April 19, 2023

Kenmore water softener error codes

Kenmore

These error code explanations can help you diagnose a problem with your Kenmore water softener. For repair how-to help, visit the PartsDirect repair help section, which includes repair help for water softeners, 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 water softener.

Error Code
Condition
DIY advice
Err1, Err3 or Err4

Valve motor failure

Check/Repair

If the valve motor doesn't run, unplug the water softener and check the valve motor wire harness for damage or a loose connection. Reconnect the valve motor wire harness if disconnected. Replace the valve motor wire harness if damaged. If the motor runs but the rotor valve doesn't move, the problem could be a defective motor or a locked-up rotor valve. Replace the valve motor if defective. Replace the rotor valve if it's locked up. If the motor runs and spins the rotor valve constantly, the position switch may be defective. Replace the position switch if it doesn't detect the rotor valve position.

How-to help
Possible parts
Valve motor, Wire harness, Position switch, and Rotary valve
Err5

Defective timer

Check/Repair

Unplug the water softener for 1 minute and then reconnect power to reset the timer. If the error code returns, unplug the water softener and reconnect any loose wires on the timer. Replace the wire harness if damaged. Replace the timer if the wire harness is okay.

How-to help
Possible parts
Timer, Wire harness

Symptoms for water softeners

Choose a symptom to see related water softener repairs.

Main causes: faulty brine valve assembly, bad rotor valve…

Main causes: clogged drain hose, faulty rotor valve, leaky rotor valve seals…

Main causes: salt bridge inside the salt tank, bad timer, valve motor failure, faulty rotor valve, clogged venturi…

Main causes: loose water line connections, cracked water-carrying components, bad rotor valve seals…

Main causes: lack of electrical power, bad power transformer, faulty timer…

Main causes: empty salt tank, salt bridge, depleted resin, clogged or damaged venturi, broken rotor position switch, fai…

Main causes: broken resin tank screen, bad resin tank seals, cracked upper distributor in resin tank…

Main causes: broken water flow meter, faulty timer, water flow to softener is bypassed…

Repair guides for water softeners

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

How to replace a water softener venturi

How to replace a water softener venturi

The venturi valve in your water softener draws brine water from the salt tank to the resin tank for regeneration. Follow…

Repair difficulty
Time required
 15 minutes or less
How to replace a water softener rotor position switch

How to replace a water softener rotor position switch

The rotor position switch detects the position of the valve rotor. If the rotor position switch fails, follow these step…

Repair difficulty
Time required
 30 minutes or less
How to replace a water softener timer

How to replace a water softener timer

The timer is the control board you use to program the water softener. If the timer isn’t accepting commands when you pus…

Repair difficulty
Time required
 15 minutes or less

Articles and videos for water softeners

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

Wiring schematic symbols explained video

Wiring schematic symbols explained video

Learn some of the most common symbols found in a wiring diagram and what they mean.…

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…

How to clean a water softener

How to clean a water softener

Keeping a water softener clean inside and out improves operation and appearance.…