Kenmore Dryer Code F01/F1 Error Code [Easy Fix]

When you see an error code on your Kenmore dryer, it can be frustrating. Common codes like F01 or F1 can seem impossible to decipher.

Your Kenmore clothes dryer is a workhorse — until your load gets too heavy and the washing machine starts to malfunction, that is. At that point, it’s time to learn about your error code F01 or F1.

There’s no question that homeowners are in love with their Kenmore Elite dryers. These dependable machines bring the convenience and luxury of drying clothes in the home right to your front door — but sometimes, things can go wrong when a machine is used frequently or through multiple seasons.

What does it mean when my dryer’s F01 code comes up?

It means one of several things: your dryer’s vent is blocked and needs to be cleaned, the temperature sensor on the machine isn’t connected or working, the primary control board is malfunctioning, or the electronic machine control board is bad.

F01 Code Meaning: Kenmore dryers use a thermistor to measure the temperature inside the dryer and prevent overheating or underheating. If you have an F01 error code, then your dryer’s thermistor is broken. You will need to replace it.

The F1 or F01 error code means that your dryer’s sensor was unable to read the exhaust temperature. This means something is wrong, and you need to check your dryer right away. The first thing you should do when seeing this error code pop up on your console is to run a diagnostic cycle with an empty dryer.

Kenmore Dryer Code F01 – Troubleshoot And Diagnosis

If your Kenmore washer displays a F01 error code, it may be related to one of these common issues: a blown electronic control board (ECB); faulty temperature sensor/thermistor; or primary control board failure.

A simple error code is usually enough to narrow down the problem of your Kenmore dryer. If a ‘F1’ code appears on the digital readout, then an inlet thermistor failure is most likely your culprit — while you’ll receive a ‘F15’ error if there’s a problem with the electronic control board, or an ‘F78’ should there be troubles with the outlet thermistor.

Also, it’s useful to know an error code when your appliance breaks down. There are typically a set of error codes that can help you narrow your troubleshooting tips with appliances if it stops working.

F01 faults are most commonly caused by electronic machines and primary control boards. However, other factors can contribute to this problem. To avoid costly repairs or replacements, it is important to identify the root cause of the issue.

1. Clear Kenmore Dryer’s Vent Blockage

Clogs and blockages in your dryer’s venting system can cause low heat, longer drying times, inefficient heating of clothes, high energy bills, and even hazardous conditions.

Before you can clear the blockage in your Kenmore dryer’s venting system, you will need to identify where the blockage is. The most common places for the blockage to occur are in the lint screen housing, the exhaust vent, or the dryer vent duct.

1. Lint Screen Housing: The lint screen housing is the small, rectangular housing located just above the lint screen on the front of your Kenmore dryer. To check for blockage in the lint screen housing, remove the lint screen and look inside the housing for any buildup of lint or other debris. If you see any blockage, use a small brush or vacuum attachment to remove it.
2. Exhaust Vent: The exhaust vent is the large, round vent located on the back of your Kenmore dryer. To check for blockage in the exhaust vent, remove the vent cover and look inside for any buildup of lint or other debris.
3. Dryer Vent Duct: The dryer vent duct is the long, rectangular duct located on the back of your Kenmore dryer. To check for blockage in the dryer vent duct, remove the vent cover and look inside for any buildup of lint or other debris. If you see any blockage, use a small brush or vacuum attachment to remove the debris.

Dry clothes by turning the dryer on and waiting a few minutes for it to finish. If there is an error code, check it and then call an electrician if the problem persists.

2. Check Thermal Fuse

On most dryers, a thermal fuse is the safety device that burns out and causes the machine to stop working when the heat gets too high. Their purpose is to ensure that you don’t start a fire in your laundry room while you aren’t home.

If your dryer overheats and the thermal fuse burns out, it could be an indicator of more serious problems within your dryer — like clogged vents or faulty heating elements.

The fuse can be accessed through a labeled service panel located on top of some machines (usually on top of the lint trap). The panel can sometimes be secured by screws or plugs; those are usually located just below the front edge of your washer drum.

The panel will either lift straight up, or swing out and up from the safety bar above it. Once open, you will see a small metallic box containing wires — this is where you’ll find your thermal fuse.

If your clothes dryer isn’t working, there are a few things you can check before calling a repairman. First, make sure the power cord is plugged into an outlet.

Then, open up the dryer and check to see if the thermal fuse on the circuit board is melted. If it is, you’ll need to replace it with another fuse. Once you’ve done that, try running the dryer again.

3. Heating Relay Issue

If the Kenmore dryer has a heating relay, the next step is to take some time and solder the heating relay. First, find the heating relay. It should be located near where the power cord enters the dryer.

