Kenmore HE5 steam front-load washer Error Code F06: Meaning & How to Fix It

By the ErrorCodePro Editorial Team · Last reviewed October 20, 2026

Kenmore HE5 steam front-load washer error code F06 means: Steamer failure. The control will save and display up to 4 error codes. The version numbers of the control boards will display and then all green console LED lights will turn on for 5 seconds. [1] Keep using it? Only if the owner checks below clear the code; if it returns, stop and book a repair. Start with the owner checks below, beginning with: write down the code and model number.

Source: Kenmore HE5 steam front-load washer error-code chart, via Sears PartsDirect [1].

Quick facts

Code	F06
Also shown as	None listed by the manufacturer
Brand / appliance	Kenmore HE5 steam front-load washer
System	Control / electronics
Meaning (service chart)	Steamer failure. The control will save and display up to 4 error codes. The version numbers of the control boards will display and then all green console LED lights will turn on for 5 seconds. [1]
Keep using it?	Only if the owner checks below clear the code; if it returns, stop and book a repair
DIY-safe?	Owner checks only (listed below)
Support	Kenmore customer support (kenmore.com) or a Sears-authorized technician
Source document	Kenmore HE5 steam front-load washer error-code chart (via Sears PartsDirect)

On this page: Meaning · Steps · Parts · When to call a technician · Related codes · FAQ

What error code F06 means on a Kenmore HE5 steam front-load washer

Steamer failure. The control will save and display up to 4 error codes. The version numbers of the control boards will display and then all green console LED lights will turn on for 5 seconds. [1]

This is a control / electronics code. Codes and wording can vary by model, so check your owner's manual for your model number.

How to fix Kenmore HE5 steam front-load washer error code F06 (safe owner checks)

Safety first: disconnect power before you remove any panel or reach into the sump or drum. Do not touch wiring, the control board or the motor. If you see water near electrical parts, stop and call a technician. These steps are based on the Kenmore HE5 steam front-load washer error-code chart (via Sears PartsDirect) [1], rewritten for clarity.

Write down the code and model number. Note exactly what the display shows (F06) and copy the full model number from the rating label, so you can confirm this chart applies to your HE5 steam front-load washer and order the right parts.
Clear the code at the controls. Press the same selected key to display and move past any other saved error codes.
Do a power reset. Unplug the appliance or switch off its breaker for one minute, then restore power and try again. If the code clears and stays away, it may have been a one-off fault.
Test and decide. Run a short cycle or restart and watch the display. If F06 comes back after these checks, stop using the washer for this function and call a technician, because the remaining causes need meters or part replacement.

The first and last steps (and the power reset) are general owner checks added by ErrorCodePro; the rest follow the Kenmore HE5 steam front-load washer error-code chart published by Sears PartsDirect, rewritten for safe owner use.

Parts that may be involved

Exact parts depend on your model number. This page lists part types only, never part numbers.

Steamer
Wire harness

When to call a technician

Unplug the washer and check the wire harness connections between the steamer and the steamer electronic control board.
Reconnect any loose wires or replace the wire harness if damaged.
If the wire harness connections are okay, a technician should replace the steamer.
To clear the error code and reset the washer, run the diagnostic test.
To enter the diagnostic test, plug in the washer and close the door.
After you display all of the saved error codes, press the same selected key again to enter the diagnostic test cycle.
Anything involving wiring, the control board, the motor or the water valve electrics
The appliance is under warranty: contact Kenmore customer support (kenmore.com) or a Sears-authorized technician first

Frequently asked questions

What does error code F06 mean on a Kenmore HE5 steam front-load washer?

The Kenmore HE5 steam front-load washer error-code chart lists F06 as follows: Steamer failure. The control will save and display up to 4 error codes. The version numbers of the control boards will display and then all green console LED lights will turn on for 5 seconds.

Is it safe to keep using the HE5 steam front-load washer with F06?

Only if the owner checks below clear the code; if it returns, stop and book a repair.

Can I fix Kenmore HE5 steam front-load washer error F06 myself?

Only with the owner checks on this page, starting with: write down the code and model number. If it persists, call a technician or Kenmore customer support (kenmore.com) or a Sears-authorized technician.

Sources

Sears PartsDirect: Kenmore HE5 steam front-load washer error-code chart (third-party copy of manufacturer service data)

Last reviewed: October 20, 2026. ErrorCodePro is not affiliated with Kenmore.