Kenmore frontloader fabric softener dispenser is clogged

Nearly all of this style of top loader has the fabric softener dispenser in the centre cup of the agitator as pictured. Fill the dispenser using the amount recommended prior to starting your wash cycle. If it is getting clogged up, remove it and soak it in some hot water to dissolve the residue.

Fabric Softener Compartment Full Of Water - White Goods ...

www.whitegoodshelp.co.uk > ... > DIY Washing Machine Repair Help

Jul 9, 2013 - The small fabric conditioner compartment in the soap dispenser drawer has a plastic cap or tube at the back for the water to siphon up through. ... Make sure the washer is level front to back as well as side to side. .... If the washing machinehasn't been used since there's always the possibility that the plastic ...

The fabric softener part of my washing machine drawer keeps ...

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MumsnetAfter each wash, the fabric conditioner part of the drawer is f. ... The fabric softener part of my washing machine drawer keeps filling with water ... Stopped using thedispenser compartment for fab softener and instead did I separate ... see if that clears it up and also try cleaning behind the drawer in case there is a blockage.

Washing Machine ' Fabric Softener ' Problem ' Won't Empty

The problem with the fabric softener not dispensing is not likely related to and F03 error code due to the washer not draining.

For the dispenser problem, I recommend that you pull the dispenser drawer out and clean it thoroughly.
The fabric softener dispenser works on a siphoning principle.
Make sure that the siphon hole in the dispenser is clear and not restricted or plugged.

You can fill the fabric softener compartment with water and make sure that it is siphoning properly while you are cleaning it.
Make sure that the cover is properly replaced on the fabric softener dispenser when the drawer is replaced in the washer.
You can use the diagnostic test described below to test the fabric softener dispenser.
If the softener dispenser does not fill and dispense properly, you could have a failed dispenser valve, a failed control board or a wiring failure between components.

You indicated that you tested the pump and that it is good. You could have a clogged drain hose or a clogged washer drain that would prevent the washer from draining.
You could also have a failed drain pump even though it runs. If the impeller is jammed or damaged, it will not pump out the water in the washer.
You will likely need to unplug the washer and drain the water out of the tub using a wet/dry shop vacuum.
To check the pump and drain hose at the bottom of the washer, remove the bottom front service panel and remove the drain pump. You may find a clog or restriction in the drain pump or connecting hoses. If the drain pump is damaged or will not work, it will need to be replaced.



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The problem with the fabric softener not dispensing is not likely related to and F03 error code due to the washer not draining.

For the dispenser problem, I recommend that you pull the dispenser drawer out and clean it thoroughly.
The fabric softener dispenser works on a siphoning principle.
Make sure that the siphon hole in the dispenser is clear and not restricted or plugged.

You can fill the fabric softener compartment with water and make sure that it is siphoning properly while you are cleaning it.
Make sure that the cover is properly replaced on the fabric softener dispenser when the drawer is replaced in the washer.
You can use the diagnostic test described below to test the fabric softener dispenser.
If the softener dispenser does not fill and dispense properly, you could have a failed dispenser valve, a failed control board or a wiring failure between components.

You indicated that you tested the pump and that it is good. You could have a clogged drain hose or a clogged washer drain that would prevent the washer from draining.
You could also have a failed drain pump even though it runs. If the impeller is jammed or damaged, it will not pump out the water in the washer.
You will likely need to unplug the washer and drain the water out of the tub using a wet/dry shop vacuum.
To check the pump and drain hose at the bottom of the washer, remove the bottom front service panel and remove the drain pump. You may find a clog or restriction in the drain pump or connecting hoses. If the drain pump is damaged or will not work, it will need to be replaced.



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You could have a clog in the housing underneath the dispenser where the water flows through a hose into the tub.
Pull the dispenser drawer completely out.
There is a tab that needs to be depressed to release the drawer and remove it.
Check the opening at the bottom of the housing just inside the dispenser housing opening to see if a small sock or garment is clogging this opening.
Reach down into this opening to see if an item is inside the hose.
This is the normal issue that will cause water to leak out of the dispenser housing.

http://media.fotki.com/1_p,wbwdbgswgksbgfwxgtqsskgwtqkq,vi/ktfgsrbbdxwtwtqtfwk/1/1303472/5961857/image45924img-or.jpg

Wash the dispenser drawer thoroughly with warm water. Make sure that you pull off the siphon covers and wash all siphon holes. This process is described in your owner's manual. Replace the dispenser drawer and try the washer again.

