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Kenmore and Kenmore Elite Washer Repair in Denver Metro
Kenmore’s current lineup holds full-size front-load, compact and top-load washers, and older Kenmore and Kenmore Elite machines are still running in Denver homes. Some stops that look like breakdowns are behaviors Kenmore designed in, such as Control Lock or a load-sensing pause. For the real faults, our repair of a Kenmore washer starts at the model plate, because codes, controls and parts differ by plate family.
Read the Plate, Not the Badge: Which Kenmore Washer You Own
Two numbers get called a Kenmore washer’s model number: the retail number on Kenmore.com, such as 26-42272, and the plate number on the machine. Only the plate number decides the guide, the codes and the parts.
Kenmore’s manual search asks for that plate number, at least 11 characters, and its own example is a Kenmore Elite front-loader plate: 796.41073310. Yours may start 405 or 263 instead.
On front-loaders, look along the door opening; on top-loaders, under the lid or at the top back; on laundry centers, around the dryer door. Kenmore’s warranty excludes service when the plate is missing or altered.
The three digits before the dot name the source family, so codes and parts differ between plates. No Kenmore document, recall record or parts listing we found names a maker for the current 405 and 263 plates. So we order parts by the full plate number. Our Kenmore brand page explains that logic, and our Kenmore laundry appliances page groups washers with dryers and laundry centers.
- Current plates: the 405.4227# front-loader, the 263.4120# compact and the 405.2916#, 405.2926# and 405.2918# top-loaders; their code tables follow below.
- Older Kenmore Elite plates: the 796.4107* front-loader, the 796.2927* top-loader and the HE3 front-loader, 110.4586# and 4587#.
- No-code machines: an old Kenmore washer model 110 with knobs, the 417.4112* front-loader and laundry centers such as 97912 and 97962. A Kenmore washer not agitating on one of them gets diagnosed at the machine. A laundry center’s dryer half belongs on our Kenmore dryer page.
Common Symptoms, and the Ones Kenmore Calls Normal
Kenmore’s guides explain each of these before any part gets blamed.
- Buttons do nothing: Control Lock may be on, set and cleared by a different 3-second hold on each current model. Chime on the 405.4227#, buttons 6 and 7 on the compact, Deep Fill on the 405.2916#, WATER LEVEL plus WASH TEMP on the 405.2918#.
- No response: on a new 405.4227#, the first self-check after plugging in can take up to 2 minutes. On the 796.2927*, a Kenmore Elite washer not working at all may just be asleep: press POWER, or let it warm up after freezing.
- Dry churning, low water: the 26-29182 agitates the dry load for up to a minute to sense it. Clothes above the waterline are normal on it too. If a Kenmore washer stuck on sensing shows F5, the top-load table below says load sensing failed, and that is a service call.
- Door or lid stays locked: if a Kenmore washer lid won’t unlock after a pause, give it a few seconds. After a power failure, the current top-loaders unlock the lid, wait 3 minutes, then finish. On the 796.4107*, the Kenmore Elite washer door lock holds while the drum is hot or water remains.
- Drain and spin: in Kenmore’s guides, a Kenmore washer not draining or spinning raises two separate questions. A Kenmore washer not spinning on the 405.2916# may simply have its lid open, an unbalanced load or only one or two items.
- Water on the floor: when a Kenmore washer seems to be leaking from the bottom, look at where the water sits. On the 405.4227#, a wet area at the back left means oversudsing: use less detergent, HE only. Water in the door-gasket folds of the 417.4112* is normal.
- Noise and shaking: the 405.4227# cabinet moves about 1/4 inch by design. A new washer that shakes hard may have its shipping bolts in; Kenmore Elite top-loaders 29002, 29272 and 29278 need the recall check below.
First Checks From Kenmore’s Own Guides
Kenmore washer troubleshooting in these guides starts with power, water and the drain. No guide we read prints a service test mode, so the Kenmore washer diagnostic codes are the ones in the next section. If a code survives this list and the step its table gives, the fault needs a technician.
