pan ready for any water left in the tub area.
Check the element terminals and the harness for scorching or looseness
ReversibleA discolored terminal points to a poor connection that has itself overheated, so repair or replace the harness before fitting a new element, or the new one may fail the same way.
Measure the element with a multimeter
ReversibleThe HE2 chart quotes about 15 ohms across a healthy element and calls an infinite reading a broken one; the HE5 chart for F03 describes an internal short, which reads far below normal. Either result means replace it.
Model-specific
What is true of this model and not of its siblings
- Part named by the chart
- Heating element. The HE2 chart quotes about 15 ohms for a good element; F03 appears on the HE5 and HE5 steam charts.
Stop boundary
When this stops being a self-service repair
- !The chart's remedy is to unplug the washer and replace the heating element, which sits under the tub, so book the job if you are not comfortable working there
- !Stop and unplug immediately for a burning smell, smoke or water at the element connector
Evidence ledger
Sources behind this answer
Where the manufacturer's article stops. The 15-ohm figure is from the HE2 chart's F23 entry and is applied here because both codes concern the same element; the moisture cause is ours. Measure only with the washer unplugged.
Exact questions
Common questions
What does F03 mean on a Kenmore HE2, HE5 and HE5 steam model front-load washer?+
Kenmore's service table lists this code as: heating element broken.
What resistance should the heating element read on this washer?+
The HE2 chart gives about 15 ohms through a healthy element and says an infinite reading means the element is broken. For F03 the HE5 chart describes an internal short circuit, which reads far below normal.
Can I still wash cold with F03?+
Sometimes, but the washer may stop the cycle when the code appears. Try a cold-water cycle only to confirm the rest of the washer works; the element still needs replacing for hot cycles.
What do I need to change the element?+
The chart lists the heating element as the only part. Have a screwdriver or nut driver, towels, a shallow pan and a multimeter, and unplug the washer before removing anything.