April 19, 2023

Kenmore 796 model front-load washer error codes

Kenmore

These error code explanations can help you diagnose a problem with your Kenmore front load washer model 796.

When the control on your Kenmore front load washer model 796 detects a problem or part failure:

  • The washer stops and the control panel won't respond to button selections.

  • The error code that is associated with the problem or part failure blinks on the digital display.

  • The washer won't operate until you fix the replace or replace the failed part that caused the error code.

Follow the troubleshooting steps listed in the chart below to fix the Kenmore model 796 washer problem or find out which part failed.

If you need to replace parts, search for your model number to find a complete list of replacement parts for your washer.

For repair how-to help, visit the PartsDirect repair help section, which includes repair help for washing machines, other major appliances, lawn and garden equipment, garage door openers, vacuum cleaners and more.

Error Code
Condition
DIY advice
IE

Inlet water supply error

Check/Repair

The initial expected water level isn't reached in 8 minutes or the final preset water level isn't reached in 25 minutes. Make sure that water supply faucets for the washer are open. Check the inlet water valves. If the valves are defective, replace the inlet water valve assembly. If the water valves are okay, replace the main electronic control board.

How-to help
Possible parts
Inlet water valve assembly, Main electronic control board
UE

Unbalanced load

Check/Repair

Make sure the washer is properly leveled. If the load is too small, it cannot be balanced. Add a towel or two (or more garments) to the load. Check the load to see if it's tangled. Heavy items mixed with light ones may not be able to be balanced properly. Adjust the load.

OE

Drains slowly

Check/Repair

Check the washer drain for a clog. Check the drain hose for a kink or restriction. Unplug the washer and check the wire harness connection between the electronic control board and the drain pump. Reconnect any loose wires or replace the wire harness if damaged. If the drain pump doesn't run when activated, replace it.

How-to help
Possible parts
Drain pump, wire harness
FE

Water overflow error

Check/Repair

The drain pump runs constantly when the FE error code is displayed. Check the inlet water valves to see if they shut off the water supply properly after the washer is filled. If the inlet water valves are defective, replace the inlet water valve assembly.

How-to help
Possible parts
Inlet water valve assembly
PE

Water level sensor failure

Check/Repair

Unplug the washer and check the wire harness connections between the water level sensor and the electronic control board. Reconnect any loose wires or replace the wire harness if damaged. If the wire connections are okay, replace the water level sensor.

Possible parts
Water level sensor, wire harness
dE

Door is open error

Check/Repair

Unplug the washer. Check the door for an obstruction. If the door is damaged, replace any defective parts. If the door is closing properly, check the door lock/switch assembly wiring. If the wiring connections are okay, then you will usually need to replace the door lock/switch assembly.

How-to help
Possible parts
Door lock/switch assembly, Washer door components
tE or TE

Heating sensor error

Check/Repair

Unplug the washer. Check the wiring connections on the drum thermistor (temperature sensor). Measure the resistance using a volt/ohm meter. It should measure around 40K ohms (40,000 ohms) at 85 degrees F. If the thermistor is defective, replace it. Check the heating element for damage. If the heating element is defective, replace it.

Possible parts
Drum Thermistor, Heating element
LE

Locked drive motor error

Check/Repair

Check the wire harness connections on the motor and the hall sensor (tachometer). Repair any wiring failures. If the wiring connections are okay, then check for damaged motor components. Replace any damaged motor components. If there are no problems found with the motor, then the hall sensor may need to be replaced.

How-to help
Possible parts
Drive motor components, Hall Sensor
EE

EEPROM error on main electronic control board

Check/Repair

The EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory) on the control board is corrupted. Try to clear the code by unplugging the washer for 5 minutes. Restore power and see if the code clears. If not, then replace the main control board.

How-to help
Possible parts
Main electronic control board
PF

Power Failure

Check/Repair

A power failure occurred during the cycle. The cycle may not have completed properly. Start a new cycle.

Possible parts
CL

Child Lock is on

Check/Repair

The Child Lock control panel feature is enabled. The control won't accept selections while the Child Lock is on. To disable the Child Lock, press and hold the Child Lock button for 5 seconds.

Possible parts

Most common symptoms to help you fix your washers

Choose a symptom to see related washer repairs.

Main causes: unbalanced load, loose spanner nut, worn drive block, broken shock absorber or suspension spring, debris in…

Main causes: leaky water inlet valve, faulty water-level pressure switch, bad electronic control board…

Main causes: worn agitator dogs, bad clutch, broken motor coupler, shifter assembly failure, broken door lock, suspensio…

Main causes: lack of electrical power, wiring failure, bad power cord, electronic control board failure, bad user interf…

Main causes: clogged drain hose, house drain clogged, bad drain pump, water-level pressure switch failure, bad control b…

Main causes: bad lid switch or door lock, bad timer or electronic control board, wiring failure, bad water inlet valve a…

Main causes: water heater failure, bad water temperature switch, faulty control board, bad water valve, faulty water tem…

Main causes: no water supply, bad water valves, water-level pressure switch failure, control system failure, bad door lo…

Main causes: broken lid switch or lid lock, bad pressure switch, broken shifter assembly, faulty control system…

Repair guides for front-load washers

How to replace a motor control board on a front-load washer

How to replace a motor control board on a front-load washer

The motor control board makes sure the motor spins in the right direction and at the right speed. You can install a new …

Repair difficulty
Time required
 30 minutes or less
How to replace the machine control board in a front-load washer

How to replace the machine control board in a front-load washer

If the machine control board is completely dead or won't activate the washer components properly, replace it by followin…

Repair difficulty
Time required
 45 minutes or less
How to replace the drain pump on a front-load washer

How to replace the drain pump on a front-load washer

Follow these steps to replace the drain pump if it's not removing water from the washer.…

Repair difficulty
Time required
 45 minutes or less

Effective articles & videos to help repair your washers

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

How to use your washing machine efficiently

How to use your washing machine efficiently

Find tips for using your washing machine efficiently to save energy and help reduce utility bills.…

How to repair broken or damaged wires video

How to repair broken or damaged wires video

Learn how to repair broken, frayed or damaged wires in your appliances.…

How to use a multimeter to test electrical parts video

How to use a multimeter to test electrical parts video

Learn how to use a multimeter to check for wiring problems in an appliance that's not working…