Used Kenmore Elite FL Worth a gamble?

Automatic Washer - The world's coolest Washing Machines, Dryers and Dishwashers

Help Support :

mitch

Well-known member
Joined
Jul 24, 2012
Messages
142
Location
Atlanta
I found an ad for a 2009 Kenmore Elite FL machine that I am thinking of getting for a newly wedded nephew. According to the listing, the machine has set an F35 error message and they are asking 100.00 for it. From what I have researched, this error code pertains to the fill valve and it could be as simple as debris in the hose that feed the valve, or may need a new valve all together. Looks like the valves are around 80.00, which would bring the grand total up to 180.00. The machine looks to be high end also has the pedistal. Do you think this is worth a gamble??

Thanks!!
 
Is there a quick way to determine

a bearing issue? The mold, smutz should be pretty easy :)

Thank you!!
 
F35 error code is the fill valve

<span> </span>

<span>Actually no...... it's the water level pressure switch.   </span>

<span>I bought a NEW 2009 KM Elite washer in 2010 (floor display) which never worked right out of the box.   (Link to the thread below)   At first I'd get the "SUD" (over sudsing) code with no detergent in it(!!), and later the F35 & F21 codes.   After sending a service tech out, Sears replaced the washer which worked perfectly for nearly a year until..... yes you guessed it, the F35 code again.  It was replaced under warranty so I don't know the cost, sorry.</span>

<span>You can remove the top of the washer and see the switch (photo below).   You can remove the hose that's connected to it and try blowing to see if it's clogged, but I doubt that will fix it and you will probably have to replace the pressure switch anyway.</span>

<span>You can check the bearings by putting the washer into spin and listening to it, or if that won't work, open the door and give the tub a good twist to spin it as fast as you can and listen for any "roaring" or "rumbling" noises.   It should be smooth and quite.</span>

<span>Is it worth it for $100?   Yes probably.   It's been a good machine for me, but then I only run 1 - 2 loads per week in it.   I have 3 other washers connected and run the rest of my laundry each week in those as well.  </span>

<span>The only "down side" if you will, is.... it's VERY fussy about balancing before the spin and can take 5 minutes or more for each spin, especially when the highest speed is selected.   ALSO... if you wash long sleeve shirts, long pants, or sheets etc, they WILL tangle into a big ball and that is a big part of the "trying to balance" problem.   I will often have to stop the washer, open the door, untangle what ever it is and "try" to redistribute, that will usually take care of it.... for that spin.</span>

<span>Helpful Usage Hint : I learned the "Express Wash" uses noticeably MORE water then any of the "Normal cycles".  It's still not a huge amount of water, but more than the "cup of water" many here will say the new FL washers use.    I always use the Express wash cycle, select HEAVY soil and an extra rinse (54 minutes).  The default "Normal cycle" is 50 minutes. </span>

<span>I hope this helps!</span>

<span>Kevin </span>

[this post was last edited: 8/23/2013-16:26]


revvinkevin++8-23-2013-14-39-41.jpg
 
Excellent!

Kevin--Thank you, thank you! You pretty much reinforced what I was thinking--put in a spin cycle and see how she sounds. This is actually going to be a wedding present for my nephew--if it pans out. I was already of the mindset to get them a DD Kenmore, Whirlpool TL, but then this popped up. I am going to see it tomorrow. I will get them a washer and dryer as a present, may or may not be this one :)

Again--thank you for the pointers!! We have a LG FL as our daily driver and that balance business gets on my nerves---its like okay, get over yourself and wash some clothes!

I'll let you know how it works out.

Mitch
 
KM Elite He5T water levels

 

 

You are very welcome Mitch, I am happy I was able to help!

 

It took a little time to find this, but these photos show the different water levels for the "Normal, Express and Bulky Items" cycles in my (He5T) washer.   As you can see the "Express Wash" uses significantly more water than the "Normal" cycle.

 

The "Bulky Items" cycle does use slightly more water then "Express", but it goes through a series of tumbles and pauses during the main wash, as well as limiting the max spin speed to "medium".   Not a bad thing if you ARE washing bulky items, but not so great if you are using it to wash "normal" items.