- Power and settings: if a Kenmore washer won’t turn on, check the breaker, then Control Lock and Delay Start. On the top-loaders, a Kenmore washer won’t start with the lid open or the faucets off.
- Water supply: for a Kenmore washer not filling with water, open both faucets fully, straighten the hoses and clean the inlet screens.
- Drain hose: straighten the Kenmore washer drain hose and check its height. The 405.4227# standpipe runs 24 to 47.24 inches with an air gap; the current top-loaders take 39 to 96 inches.
- Pump filter location: on the 405.4227#, the Kenmore washer drain pump filter sits behind an access door that opens with a coin. About a cup of water coming out is normal. The compact’s filter is at the front lower right, due every 2 months.
- Shipping hardware: a new 405.4227# has 4 bolts, 4 spacers and 4 cord retainers to remove at the back. Left in, they cause severe imbalance, and Kenmore does not cover that damage. Running the compact with its bolts in voids its warranty.
Kenmore Washer Error Codes by Plate Family
This Kenmore washer error codes list follows the plate, because Kenmore spells one fault five ways. An open or unlocked door or lid reads E30 on the 405.4227#, E01 on the compact, and E3 or Fd on the current top-loaders. On the Kenmore Elite 796.4107* it is dE1 or dE2, and on the 796.2927* it is dE or dL.
Some codes change meaning between families. CL is just the Control Lock indicator on the compact, but a lid-open alert under Control Lock on the top-loaders. tE is a control error on the 796.4107* and a water temperature sensor error on the 796.2927*. E01 to E04 on the compact are not E1 to E4 on the top-loaders.
F5 means load sensing failed on the current top-loaders. On the Elite HE3, a Kenmore Elite washer F5 error code is one of its F4 to F16 electrical problems.
Kenmore Elite washer error codes come from older guides. On both 796 families, the Kenmore washer OE code is a slow drain or none at all.
| Code | Kenmore's meaning | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| E30 | Door not closed properly | Close the door properly, check for caught clothes, restart. |
| E10 | Water injecting problem while washing | Check the water pressure, straighten the hoses, check the inlet valve filter. |
| E21 | Taking too long to drain | Clear the drain hose and clean the drain pump filter. |
| E12 | Water overflow | Restart the washer. |
| EXX | Other faults | Try again; call for service if it continues. |
| Code | Kenmore's meaning | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| E01 | Door not shut properly | Shut it until it clicks; call for service if it persists. |
| E02 | Water pressure or water level may be low | Open the tap fully; if it persists, unplug, close the tap and call for service. |
| E03 | Pump fault, clogged pump filter or pump wiring | Clean the pump filter; call for service if it persists. |
| E04 | Too much water in the machine | Let it drain itself, then unplug, close the tap and call for service. |
| Code | Kenmore's meaning | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| E1 | Too little water, or the level not reached in time | Close the lid, open the faucets fully, unkink the hoses, clean the hose screens. |
| E2 | Draining took more than 10 minutes | Check the breaker, the lid and the drain hose; a clogged house drain needs a plumber. |
| E3 | The lid is open | Close the lid; call for service if it stays. |
| E4 | Out of balance more than three times in spin | Even out the load; call for service if it persists. |
| E5 | Not level, or the impact switch failed | Level the washer; call for service if it continues. |
| E7 | The holl sensor failed, as both guides print it | Call for service. |
| F5 | Load sensing failed | Call for service. |
| F8 | Water level sensor failed | Call for service. |
| Fd | Lid lock failed | Call for service. |
| C9 | The PCB, the control board, failed | Call for service. |
| CL | Lid open over 20 seconds with Control Lock on | Press Power to turn it off, then turn off Control Lock. |
| Code | Kenmore's meaning | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| OE | Drains slowly or not at all | Free the drain hose and clean the drain pump filter; the drain may sit no higher than 96 inches. |
| IE | Fills slowly or not at all | Open the faucets, unkink the hoses, clean the inlet filters; leak-limiting hoses can trip falsely. |
