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Kenmore 796 model steam dryer error codes

These error code explanations can help you diagnose a problem with your Kenmore steam dryer with a model number beginning with 796. For repair how-to help, visit the PartsDirect repair help section, which includes repair help for dryers, other major appliances, lawn and garden equipment, garage door openers, vacuum cleaners and more. Search for your model number to find a complete list of replacement parts for your dryer.

Error Code

Condition

DIY advice

tE1 or tE2

Exhaust thermistor failure

Check/Repair

Unplug the dryer and check the exhaust thermistor wiring. Reconnect any loose wires or replace the wire harness if damaged. Check the resistance of the exhaust thermistor using a multimeter. You should measure about 10,000 ohms at room temperature. If not then replace the thermistor because it's defective. Replace the main control board if the exhaust thermistor and wiring are okay.

Possible parts

Exhaust thermistor, Wire harness, Main control board

Door switch error

Check/Repair

Check the operation of the door switch using the diagnostic test mode, which is explained in the tech sheet that's typically stored in the console of the dryer. Replace the door switch if it doesn't work.

Possible parts

Door switch

Power supply error

Check/Repair

The power cord on the back of the electric dryer isn't correctly connected. Unplug the dryer and connect the power cord according to the installation instructions.

Possible parts

tE4

Steam generator thermistor failure

Check/Repair

Unplug the dryer and check the wire harness connections between the steam generator and the main control board. Reconnect any loose wires or replace the wire harness if damaged. If the wire connections are okay, replace the steam generator because it houses the steam generator thermistor. The steam generator thermistor isn't sold as a separate component.

Possible parts

Steam generator assembly

Add Water

Steam feeder is dry

Check/Repair

Refill the steam feeder with water.

Possible parts

Symptoms common to all dryers

Choose a symptom to see related dryer repairs.

Won't start

Main causes: door switch failure, lack of power, broken belt, blown thermal fuse, bad drive motor, control system failure

Won't work at all

Main causes: lack of electrical power, bad power cord, wiring failure, bad control board, blown thermal fuse, bad door switch

Making noise or vibrating

Main causes: bad drum support roller, damaged idler pulley, broken blower fan blade, worn drum glide bearing, bad drive motor

Won't heat

Main causes: bad gas valve coils, broken heating element, tripped safety thermostat or fuse, bad operating thermostat, control failure

Won't turn off

Main causes: bad timer or electronic control board, door switch failure

Starts then stops

Main causes: clogged exhaust vent, bad motor relay, loose dryer door catch, bad door switch, control system failure, faulty drive motor

Door won't stay shut

Main causes: damaged door strike, worn door catch

Clothes not drying

Main causes: clogged exhaust system, heating system failure, deposits on moisture sensor, control system failure

Repair guides common to all dryers

These step-by-step repair guides will help you safely fix what’s broken on your dryer.

August 1, 2014

How to replace a dryer drum support roller

By Lyle Weischwill

If your dryer thumps or squeals, replace the drum support roller to restore quiet to your home.

Repair difficulty

Time required

90 minutes or less

August 1, 2014

How to replace a dryer idler pulley

By Lyle Weischwill

The idler pulley exerts pressure keeps the drive belt tight so it can rotate the drum. A worn idler pulley squeals or squeaks when the dryer is running. Follow these instructions to replace it.

Repair difficulty

Time required

90 minutes or less

August 1, 2014

How to replace a dryer thermistor

By Lyle Weischwill

The thermistor senses the air temperature in the dryer. If your dryer overheats or doesn't heat at all, the thermistor could be the problem.

Repair difficulty

Time required

30 minutes or less

Articles and videos common to all dryers

Use the advice and tips in these articles and videos to get the most out of your dryer.

September 17, 2019

Dryer takes a long time to dry

By Sears PartsDirect staff

These easy fixes will help your laundry dry faster.

February 25, 2015

How to care for filters in a Whirlpool hybrid heat pump dryer

By Sears PartsDirect staff

Learn how you can extend the life of a Whirlpool hybrid heat pump dryer by keeping the filters clean.

February 23, 2015

Where to find the model number on a kitchen or laundry appliance

By Sears PartsDirect staff

See where you should look when trying to locate the model tag on a kitchen or laundry appliance.

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Kenmore 796 model steam dryer error codes

Symptoms common to all dryers

Repair guides common to all dryers

Articles and videos common to all dryers