Kenmore Dryer F31 Error Code — What It Means
F31 on a Kenmore dryer signals an L2 (line 2) low or no line voltage fault. Your dryer needs a 240-volt supply on a dedicated 30-amp circuit fused on both sides. When one leg loses power, the drum may still spin but the heater will not energize. The control detects this missing voltage and throws F31 to protect the system.
This is almost always a power-supply issue, not a failed dryer component. One breaker has tripped, a connection has loosened, or the house wiring is delivering only 120 volts instead of the full 240 volts required.
Common Causes
- Tripped or weak L2 breaker One of the two breakers feeding the dryer’s 30-amp circuit has tripped or failed, cutting power to the heating leg.
- Loose or burned terminal-block connections Screws at the dryer’s terminal block or power-cord lugs have worked loose or overheated, interrupting L2.
- Damaged or miswired power cord A frayed, pinched, or incorrectly installed cord can break the L2 conductor or create intermittent contact.
- Incorrect outlet voltage The wall receptacle is wired for 120 volts only, or house wiring has lost one leg of the 240-volt supply.
- House circuit or panel issue Upstream wiring, a failing main breaker, or a utility service problem is dropping voltage on one phase.
Step-by-Step Fix
- Check both breakers in your main panel that feed the dryer circuit. Reset any that are tripped or in the middle position, then test the dryer.
- Verify 240 volts at the wall outlet using a multimeter set to AC voltage. You should see approximately 240 V between the two hot terminals and roughly 120 V from each hot to neutral. If readings are wrong, stop and call an electrician.
- Unplug the dryer and remove the rear access panel to expose the terminal block where the power cord attaches.
- Inspect all terminal-block screws and cord lugs for discoloration, melting, or looseness. Tighten screws firmly and replace any damaged terminals or burned wire ends.
- Examine the power cord along its entire length for cuts, kinks, or burn marks. Replace the cord if you find any damage.
- Reconnect power and test the dryer. Clear the F31 code by pressing the appropriate button sequence or unplugging for one minute. Run a heat cycle to confirm the heater energizes.
- If F31 returns with confirmed 240 V at the outlet and tight connections, contact a qualified electrician to trace upstream wiring or a service technician to check internal control boards.
Parts Often Needed
| Part | Notes |
|---|---|
| 30-amp dryer power cord | Amazon | Match the plug type (three-prong or four-prong) to your outlet and verify the wire gauge meets code for 30-amp service. |
| Dryer terminal block kit | Amazon | Use if the existing block shows melted plastic, broken screws, or burned terminals that cannot be cleaned and tightened. |
| 30-amp double-pole circuit breaker | Amazon | Must match your panel brand and bus type. Have a licensed electrician install if one breaker is faulty or repeatedly trips. |
When to Call a Pro
Call a licensed electrician immediately if you measure low voltage at the outlet, find burned wiring in the wall box, or lack confidence working inside your breaker panel. Incorrect 240-volt wiring is a fire and shock hazard. If the house supply tests good and all connections are tight but F31 persists, a service technician should inspect the dryer’s internal wiring harness and control board, though this is rare. Most F31 faults clear once you restore both legs of the 240-volt supply and secure all connections.