Warning: Disconnect power before servicing.
ErrBase

Kenmore Washer SUD Error Code: Fix Excess Foam Issues

Quick Answer

A Kenmore washer displays the SUD code when there is too much foam in the drum, usually from using non-HE detergent or too much soap. The machine will automatically add extra rinses to clear the bubbles. Simply wait for the cycle to finish or run an extra rinse and spin without soap.

Most of the time when I get called out for this code, it's not a broken part at all. It's the soap. The pump literally can't move foam the same way it moves water, so the board pauses the cycle to protect the motor. I've seen people panic and think their pump is dead when they really just need to switch to HE detergent and use way less of it.

KenmoreWasherSeverity: low98% DIY Success
Time to Fix
20–60 min
Difficulty
beginner
Parts Cost
—
Tools Needed
Phillips #2 screwdriver, Flathead screwdriver

What Does the SUD Code Mean?

Nine times out of ten, your Kenmore's just protecting itself. The pressure sensor catches a foam lock that can overheat the motor if it tries to spin through all those bubbles. The machine tries to self-correct by adding water, but you might need to clean the drain filter manually if foam has trapped lint or debris in there.

Most Likely Causes

Based on aggregated repair data, here is the probability breakdown for this error code:

Incorrect detergent (Non-HE)55%
Detergent overdose25%
Clogged drain pump filter15%
Faulty pressure sensor5%

Symptoms You May Notice

  • The display freezes on SUD or SD and the machine just sits there for 20+ minutes doing nothing, which is actually the washer intentionally waiting for foam to break down on its own.
  • You can see foam or bubbles pressed up against the door glass, sometimes pushed into the door gasket.
  • The drum tumbles slowly but won't spin up to high speed, so clothes come out soaking wet even though the cycle technically finished.
  • Water doesn't drain at all, or drains incredibly slowly. You hear the pump motor humming but nothing's actually moving.
  • The washer adds water by itself in the middle of the cycle, seemingly out of nowhere. That's the machine trying to dilute the foam and flush it out.

Can you reset a Kenmore washer to clear the SUD code?

After the foam clears and the drum drains, press Power or Stop twice to clear the code. If the door's still locked, don't force it. Wait for the water level to drop and it'll release on its own, usually within a few minutes. For a full hard reset, unplug the machine from the wall and wait three full minutes before plugging back in. That clears the logic board's memory completely. Then run a Rinse and Spin with no soap to confirm everything's back to normal before you do your next real load.

Tools Required for Diagnosis

Phillips #2 screwdriverFlathead screwdriverShallow drain pan or bucket (at least 1-gallon capacity)Old towels (2-3 minimum)Needle-nose pliersFlashlight

Diagnostic Checklist

Follow these steps in order. We start with the easiest external fixes before opening up the machine.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use regular detergent in my Kenmore HE washer?
No, don't do it. HE washers use way less water than old-school top loaders, so regular detergent creates way too many suds for the machine to handle. You'll get SUD errors constantly, and over time that foam can work its way back into the rear bearings and cause a much more expensive repair. Just pick up Tide HE or any HE-labeled soap. It's not more expensive, it's just the right tool for the job.
Why does the SUD code appear when I didn't use any soap?
Probably soap buildup from previous washes. That residue reactivates when it gets wet, and if there's enough of it caked in the outer tub, it suds up on its own. A partial clog in the drain pump filter can also cause this by slowing down the drain and churning whatever soap's left in the water. Run a Clean Washer cycle once a month with a washer cleaner tablet or a cup of bleach. That'll strip away the buildup before it causes problems.
How long does it take for the SUD code to clear?
The machine will usually try to fix it automatically by adding water and waiting, which tacks on 20 to 45 minutes to your total cycle time. If the foam is really thick, the washer might just give up and stop entirely. At that point you've gotta wait until the foam breaks down naturally into liquid, which can take another 20-30 minutes. Don't try to rush it by opening the door or forcing a drain. Let it do its thing.
Is the pressure sensor bad if I keep getting SUD errors?
Possible, but I'd check everything else first. The sensor itself is usually fine. What's usually not fine is that little plastic hose connecting it to the tub, which gets gunky with soap residue over time. If you've already cleaned the pump filter and you're 100% sure you're using the right detergent in the right amount, pull the pressure hose and blow through it. Still getting codes after all that? Then yeah, test the pressure switch with a multimeter.
Will the SUD code damage my washer if I ignore it?
Short answer: not immediately, but don't make a habit of it. The machine's designed to pause and protect itself, so one or two SUD events won't kill anything. But if it's happening every single load, that foam is getting pushed into places it shouldn't be. The rear tub seal, the bearings, the pump internals. That's where the real damage happens, and a bearing replacement on a front loader can run you $200-400 in parts alone. Fix the soap problem now while it's still free.

Models Known to Experience SUD Errors

This repair applies to most Kenmore washers with this error code. Common model numbers include:

110.47561602, 110.45862400, 110.49972600, 110.20232710, 796.41272900, 796.41373210, 796.29002900

MS

Written by

Mike Sullivan

Lead Appliance Repair Technician · 20 years experience

Last verified for technical accuracy on March 17, 2026