Kenmore 3.5 super capacity front load washer won't dispense fabric softener

Your fabric softener dispenser is clogged. Use a long pipe cleaner as if you were unclogging a drain to clear it. After it’s unclogged dilute fabric with water from now on.

hi there.
this is all the info i can find on this.
Key Features

• Catalyst Cleaning Action with Direct Inject

• ENERGY STAR Qualified

• AccuWash Temperature Control

• Variable End-of-Cycle Signal

• 3-Tray Dispenser - Detergent, Bleach and Fabric Softener

• Quiet Wash Plus Sound Reduction System

• Ultra Capacity Plus - Stainless Steel Wash Basket

• 3.8 cu. ft. Capacity

• Multiple Cycles including Whitest Whites, Heavy Duty, Hand Washables and Add-a-Garment

• Multiple Wash/Spin Speed Combinations including High 1000 RPM Speed

• Delay Start

• 3 Temperature Settings

• Automatic Adjustable Water Levels

• Extra Rinse and Rinse/Hold Options

• Side-Swing Door

• SpillGuard Top

• Optional Stack Kit - 8541503
• or see if this link will help you out some more.

What is the capacity of front loading whirlpool washer MO GHW9150PWO...

Front Load Washer Troubleshooting: Clogged Dispenser ...

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KqQcyprw8j8
Dec 14, 2009 - Uploaded by ManageMyLife
Can you shed some light on why these aren't draining? ... Thosecompartment will stay filled with water after wash cycle. ...Whirlpool & Kenmore Washer Repair - Fabric Softener is NotDispensing - GHW9400PW1 - Duration: ...

Fabric Softener is Not Dispensing - GHW9400PW1 - YouTube

Hello,

The dispenser asm. has a tab in the rear of it,find it and push it and the dispenser tray will pull out to be soaked and cleaned in the kitchen sink. vinegar could soften it up before going at it with a soft scrub brush.


I hope this has helped you,
Gene

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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I have the same issue, but with the mainwash compartment

Hello, W/D here.

There are a couple of reasons why the fabric softener will not dispense. If everything else dispenses properly (detergent and bleach), then I would suspect a bit of plugging. If the softener remains in the dispenser, the water valve above the tray may be sticking. You'll have to get the top up to check it. If there is water in the tray, or some water/softener, then you'll need to look at the overflow cap. Here's how that works: Your dispensing trays for bleach and softener have a raised tube built into them, and each is covered with a loose fitting cap. When water is let into the tray, the level rises under the cap until it overflows, creating a syphon. The softener is literally pulled from the tray, and chased by the water. When the water stops, the tray level continues to drop, until air gets into the cap, breaking the syphon. The cap can be removed and cleaned. Sometimes the tray has to be removed first. Theres a catch towards the rear of the tray.
Best regards, W/D

I've had this same problem and solved it by removing the detergent/bleach/softener dispenser drawer from the machine and seriously cleaning out all of the "gunk" from the drawer and from inside the drawer area on washer. Sometimes I have had to repeat the cleaning and then the fabric softener begins dispensing again. I have model # 417.43042200 but it may work on all the Kenmore front loading washers.

I'm sure you heard a small motor running from time to time during a cycle. That moves an "arm" which sends water to the different chambers during a cycle. Fabric softener is dispensed when water goes to that chamber and dilutes the fabric softener. That chamber then empties by a siphoning action.
If you want to narrow down the problem a little to help trouble shoot -- put some wet rags in and run the Rinse and Spin cycle with some fabric softener. If the softener is not dispensed, then you know that the water isn't being sent to that chamber properly.
If you are intrepid enough to take the top off your washer, do that and see if the arm appears to be moving during a normal cycle. Maybe the arm got dislodged or broken during the move.
If water isn't being diverted properly, I think this calls for a real repair person.

We had the exact same situation with the fabric softener not draining and here is how we fixed it. Turn the water off first, then remove the water lines that bring water into your washer. (They are near the top.) There is a screen in the end of the line, do not remove it, but take an old toothbrush and brush the gunk out and clean it as best you can. Do both the hot & cold sides. The screens keep any debris out of the washer, so after a while it collects and slows down the water intake time (has your washer been slow to fill also?) Screw back the lines, making sure to put the hot and cold back as they were originally, then test that they do not leak. Put your washer back in place and viola - problem solved! I hope this works for you, and good luck!