| dE1 or dE2 | Door not closed properly | Close it and press START/PAUSE; call for service if it stays with the door locked. |
| UE | Load too small, or out of balance | Add one or two similar items; it retries the spin, then stops. |
| tE | Control error | Unplug for 60 seconds; call for service if it returns. |
| FE | Water level too high from a faulty water valve | Close the faucets, unplug, call for service. |
| PE | Water level sensor fault | Close the faucets, unplug, call for service. |
| LE | Motor error | Let it stand 30 minutes and restart; call for service if LE persists. |
| PF | Power failure | Select any cycle to clear it. |
| Sud | Too many suds | It adds about two hours of suds removal and stops the spin; use less detergent, then run Rinse & Spin. |
| Code | Kenmore's meaning | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| OE | Drains slowly or not at all | Clean the drain pump filter and free the hose; call for service if it stays, since the pump itself can fail. |
| IE | Fills slowly or not at all | Open the taps, unkink the hoses, clean the inlet filters. |
| dE | Lid not closed properly | Close the lid and press START/PAUSE; call for service if it stays with the lid locked. |
| dL | Lid lock switch error | Close the lid and press START/PAUSE; call for service if it stays. |
| FE | Water level too high from a faulty water valve | Close the taps, unplug, call for service. |
| E6 | Clutch error, a mechanical failure | Unplug and call for service. |
| UE | Load too small, or out of balance | Add or rearrange items. |
| tE | Thermistor error, the water temperature sensor | Unplug and call for service. |
| PE | Water level sensor fault | Close the taps, unplug, call for service. |
| LE | Motor thermal overload tripped | Let it cool 30 minutes and restart; call for service if LE stays. |
| Code | Kenmore's meaning | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| FH | No water, or not enough | Pause, unplug, check the faucets, inlet screens and hoses for kinks or ice; call for service if it remains. |
| F02 | Drain problem | Unplug; check the drain hose for kinks, clogs or ice, with its end no higher than 96 inches. |
| SUD | Suds routine, not a fault | Use only HE detergent. |
| F4 to F16 | Electrical problem | Run Drain & Spin if water remains, check power and breaker without an extension cord; call for service if it remains. |
The Parts Behind the Codes
What owners call a Kenmore washer lid switch, Kenmore names the lid lock: Fd on the top-loaders, dL on the Elite 796.2927*. A Kenmore washer lid switch replacement makes sense once that code stays with the lid closed.
C9 means the control board failed, which points to a Kenmore washer control board replacement. FE on the Elite 796 machines blames the Kenmore Elite washer water inlet valve. E03 on the compact names the Kenmore washer pump, its filter or its wiring.
Kenmore contradicts itself on the compact 26-41202. Its product page names a direct drive motor; its guide, written for more than one model, mentions a drive belt. We confirm the drive before any Kenmore washer belt replacement.
No code reports a bearing or a seal. Kenmore Elite washer bearing noise is judged by ear at the visit, and a torn door boot seal by sight. When a Kenmore Elite washer bearing replacement is the answer, the plate number decides the kit.
We source parts through national supplier networks and manufacturer contracts. A drain pump for Kenmore washers is ordered by the plate number too. We fit OEM parts when the supplier has the right one.
Kenmore’s Washer Warranty and the Lifetime Drive Motor
Kenmore’s warranty page gives a washer one year from the date of original sale: free repair, or replacement if it cannot be fixed. A claim in that year goes to Kenmore’s warranty service, with proof of sale, through the store that sold it.
Washers bought on or after February 4, 2018 add lifetime coverage on the drive motor alone. Kenmore installs a new motor free in year one, then supplies it free while the installation labor is yours. Kenmore’s warranty service must confirm the defect first.
Coverage drops to 90 days outside private household use, and Kenmore excludes cleaning visits, filters, belts and damage from installation not done to code. Kenmore washing machine repair outside those terms is ours, except on a recalled unit. Our Kenmore brand page sums up the warranties on other Kenmore appliances.
