Modern drying machines are sufficiently reliable and durable appliances capable to work efficiently for many years in case of proper handling and timely care. Unfortunately, as any appliances, they break down. For conducting of diagnostics of breakdowns, our troubleshooting tables with faults` codes for Kenmore dryers are presented below. It is a perfect help.
| Problem | Cause |
|---|---|
| Power cord is not properly plugged in. | Make sure that the plug is plugged securely into a grounded outlet matching the dryer's rating plate. |
| House fuse is blown, circuit breaker has tripped, or power outage has occurred. | Reset circuit breaker or replace fuse. Do not increase fuse capacity. If the problem is a circuit overload, have it corrected by a qualified electrician. |
| Dryer does not heat/Check if... Then... | |
| House fuse is blown, circuit breaker has tripped, or power outage has occurred. | Reset circuit breaker or replace fuse. Do not increase fuse capacity. If the problem is a circuit overload, have it corrected by a qualified electrician. |
| Gas supply or service turned off (gas models only). | Confirm that the house gas shutoff and the dryer gas shutoff are both fully open. Even if gas is not supplied to the dryer, it will run and no error codes will be displayed. |
| Greasy or dirty spots on clothes/Check if... Then... | |
| Fabric softener used incorrectly. | Confirm and follow the instructions provided with your fabric softener. |
| Clean and dirty clothes being dried together. | Make sure to use your dryer to dry only clean items, because dirty items can soil clean clothes placed in the same or subsequent loads. |
| Clean and dirty clothes being dried together. | Stains on dried clothes are actually stains that weren't removed during the washing process. Make sure that clothes are being completely cleaned according to the instructions for your washer and detergent. |
| Excess static in clothes after drying/Check if... Then... | |
| Fabric softener not used or used incorrectly. | Use a fabric softener to reduce static electricity. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions. |
| Clothes dried too long (overdried). | Overdrying a load of laundry can cause a buildup of static electricity. Adjust settings and use a shorter drying time, or use SENSOR DRY cycles. |
| Drying synthetics, permanent press, or synthetic blends. | These fabrics are naturally more prone to static buildup. Try using fabric softener, LESS DRY dryness level, and/or shorter TIMED DRY time. |
| Drying time is not consistent/Check if... | Then... |
| Heat settings, load size, or dampness of clothing is not consistent. | The drying time for a load will vary depending on the type of heat used (electric, natural, or LP gas), the size of the load, the type of fabrics, the wetness of the clothes, and the condition of the exhaust ducts and lint filter. Even an unbalanced load in the washer can cause poor spinning resulting in wetter clothes which will take longer to dry. |
| Clothes take too long to dry/Check if... | Then... |
| Load is not properly sorted. | Separate heavy items from lightweight items. Larger and heavier items take longer to dry. Light items in a load with heavy items can fool the sensor because the light items dry faster. |
| Large load of heavy fabrics. | Heavy fabrics take longer to dry because they tend to retain more moisture. To help reduce and maintain more consistent drying times for large and heavy fabrics, separate these items into smaller loads of a consistent size. |
| Dryer controls are not set properly. | Use the appropriate control settings for the type of load you are drying. Some loads may require an adjustment of the dryness level for proper drying. |
| Lint filter needs to be cleaned. | Make sure the lint filter is cleaned before every load. With some loads that produce high amounts of lint, it may be necessary to pause the cycle and clean the filter during the cycle. |
| Exhaust ducts blocked, dirty, or duct run is too long. | Blocked vents can add significant drying time to a load. