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Kenmore Dryer Error Code AF

Reviewed by the ApplianceErrors Editorial Team · Verified against manufacturer service documentation · Last verified: June 11, 2026
⚠ High Severity 🔧 Easy DIY

Restricted airflow detected

The most common cause of the AF error on a Kenmore dryer is clogged exhaust vent duct (~55% of cases); start with: clean the lint screen and housing.

💰 DIY cost: $0–$35 👨‍🔧 Pro cost: $100–$200 Save $100+ by doing it yourself
Kenmore Dryer error code AF on the display panel
How the AF code appears on a Kenmore dryer display

What Does Error Code AF Mean on a Kenmore Dryer?

Restricted airflow detected.

AF fires when the dryer's control board reads exhaust conditions consistent with restricted airflow — typically prolonged drying combined with elevated internal thermistor temperatures — rather than a discrete component failure. The board infers that air isn't moving freely through the lint screen, duct, and exterior hood. It differs from F22/F23, which point at the thermistor circuit itself; AF flags the airflow path, so the fix is clearing obstructions instead of replacing a sensor. Persistent restriction also trips high-limit protection and poses a fire hazard.

Models affected: Whirlpool-platform Kenmore 110 Series dryers with airflow/exhaust temperature sensing
What owners report: Owners commonly report AF after loads start taking noticeably longer to dry or the cabinet running hot, and cleaning the lint screen housing and vent duct often clears it. A partially collapsed flex hose behind the dryer is a frequent culprit, and some see the code return quickly if only the screen was cleaned but the duct run stayed clogged.

What Causes Error Code AF?

Here are the most common causes in order of frequency. Start with the most likely cause before moving to the next:

  1. 1
    Clogged exhaust vent duct 55% of cases
  2. 2
    Lint-blocked lint screen or screen housing 25% of cases
  3. 3
    Crushed/kinked flexible vent hose 15% of cases
  4. 4
    Blocked exterior vent hood flap 5% of cases

How to Fix Kenmore Dryer Error Code AF

🔧 Easy DIY Est. time: 10–20 min
⚡ Safety first: Unplug the appliance before opening any panels or touching internal components.
  1. 1

    Clean the lint screen and housing

    Remove the screen, wash it, and vacuum down into the screen housing.

  2. 2

    Clean the vent duct

    Disconnect the dryer and brush/vacuum the full duct run to the exterior hood.

    🔩 Dryer vent cleaning brush kit ($15–$30)
  3. 3

    Replace crushed duct

    Swap any crushed foil flex hose for rigid or semi-rigid metal duct.

    🔩 Semi-rigid metal vent duct ($15–$35)

How to Reset Error Code AF

After clearing the vent, unplug for 5 minutes and run a timed-dry cycle to confirm strong exhaust flow.

Note: If the error returns after resetting, the underlying issue has not been resolved. Work through the fix steps above.

Symptom guide: Dryer not drying →

Did this guide fix your appliance?

When to Call a Professional

Call a vent-cleaning service for long or inaccessible duct runs — a fully blocked vent is a fire risk.

Average professional repair cost for this issue: $100–$200

Related Error Codes

F22
Outlet thermistor failure — reading open
⚠ Medium Severity
F23
Outlet thermistor failure — reading shorted
⚠ Medium Severity

Same Code on Other Brands

Error code AF appears on these other brands too. See every brand that shows AF →

Whirlpool logo
Whirlpool Dryer AF
Restricted airflow — vent partially blocked
Maytag logo
Maytag Dryer AF
Restricted airflow — blocked vent (safety shutdown)

Find Replacement Parts

Use these links to find the exact replacement parts for your Kenmore Dryer:

🔩
Search PartSelect
Kenmore Dryer repair parts
🔧
Search RepairClinic
Step-by-step video guides

External links — ApplianceErrors.com is not affiliated with these retailers.

More Kenmore Dryer Error Codes

F01 Main electronic control board failure F02 Keypad / user interface stuck button fault F28 Moisture sensor fault F70 Communication failure between control boards PF Power failure during the cycle

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I keep using my Kenmore Dryer when error AF appears? +
It is not advisable. The dryer may still power on, but running it while AF is active can worsen the airflow fault or damage related parts. Treat it as a soon-as-possible repair.
What most commonly causes AF on a Kenmore Dryer? +
Across reported Kenmore dryer repairs, the most frequent is clogged exhaust vent duct (55% of cases), lint-blocked lint screen or screen housing (25%), then crushed/kinked flexible vent hose (15%). Check them in that order before replacing any parts.
AF keeps coming back after a reset — what should I check next? +
A reset only clears the stored AF fault; if it returns, the airflow problem is still present. Move on to the physical checks — clean the lint screen and housing, then clean the vent duct — since the code will reappear until the root cause is resolved. This is a beginner-friendly job needing only basic hand tools.
How much does it cost to fix Kenmore Dryer error AF? +
A DIY repair typically runs $0–$35 in parts, versus $100–$200 for a professional service call, so handling it yourself saves around $100. Expect the work to take about 10–20 minutes.
Which Kenmore Dryer models show error AF? +
AF is documented on Whirlpool-platform Kenmore 110 Series dryers with airflow/exhaust temperature sensing. Other units sharing the same control platform can display it too, so the fixes here generally transfer across the series.

Sources & References

Content verified against manufacturer service documentation. Last verified: June 11, 2026.

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