This advice is for Kenmore Elite or Whirlpool Duet FRONT LOADER washing machines displaying the F29 Error Code.
F29 is a Door Latch Unlock error. This occurs after the door attempts to lock 6 times. With no successful lock achieved, the error code will be generated. Check the following:
- First, UNPLUG the washer in an attempt to reset the Central Control Unit (CCU). Sometimes this is all that required in order to clear momentary glitches with the unit. If the error code reappears, proceed to step 2.
- Check the door switch/latch for foreign objects that may have become lodged in the mechanism and may be preventing it from operating.
- Check the wiring harness from the CCU to the door latch. The harness can be accessed by removing the washer top panel. Remove the panel by removing the three screws that hold the panel in place in the rear of the washer. With the screws removed, the panel will slide back, and then off.
If you determine the door latch to be defective, the following steps will give you the necessary information needed to replace it:
1. Unplug washer.
2. Remove the outer portion of the door bellow. This is the gray rubber boot around the door. Feel around the edge of the door bellow where it attaches to the front of the washer. You will find a wire retaining hoop in the seam between the rubber and the front case. Follow this wire hoop to the bottom of the door bellow and you will find a tension spring. Carefully, stretch this spring apart and remove the wire hoop.
3. Pull the rubber bellow from the door facing on the front of the washer being careful not to rip or tear it. Once removed, fold the rubber backwards inside the drum so you can access behind the front panel. DO NOT remove the rubber bellow from the wash tub.
4. The door latch assembly is located behind the front panel of the washer on the right hand side. Locate and remove the three screws on the washer front that hold the door latch assembly in place. The whole assembly should come free from the washer front and be held by a plastic mounting bracket and several wire connectors.
5. Carefully remove the latch assembly from the plastic mounting bracket BEFORE attempting to unplug any wires. It makes it much easier to access if you do.
6. Unplug the wire connectors using care not to break any of the wires. You may want to write them down, but I believe they will only plug into their respective slots.
7. Remove the old door latch and install the new one in the reverse order of the steps I just presented to you. Plug the wires back in first, then place the whole assembly back into the plastic mounting bracket, and then reattach to the front of the washer.
8. Now, when you get the reinstalling the rubber door boot, you may want to get the assistance of a second pair of hands as it can be difficult sometimes to manipulate the wire retainer back into place. Carefully reattach the rubber bellow to the door facing on the front of the washer first.
9. Starting at the top of the door bellow at the 12 o'clock position begin inserting the wire hoop back into the groove. Work your way around with both hands to the 4 and 8 o'clock positions. (This is where you could use those second pair of hands). While holding a slight downward tension on the wire hoop to keep it in place, pull the tension spring apart enough to snap the remaining part of the hoop into place at the bottom. Once you've completed these steps make sure the door closes and latches properly. NEVER slam a door with an electronic latch. They can break easily.
NOTE: An alternate method to replace the door latch is to remove the top panel and work from the top and down behind the front panel. Due to the limited space, removing the front of the door bellow can be a better option.
Now plug the washer back in and test operate. NOTE: You can run diagnostics on these washers by referring to the tech sheet provided by the manufacturer. The tech sheet is located behind the lower panel under the door, or along the interior cabinet walls. Included, are instructions on how to run diagnostics and troubleshooting tips associated with the list of fault codes. It is recommended that this tech sheet remain inside the washer to prevent it from being lost.
Good luck and I hope this information is helpful.
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