It is best to have a blowtorch on hand to heat up the solder. A small soldering iron will also work. The heating relay should have a white wire attached to one terminal and a black wire attached to another terminal. Heat up the solder on the white wire and melt it. Then, put the iron on the black wire and heat up the solder.

Now, it is time to attach the heating relay to the power cord. Hold the relay by the white wire and twist the black wire around the other end of the relay. Then, solder the black wire to the relay.

Now, put the heating relay in the dryer and screw it in place.

4. Do A Soft Reset

Your electronic control board is faulty, which could cause error code F01 to appear on the screen. A disruption in the normal flow of electricity can lead to this error code.

This could be caused by a faulty circuit breaker or tripped safety switch, so we’ll need to troubleshoot this issue step-by-step. The first thing we’ll need to do is unplug the dryer for 10 minutes — leaving both ends (one connected to the plug, one connected to the wall) disconnected — and see if that clears up the issue.

5. Electronic Board Problem

A Kenmore Dryer Electronic Control Board can fail as a result of running the machine for extended periods without actually drying laundry. This will cause the heater contacts to start to burn out.

A common problem with some Kenmore dryers is that their electronics control boards fail and have to be replaced. In most cases, repairs should take less than an hour. However, in the event that there is more damage or other issues beneath the surface, it may require more time and effort to complete repair work on a certain model and manufacturing date.

The Kenmore dryer electronic board is the brains of the dryer and controls all of the dryer’s functions. The dryer will not work if the board is not functioning properly. The board can be replaced by a qualified technician.

Your Kenmore dryer contains an electronic board that manages the overall function of the dryer. If the dryer starts to malfunction, the board may be at fault. In some cases, you can have the board repaired. In other instances, you may need to replace the board with a new equivalent.

To replace the electronic board:

1. Disconnect the dryer from the power source.
2. Remove the dryer top.
3. Remove the control panel.
4. Disconnect the multicolored ribbon wiring harness from the electronic control board.
5. Remove the two screws holding the electronic control board to the control panel.
6. Pull the electronic control board straight up and out of the control panel.
7. Install the new electronic control board. 
8. Reconnect the multicolored ribbon wiring harness to the new electronic control board.
9. Install the control panel.
10. Install the dryer top.
11. Reconnect the dryer to the power source.

6. Test The Thermistor

Remember to safety first! Unplug your dryer or turn off the gas before beginning. The thermistor is located near the lint duct and blower housing. To access it, use a putty knife to remove the service panel and unscrew the lint duct housing.

The thermistor is integrated into the dryer’s temperature sensor, which controls the its operation. When it becomes damaged or broken, the machine can’t properly regulate heat — a common problem caused by loose wires or screws. You can easily fix this issue at home if you know exactly how to spot broken thermistors and replace them with new ones.

Remove the thermistor from the dryer by unscrewing the screws that secure it in place. Be sure to vacuum any dust buildup that could be interfering with the internal temperature reading. Once the thermistor is removed, you will be able to test and replace it with a new one.

When your dryer shows the error code E6, the problem can be caused by a faulty dryer sensor . The most likely culprit is the dryer thermistor. If you want to test your own dryer’s thermistor, first set a digital multimeter (dmm) to ohms mode. Then place one end of each meter probe on your dryer’s sensor terminals — you should read around 10 kilohms at room temperature.

If it’s drastically different from this then you know that something is wrong.

If it’s more than 10k ohms or less than 8k ohms, then you’ll need a replacement thermistor.

Warranties are very much a mixed bag when it comes to durability in products. They do offer peace of mind, but you shouldn’t take them too seriously if they don’t provide the same coverage for all parts and components of your product. With Whirlpool sold by Sears, you wouldn’t have to use any back-alley suppliers, nor would you need to lose out on protection of the type provided by a quality warranty.

If you need to replace a part on your Kenmore appliance, check your warranty first. If the part is not covered, you can get it from the manufacturer or Sears Parts Direct. Kenmore appliances are made by Whirlpool and sold by Sears, so Sears will have the right part for your model.

After you shut the power off to your dryer, make sure to detach the wires from the faulty thermistor. You can completely remove everything or zip-tie it to the wire bundle. Place the new thermistor in place and take note of which spade connector goes where (there are two prongs on each that fit into little grooves). Plug your dryer back into the wall or turn your gas back on. If your Kenmore dryer is still not working after a couple of passes, you may need another part.

Final Thoughts

Kenmore dryer error codes can lead you to dozens of repair scenarios, as well as indicate that your dryer may need replacement. Kenmore dryer code F01 is one of the most common – and easy-to-fix – errors that can show up on a Kenmore dryer, highlighting faulty components for various issues.

Check out our guide to some of the more common Kenmore dryer error codes you may encounter, including information on how to reset your dryer, Kenmore dryer won’t start and what to do if this error is followed by another, more serious error code.