On the covered Kenmore HE2, HE5 and HE5 steam model front-load washer, F27 means Kenmore's service table lists this code as: overflow. Unplug the washer: if water keeps filling the tub, the inlet valve is stuck open. The chart says if the washer is empty when the code appears, replace the water level pressure switch.
Differential
Likely causes of “Kenmore HE2, HE5 and HE5 steam model front-load washer code F27”, and how to tell them apart
- 1
The water inlet valve is letting water in when it should be closed
What separates it F27 with the tub overfull, the drain pump running constantly and the door staying locked
How to confirm Unplug the washer: if water keeps filling the tub, the inlet valve is stuck open
- 2
The water level pressure switch is not reading the level accurately
What separates it F27 appears with an empty or only partly filled tub
How to confirm The chart says if the washer is empty when the code appears, replace the water level pressure switch
- 3
A partial blockage in the pressure-switch hose giving a false level reading
What separates it The code is intermittent and the tub level looks normal when you check it
How to confirm Check the switch's small hose for a kink, water or lint and clear it before replacing the switch
Before you touch a setting
Record this first — changing settings destroys the evidence
- Whether the tub is overfull or empty when F27 appears
- Whether water keeps filling with the washer unplugged
- Whether the drain pump runs constantly during the code
Try in this order
0 of 4 completedCorrect only the documented fault domain
ReversibleThe drain pump runs constantly in an effort to drain the water and the door stays locked. If the washer is overfilled, unplug the washer to see if water continues to fill the tub. Shut off the water supply and replace the water inlet valve assembly if the washer fills while unplugged. If the washer is empty when this code appears, unplug the washer and replace the water level pressure switch because it isn't accurately detecting water level. Parts named: water inlet valve assembly, water level pressure switch.
Unplug the washer and see whether water continues to fill the tub
ReversibleIf it does, shut off both supply faucets at once, because that points to the inlet valve, per the chart.
Replace the water inlet valve assembly if the tub fills while unplugged
ReversibleOnly a valve stuck open lets water through with no power applied, so this test separates the valve from the switch.
Replace the water level pressure switch if the washer is empty when the code appears
ReversibleThe chart says the switch is not accurately detecting the water level; check its hose for a kink or blockage first.
Model-specific
What is true of this model and not of its siblings
- Tools
- Towels and a bucket for hose water, plus a screwdriver or nut driver to reach the pressure switch.
- Parts named by the chart
- Water inlet valve assembly and water level pressure switch.
Stop boundary
When this stops being a self-service repair
- !Turn off the water supply if the tub is filling; the chart's remedy is the water inlet valve assembly or the pressure switch, so quote it before ordering
- !Stop and shut the faucets at once if water is reaching the floor
Evidence ledger
Sources behind this answer
Where the manufacturer's article stops. The unplug-and-watch test and the two replacements are chart text; the pressure-hose cause is standard practice and ours.
Exact questions
Common questions
What does F27 mean on a Kenmore HE2, HE5 and HE5 steam model front-load washer?+
Kenmore's service table lists this code as: overflow.
Why does the drain pump run constantly with F27?+
The control is trying to remove what it thinks is too much water, and it keeps the door locked while it does.
How can I tell the valve from the pressure switch?+
A full tub that keeps filling with the washer unplugged is the valve. An empty tub with the code showing is the pressure switch.