A Kenmore washer in Louisville, OH was throwing an F20 error code at the start of every cycle, preventing any wash from completing. Our diagnosis revealed a failed inlet flow meter that wasn’t sending pulses to the control board — a common failure point on this model series.
The Problem
The customer reported that their Kenmore 110.47081600 displayed an F20 error immediately after starting any wash cycle. The machine would fill briefly, then stop and display the fault code. No amount of restarting or cycle selection would clear the error or allow the washer to proceed past the initial fill stage.
Diagnosis
We confirmed the F20 fault appeared consistently on all cycle selections. Water supply pressure was adequate and inlet screens were clear of debris. The inlet valves operated properly, but the flow meter wasn’t generating the pulse signals the control board needs to monitor water flow rate. This Whirlpool-manufactured flow meter uses a turbine that spins as water passes through, creating electrical pulses — when it fails, the control thinks no water is entering and throws the F20 code.
The Repair
- Parts replaced: WPW10110225 — inlet flow meter assembly
- Work performed: Removed old flow meter from inlet manifold, installed new sensor, cleared fault codes from control memory
- Result: Normal fill cycle restored, F20 error eliminated, full wash cycle completed successfully
Is It Worth Repairing?
This 2008-2012 era Kenmore (built by Whirlpool) represents solid mid-tier engineering that typically lasts 12-15 years with proper maintenance. The flow meter is a known wear item on these units, but replacing it usually provides several more years of reliable service. Given the robust construction of the 110 series, this repair makes financial sense unless the unit has other significant issues.
Maintenance Tips for Kenmore 110 Series Washers
- Check inlet screens every 6 months — hard water deposits can restrict flow and stress the flow meter
- Run the Clean Washer cycle monthly with Affresh or similar cleaner to prevent buildup in the flow meter housing
- Use HE detergent only — regular detergent creates excess suds that can interfere with flow sensing
Appliance Repair in Louisville, OH
Louisville is in Stark County — an area we cover regularly from our base in Louisville, OH. We also serve Alliance, North Canton, and Hartville. Louisville Appliance Repair is owned and operated by Samuel Willhite, a master-certified technician with Bosch and Speed Queen factory authorizations. If your appliance needs service, schedule online or call (330) 693-9163. You can also find us on Google and read verified reviews from customers across Stark County and surrounding areas.
Louisville Appliance Repair serves Stark County and surrounding areas.
Schedule your repair online,
call (330) 693-9163,
or see our reviews on Google.