Kenmore Washer Error Code dU

The dU code stands for Door Unlock Failure. It means the washer attempted to unlock the door lid at the end of a cycle but the control board could not confirm that the lock bolt retracted properly. This can be caused by physical pressure on the lid, wash media buildup around the lock bolt, or a failure in the lock assembly or its wiring.

You should not attempt to force the lid open when the dU code is active, as this can damage the lock bolt or the lid itself. The washer will also typically refuse to start a new cycle while this fault is present. Resolve the underlying cause before resuming use.

If the fix is simply cleaning buildup or removing an obstruction, there is no parts cost involved. If the door lock assembly needs to be replaced, parts typically run in the range of $30 to $90 depending on the model, with professional labor adding $75 to $150 or more. A wiring or control board issue can increase repair costs significantly.

Start by checking whether anything is pressing against or sitting on the door lid, and remove any obstruction. Next, inspect the lock bolt area for soap, lint, or detergent residue and clean it out. If those steps do not resolve the issue, the door lock assembly or its wiring may need to be tested and possibly replaced following the TEST #8 diagnostic procedure for your model.

Unplugging the washer for a few minutes and restarting may temporarily clear the code if it was triggered by a one-time glitch, but if a physical obstruction, buildup, or component failure is present, the code will return. A reset does not fix the underlying cause and should only be used as part of diagnosing whether the fault is intermittent or persistent.