What F2 means on your Kenmore dishwasher (kenmore f2 error)
A kenmore f2 error is a verified Whirlpool code, confirmed by Whirlpool-platform repair references, meaning a water leak was detected on your Whirlpool-built Kenmore dishwasher (model prefixes 106, 110, 198, 664, 665, or 850). This is a protective response that stops the unit before water spreads further. If your dishwasher’s model number starts with a different prefix — 587/719/790 (Frigidaire/Electrolux-built) or 362/363 (GE-built) — this specific code does not apply; those platforms use their own “i” or “F”-family codes.
Symptoms
The signs below help confirm you are dealing with this condition rather than a different problem on your Kenmore dishwasher. You may notice one of them or several together, and they can appear gradually or suddenly after a power event, a wash or cook cycle, a spill, or recent installation or service.
- The cycle stops and will not restart
- Water is visible in or under the base of the unit
- The unit refuses to start a new cycle until reset
- Suds or standing water are visible near the door
Common causes
Several different problems can produce these symptoms. Working through the most likely causes in order separates a quick owner-level check from a problem that needs trained service and the correct Kenmore parts.
- Over-foaming from excess or wrong detergent — producing suds that trip the leak sensor
- Genuine internal leak — a hose connection, tub seal, or float switch failure is letting water reach the base pan
- Float switch malfunction — the sensor itself is reading incorrectly
Troubleshooting steps you can try
Work through these checks in order before calling for service. Stop wherever you are unsure, or where mains voltage, gas, a hot oven cavity, water, or a sealed component is involved, and hand the rest to a qualified technician.
- Confirm you are using a proper dishwasher detergent in the correct amount, not dish soap or too much detergent.
- Check for visible water pooling under or around the unit.
- Leave the dishwasher powered off and the water supply off overnight before retesting.
- If F2 returns, treat it as a genuine leak and stop running cycles.
Parts a technician may replace
Depending on what the diagnosis shows, a technician may inspect, test, or replace the float switch, base-pan leak sensor, tub seals, and hose connections. The correct part for your Kenmore dishwasher is matched from the model and serial number, and genuine OEM components are fitted through trusted parts suppliers rather than generic substitutes so performance, safety, and the appliance long working life are all protected. Confirming the failed part before ordering avoids replacing more than the problem actually requires.
When to call a technician
F2 that returns after ruling out over-foaming needs an experienced technician to trace the leak and test the float switch and tub seals on this Whirlpool-built Kenmore platform. Because this condition is rated High severity, it is safest to stop using the dishwasher and arrange service promptly rather than keep retrying, and to shut off power or water at the source if anything looks, smells, or sounds unsafe. As an independent repair service we are not affiliated with the manufacturer, and we work only with experienced, skilled technicians and genuine OEM parts from trusted parts suppliers, with our workmanship backed by a 30-day labor warranty. When you book, have your Kenmore dishwasher model and serial number ready so the right part for your exact build can be matched before the visit and the F2 condition resolved in as few trips as possible.
Related help and Kenmore resources
If the F2 condition keeps returning after these checks, book Kenmore dishwasher repair, browse our dishwasher error-code guides and step-by-step repair guides, or schedule service in your area on our locations page. See also the related F1E1 control-relay failure. For full manufacturer specifications and model lookup, visit kenmore.com.