When to Call Wilson & Myers
Before you book, run the first checks above and compare your plate with the recalls below.
The rest is ours: every code Kenmore’s own table sends to service, and any code that survives the checks. If your Kenmore washer won’t drain after the hose and filter checks, that is ours too. So is a Kenmore washer not turning on once the breaker and settings are ruled out.
When someone tells me “my Kenmore washer won’t spin,” I usually ask for the plate number first. It tells our insured technician which code list, guide and parts apply, and Kenmore Elite washer repair works the same way.
Our Kenmore washer repair service covers the Denver Metro Area. Every paid repair carries our 100-day labor warranty on the work on your invoice. For Kenmore washer repair near me, book online with the plate number and the code ready.
Kenmore Washer Recalls to Check First
We found three CPSC recalls that touch Kenmore washers and laundry centers. We do not repair a recalled unit: the remedy runs through the recall, so check your model and serial against the record first. The dryer side of record 02192 is on our Kenmore dryer page.
- CPSC 13073, Kenmore Elite top-loaders
Models 29002, 29272 and 29278, serials 005KW to 111KW, on the rating plate at the top back. An unbalanced load can shake the drum loose, more so with waterproof items such as mattress pads. LG announced the recall, and the record’s remedy is a free in-home repair; stop using a washer that has shaken heavily.
- CPSC 09292, laundry centers
Kenmore is one of four brands on this laundry-center recall, which does not split models by brand. Models include 97812, 97912 and 97962, serials XE85104013 to XE91603486, not all affected. The washer drain pump can overheat, a fire hazard. Frigidaire announced the recall: unplug and stop using the unit; the record’s remedy is a free repair.
- CPSC 02192, laundry centers 110.98752792 and 110.98752793
Serials begin MM, ML or MK, on the plate behind the dryer door at the top. The gas dryer section can overheat, a fire hazard. Stop using and unplug the unit, and do not try to shut off the gas yourself.
Kenmore Washer Repair FAQ
What does the Kenmore Elite washer UE code mean?
A Kenmore Elite washer not spinning with UE showing has a load Kenmore calls too small or out of balance. Add one or two similar items, or rearrange the load. A Kenmore washer UE code that returns on a full, even load is ours to diagnose.
What does the Kenmore washer code LE mean?
The Kenmore washer LE code is a motor code on both 796 Kenmore Elite families. Kenmore’s first step on either is a 30-minute rest, then a restart. If the Kenmore washer LE error code returns after that, the motor needs a technician.
How do I reset a Kenmore washer?
How to reset a Kenmore washer depends on its plate family and code. On the current top-loaders, CL clears when you press Power to turn the washer off, then turn off Control Lock.
The two 796 Elite guides spell out how to reset Kenmore washer controls. Unplug the 796.4107* for 60 seconds after tE; on the 796.2927*, press POWER and choose the cycle again.
Why is my Kenmore washer not draining?
Most of Kenmore’s tables start with the drain hose, then any drain pump filter. A Kenmore Elite washer not draining shows OE on both 796 families.
How to drain a Kenmore washer that stopped full depends on the model. The Elite 796.4107* drains with POWER, then SPIN SPEED, and the Elite HE3 with DRAIN & SPIN.
Does a Kenmore washer's series name tell you which codes apply?
No: the code list follows the plate family, not a name. If you know yours as a Kenmore washer series 500 or a Kenmore washer 80 series, read us the full plate number. If you know yours as a Kenmore Elite Oasis washer, we need its plate number too.
Is a Kenmore washer repairman near me available across the Denver Metro Area?
Yes. Our insured technicians cover the Denver Metro Area for current Kenmore washers and older Kenmore and Kenmore Elite machines. Book online with the plate number and the code.
Kenmore Washer Not Draining or Showing a Code?
Tell us the plate number and the code on the display. Kenmore spells one fault five ways, and our insured Denver Metro technicians start from that detail.