 

Kevin

 

P.S...... on possible bearing noise.   A friend has a 12 year old Maytag Neptune FL washer.   One day I was visiting and a house guest was doing laundry.   When the washer when into spin, there was a pretty loud "roar" coming from the laundry room.   When I opened the door, it sounded like a freight train was rolling through!   Longer story short, he bought all the parts and rented a special bearing tool and I replaced the bearings for him.   Great learning experience and how his Neptune washer is nice and quiet again! 

revvinkevin++8-24-2013-02-30-1.jpg
 
Nice Kevin ...
Louis its a little crazy here in the states..
Whooooooooooooo....
Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaah..shhhhhhhsssh.
I thought my Bosch amercan style FL was frugal with water.
On Normal I mean.
DK.
 
Washer is home

That sucker is HEAVY! I am on a heating pad now! Mark, thank you for the info on the possible other cause of trouble. Kevin--thank you again too! Love the water shots--I honestly think our LG does about the same thing with those goofy water levels. I think I will try your method on it to see about manipulation.

Notes on the Kenmore: It has zero mold smell---nothing--just lingering detergent aroma. The tub turned nice and smooth, no noise. I never could get it to go into a spin cycle--due to the suds code and F35 error message. We got it home and first I removed the bottom panel and cleaned the gunk out of the filter--there was a felt tipped pen in there. No money though ;) I located the pressure switch, blew the hose out and made sure the connectors were tight. I then hooked it up to H2O and power, selected a rinse and spin cycle, it filled with H2O and then the SUDS message diplayed. Per the papers in the unit, I let it sit for 5 minutes and then the Suds message cleared, the pump kicked in and drained it then it flashed the F35 message and sat there.

Now it is time to shop for parts. I will keep you posted!

mitch++8-24-2013-14-38-53.jpg
 
You can also get that code when the flow meter is faulty.

 

 

Mark, I suppose that is always possible, but if it's giving the "SUD" error code along with "F35", it's not the flow meter.   Mine did the exact same thing and it was the water level pressure switch, as I previously mentioned.

 

Mitch, Champagne color w/stand, NICE!   This is the same machine (model & color) my friend bought before I bought mine.

Kevin

 

P.S... with a friends help, I removed the smoked plastic from the door so I can see what's happening inside.   It was glued on.
 
can't believe how little water there is in that drum on

Mine fills with the same amount of water. The rinses get more water, depending on the amount of water taken in for the main wash.

Depending on the load and cycle, the rinses can fill almost up to the drum bearing (I marked the water line with the arrow).

logixx++8-24-2013-22-54-11.jpg
 
Part is ordered

Kevin--thank you sir! I like that color too, though not as much as your blue one :)

I have to say this--I was going to order the part from Sears, they were a little higher, but I figured what the heck, I like Sears and they seem to need all the help they can get. I went through their check out and when it came time to add shipping they lost their freaking mind! $15.99 to use standard shipping, which had an arrival date the week after Labor Day! I could have it "expedited" to arrive on Friday of this week for (sitting down?) $35.00!!. I said to heck with this. I ordered it off Ebay from Midwest Timer's Ebay store for 79.95 with 6.00 shipping, with a Thursday arrival. I hosestly wonder if Sears is trying to run themselves out of business. Hate that!

I will keep you all posted once part arrives, etc.

Cannot thank you all enough for insight and pointers!!

Mitch
 
Well I'll be dipped

The darned thing seems to be working :). The part got here around lunch, and it took less than 10 minutes to install. I am on the third load of clothes (been saving all week) and so far so good! I will update later on. I know you all are sitting on the edge of your seats ;).
I swear, it seems to use even LESS water than the LG. Kevin's pictures were great! I did one load on the express wash with soil level set to max and that worked pretty darn good.

Mitch
 
YAY!!!

 

 

CONGRATS Mitch!   Very good to hear it's working again and I knew exactly what the problem was!    YAY!   

 

BTW... if anyone is interested, here is the "follow up thread" about my blue washer. 

 

Kevin

 

Latest posts

Back
Top