In this blog post, I will reveal what the most common Kenmore front load washer error codes mean and how to fix each fault code like a pro.
So read it to the end if your washer has thrown a weird fault code and you are trying to get it up and running again.
Kenmore front load washer error codes – meaning and how to fix every code
Kenmore elite front load washer error OE (OE code Kenmore washer)
The Kenmore front load washer code OE is typically due to the following:
- The drain hose is either kinked or pinched. It could also be clogged.
- The washer’s drain pump filter has gotten clogged.
- There’s a drain discharge issue- specifically, the error displays if the drain discharge has been installed more than 96-inches(244cm) above the bottom of washer.
In other words, error OE says there’s a drainage problem because of any of the above problems
Recommended fixes for Kenmore washer error codes OE
Check drain hose
Blow into it to get rid of any clogs. Also, remove any kinks you see. And, of course, you want to make sure it’s not pinched either behind/under the washer.
Clean drain pump filter
The washer comes with a drain pump filter to help prevent errant objects (buttons, keys, pins, and coins) and excess lint from causing potential damage to the drain pump.
Now, if the washer won’t drain properly, it is likely there are blockages in the filter so you need to clean it.
How to clean
Preliminaries
unplug your washer then allow the water cool (if necessary) before you proceed.
Step by step instructions
Adjust or repair the drain.
Keep in mind that the maximum drain height (Kenmore recommended)is 96-inches(244cm)
Kenmore front load washer error codes lE (Kenmore front load washer error code 1E)
Your washer will throw this error when it has problems filling with water (not filling at all or filling partially)
To be clear, the Kenmore front load washer code IE can be caused by the following:
- Water supply faucets have not been opened fully.
- The water supply line hoses are pinched, kinked, or crushed
- Your washer’s water inlet filters have become clogged
- Water pressure fault- there’s insufficient water supply pressure in your house or to the faucet (it is too low).
- Improper hoses- You have connected water supply with leak-limiting hoses (this is not recommended).
Recommended fixes for Kenmore washer error codes IE
- Make sure you have opened the water faucets fully.
- Ensure no hose is kinked/pinched (check all the hoses).
- Clean your washer’s water inlet filters thoroughly (see the maintenance and care section in your owners manual for instructions)
- Measure water pressure from another faucet – you want to be sure that your household water pressure is high enough and that water flow isn’t restricted.
- Change water supply hoses- replace the leak-limiting hoses with the recommended hoses. That’s because these types of hoses tend to trip falsely, preventing your washer from filling.
Kenmore elite front load washer error dEI or d E2
This Kenmore front load washer fault code signals that the washer lid is not properly closed (so cycle won’t start)
Suggested repair
Try to close the door properly and then press the washer’ START/PAUSE button.
Otherwise, you may need to troubleshoot the lid further (perhaps the lid switch is broken- you have to replace it if it is defective)
Kenmore front load washer error code UE
This is one of the easiest to resolve Kenmore front load washer error codes…it simply means that your washing machine is not balanced.
The solution is super easy- just add an extra item (1 or 2) to your load to try and balance it then try running the cycle again.
Kenmore front load washer error code TE
The tE error code on Kenmore front load washer usually points to a “thermistor” problem.
That being so, I would suggest you pull the front part off (see your owner’s manual for precise location) and proceed to check your thermistor.
Now, double-check that the plug that normally connects to it is having both wires connected…
In fact, these wires are the culprits many times – If one or both have broken off, go ahead to reattach them to the plug.
Put another way, the thermistor is rarely bad- rather, the wires are quite often the problem (they may have shaken themselves out)
Kenmore front load washer error code PE
This fault code is likely indicating that the washer’s water level sensor has broken down and it’s not working correctly(causing your washer to overfill or not fill completely- remember the part detects the water level)
Suggested repair
Your best bet is swapping out the defective water level sensor/switch.
Again the task is not the hardest thing so it’s something you can do yourself even if you’re a novice (just make time to watch relevant YouTube tutorials before you attempt it for instructions).
You can order the replacement part from Amazon as well.
Kenmore front load washer error code LE
For the most part, the dreaded error code LE points to a possible motor error.
What to try
Solution 1
Allow your washing machine to stand for about 30 minutes then restart the cycle.
Solution 2
If the error still comes up on restarting, consider replacing the motor rotor position sensor(more so if your washing machine pumps but won’t spin or agitate).
Here is the motor rotor position sensor assembly we recommend…
And I should say that only on very few occasions is the whole motor assembly bad(always give a shot at replacing the sensor first)
Solution 3
If solutions 1 and 2 do not work, then the motor might be damaged so I recommend you inspect it next.
Just know that one of the clearest hints that you’re looking at a failed motor is that the tub won’t spin properly(or it’s making some spluttering noise).
Kenmore front load washer error code PF
The PF error code pops up due to a power failure during a cycle – PF literary means Power Failure happened during the most recent cycle, meaning that washing may not have completed successfully.
What to do
This is not a major concern- simply clear that error code and proceed to run a new cycle as you always do.
To clear the code, simply reset your unit by power cycling it for around 30 seconds.
Kenmore front load washer error code S ud
This error will appear when your washer is oversudsing …
Meanwhile, your washer will also add an automatic Suds Reducing cycle when the problem occurs- that lengthens the cycle time by about 2 hours
Bear in mind that your washer could stop if it oversuds when spinning to prevent leaking.
What you should do
You want to clear the suds so simply turn the washing machine off and then on then try to run a “Rinse & Spin” cycle.
That, in general, clears the S ud fault code.
Pro-Tip: Stop adding too much detergent when washing- you want to keep to the manufacturer’s guidelines when it comes to measuring the amount of washing detergent to add to avoid the S ud fault code.
Kenmore front load washer error code D he
The fault code D he literary means there’s a “Dry Heating Error” during a dry cycle on your Kenmore front load washer dryer combo
What to try
Unplug your machine and then wait about 60 seconds before reconnecting power and trying again.
Now, if the error still re-appears, try to clean the unit’s fan motor mechanism…It is oftentimes the primary culprit.
Also, the code can appear when the fan cable/fan heating element wire comes loose so check these too.
Kenmore front load washer error code CL
For the most part, code CL says the CONTROL LOCK is activated
Suggested remedy
Press then hold on the washer’s “drain and spin” button/tab for approx 5 seconds.
You can also power cycle the washer to reset it – that can also deactivate CL
Kenmore front load washer error code F21
The F21 fault code is another error code associated with drain issue- it says drain too longer than usual.
Read our previous article: Kenmore front load washer not draining [Fixed] for drain problem troubleshooting tips.
Kenmore front load washer error code UE
Please balance the load (redistribute the load) if you’re seeing the UE code- it is one way the washer tells you that the load is not balanced.
Kenmore front load washer error codes (Kenmore front load washer error codes) – Wrap up
If the error says something has given out, I have to emphasize that you should not fear doing the change-out yourself.
As a matter of fact, you’ll just be fine as long as you remember to take the pictures before you disassemble every component.
And, of course, YouTube can come in handy – we already said that there are tons of great tutorials on how to replace nearly every other component in this line of washing machines.
See you soon.
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