Kenmore Washer Error Code F02: Long Drain

The Logic Verdict

Cabodi filmed his Kenmore Elite (Whirlpool-built) front loader throwing F02 with a drum full of water. Three T20 screws drop the lower access panel, and the moment he cracked the pump trap, a wad of coins, hair ties, and lint poured out. Once the trap was cleaned and reinstalled, the washer drained instantly and he ran a sanitary cycle to flush the system. The footage proves that F02 is almost always a blockage in the drain circuit rather than a bad control board.

What It Means

F02 (sometimes shown as F/02) means the control waited too long—about 8 minutes—for the water level to drop during drain. If the pump cannot move water because the clean-out cup is packed with debris or the impeller is jammed, the control times out and stops the cycle.

Common Causes

• Clogged pump trap. Socks, coins, pet hair, and pen caps settle in the clean-out cup exactly like the video shows.
• Kinked or blocked drain hose. If the standpipe is sealed or the hose is pinched, the pump cannot push water out fast enough.
• Failed drain pump motor. After clearing the trap, a noisy or seized pump assembly (part 280187 / WPW10730972) is the next suspect.

Step-by-Step Fix

1. Disconnect utilities. Unplug the washer and close the hot/cold valves so you are not working live or under pressure.
2. Tilt and open the access panel. Lean the washer back slightly to keep water toward the rear, remove the three Torx screws along the bottom lip, and drop the kick panel.
3. Prep for water. Place a shallow pan or towels under the drain pump clean-out—several cups of water will come out when you loosen it.
4. Remove and clean the trap. Twist the filter counterclockwise, dump the stagnant water, and scrub the cup and sealing surface just like Cabodi did. Reach into the pump cavity to pull out any debris around the impeller.
5. Inspect the drain hose. Before reassembly, verify the black hose from the pump to the rear bulkhead is not kinked and the standpipe is clear.
6. Reinstall and test. Thread the trap back in snugly (hand-tight), reinstall the panel, stand the washer upright, restore power, and run a drain/sanitary cycle to confirm strong flow.

Parts & Tools

• W10730972 / 280187 drain pump assembly (Whirlpool-built Kenmore front-loaders)

Watch the Fix