Code: F5🧺 Kenmore Washer

Kenmore Washer F5 Error Code: Lid Lock or Lid Switch Fault (F5 E1, F5 E2, F5 E3, F5 E4)

Reviewed 2026-10-23 · Based on 3 manufacturer & service sources

What the code means

Sears PartsDirect, Kenmore's longtime parts and repair arm, lists F5 as the lid lock family on Kenmore 110-series vertical modular top-load washers. F5 E1 is a lid switch fault and appears if Start is pressed with the lid open. F5 E2 is a lid lock fault, where the lock can't engage the lock strike. F5 E3 is a lid unlock fault, where the lid stays locked. F5 E4 means the lid was not opened between cycles, because the washer was started several times without the control seeing the lid open. On these washers the lid lock light flashes when a fault happens, and the full code can be read in diagnostic mode. LG-built Kenmore 796-series washers use a different code list, so check the model number on the label first.

Likely causes

Safe DIY checks

⚠ Before you start

Unplug the appliance (or switch off its breaker) and shut off the water supply valves before removing panels or disconnecting hoses. Keep towels handy for residual water.

  1. Close the lid firmly and press Start again. F5 E1 often just means Start was pressed with the lid up.
  2. For F5 E4, open the lid, close it again and restart. The washer expects to see the lid open between loads.
  3. Unplug the washer and look at the lid lock and the strike on the lid. Remove anything caught there and wipe away detergent or lint buildup with a damp cloth.
  4. Take anything off the top of the washer so nothing presses on the lid while it tries to unlock.
  5. Reset the control by unplugging the washer for 5 minutes, then plug it back in. That is Whirlpool's reset step for F5 E3 on its top-load washers, which share the same control.
  6. If you want to confirm which F5 code was stored, Sears PartsDirect shows how to enter diagnostic mode with the cycle dial and read the code from the status lights.

🛠 When to call a pro

  • The lid lock area is clean and the code comes back. Sears PartsDirect says the lid lock/switch assembly will usually need to be replaced for F5 E1, F5 E2 and F5 E4.
  • The lid is stuck locked with a load inside (F5 E3). Sears PartsDirect says to lift the top panel and unlock the lid manually without breaking the lock or strike, then replace any damaged parts. Unplug the washer first, and call a technician if you aren't comfortable opening the cabinet.
  • The lock strike on the lid is bent or cracked and won't line up with the lock.
  • The washer is still under warranty. Kenmore's Customer Care line is 1-844-553-6667.

Parts that commonly fix it

Always match the part number to your exact model.

⚙

Lid lock/switch assembly (top-load)

The usual fix for repeat F5 codes once debris is ruled out. Match the part to your washer's full 110 model number.

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⚙

Lid lock strike

Replace if the strike on the lid is bent, cracked or broken.

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Sources

  1. Sears PartsDirect: Kenmore 110 model VMW top-load washer error codes (F5 E1 lid switch fault, F5 E2 lid lock fault, F5 E3 lid unlock fault, F5 E4 lid not opened between cycles; check for debris, manual unlock, replace lid lock/switch assembly)
  2. Sears PartsDirect: How to display error codes on vertical modular washers (lid lock light flashes on a fault; diagnostic mode with the control dial; reading F5 E3 from the status lights)
  3. Whirlpool Product Help: F5E3 Error Code, top-load washer (unplug for 5 minutes to reset the control, then schedule service)

Last reviewed 2026-10-23. Always confirm against the manual for your exact model number.