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The problem with the fabric softener not dispensing is not likely related to and F03 error code due to the washer not draining.

For the dispenser problem, I recommend that you pull the dispenser drawer out and clean it thoroughly.
The fabric softener dispenser works on a siphoning principle.
Make sure that the siphon hole in the dispenser is clear and not restricted or plugged.

You can fill the fabric softener compartment with water and make sure that it is siphoning properly while you are cleaning it.
Make sure that the cover is properly replaced on the fabric softener dispenser when the drawer is replaced in the washer.
You can use the diagnostic test described below to test the fabric softener dispenser.
If the softener dispenser does not fill and dispense properly, you could have a failed dispenser valve, a failed control board or a wiring failure between components.

You indicated that you tested the pump and that it is good. You could have a clogged drain hose or a clogged washer drain that would prevent the washer from draining.
You could also have a failed drain pump even though it runs. If the impeller is jammed or damaged, it will not pump out the water in the washer.
You will likely need to unplug the washer and drain the water out of the tub using a wet/dry shop vacuum.
To check the pump and drain hose at the bottom of the washer, remove the bottom front service panel and remove the drain pump. You may find a clog or restriction in the drain pump or connecting hoses. If the drain pump is damaged or will not work, it will need to be replaced.



Thanks for using FixYa - a 4 THUMBS rating is appreciated for answering your FREE question!!!!

The problem with the fabric softener not dispensing is not likely related to and F03 error code due to the washer not draining.

For the dispenser problem, I recommend that you pull the dispenser drawer out and clean it thoroughly.
The fabric softener dispenser works on a siphoning principle.
Make sure that the siphon hole in the dispenser is clear and not restricted or plugged.

You can fill the fabric softener compartment with water and make sure that it is siphoning properly while you are cleaning it.
Make sure that the cover is properly replaced on the fabric softener dispenser when the drawer is replaced in the washer.
You can use the diagnostic test described below to test the fabric softener dispenser.
If the softener dispenser does not fill and dispense properly, you could have a failed dispenser valve, a failed control board or a wiring failure between components.

You indicated that you tested the pump and that it is good. You could have a clogged drain hose or a clogged washer drain that would prevent the washer from draining.
You could also have a failed drain pump even though it runs. If the impeller is jammed or damaged, it will not pump out the water in the washer.
You will likely need to unplug the washer and drain the water out of the tub using a wet/dry shop vacuum.
To check the pump and drain hose at the bottom of the washer, remove the bottom front service panel and remove the drain pump. You may find a clog or restriction in the drain pump or connecting hoses. If the drain pump is damaged or will not work, it will need to be replaced.



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Sounds like the seals & gaskets have failed. If you removed the wash plate trying to unjam the washer and did not also replace the gasket kit, you may have violated the integrity of the water tight seals. However, sometimes also the fabric softener dispenser especially, gets clogged and may overflow and leak if the tubes are clogged with coagulated fabric softener. As I am writing this, my washer's fabric softener dispenser is clogged and the method I use to clear it has not worked this time - a cup of boiling water to melt the congealed fabric softener. One has to open the top lid (method varies by Calypso model - Whirlpool or Kenmore) to get to the dispenser tubing and reservoir underneath to get things flowing again, and in fact I have a small water leak on the floor where the dispenser overflowed a bit. That you have a leak, if it happens to come from such a clog, at least gives you a sign that your dispenser solenoids are not malfunctioning, requiring replacement of one of the circuit boards.

I had the same issue, and ran vinegar through the fabric dispenser with a load of towels. Not only did it solve the 'sour towel' problem I had with that load, it also cleared my fabric softener section. Now, I water down all fabric softner when I use it, which is less frequently!

~Steph

Is the dispenser full? It could be that it is a bit clogged. I would try just pouring a little very hot water in for several loads and using dryer softener sheets during this time. Let's see if we can unclog it .