Kenmore Washer Error Code F31

F31 means the water temperature sensor (NTC thermistor) is reporting a value outside the accepted range of 23°F to 217°F during the water-heating step of the wash cycle. The washer stops the cycle when this happens to prevent uncontrolled heating. The fault can originate from the sensor itself, the wiring, or the connectors at the TH2 and HE2 cavities on the CCU.

No, you should not continue running the washer until the fault is resolved. The F31 code indicates the machine cannot properly monitor water temperature during heating. Running cycles without a functioning temperature sensor could result in overheating, damage to fabrics, or stress on the heating circuit.

Unplugging the washer for several minutes may temporarily clear the code, but if the underlying fault still exists, the F31 error will return as soon as the machine reaches the heating step again. A reset is useful for confirming whether the fault is intermittent, but it is not a substitute for diagnosing and correcting the actual problem with the sensor, wiring, or connections.

Yes, in many cases the fix is straightforward. Start by unplugging the washer, then inspect and firmly reseat the connectors at the TH2 and HE2 cavities. If the connections look clean and secure, the next step is testing the NTC sensor with a multimeter and replacing it if it is reading out of range. Wiring repairs and CCU replacement are more complex and may benefit from professional help.

Repair costs vary depending on the root cause. Reseating a loose connector costs nothing beyond your time. A replacement NTC temperature sensor typically runs in the range of $15 to $40 for the part. A new CCU, if that is the cause, can range from $100 to $250 or more for the part alone. Adding professional labor will increase the total cost.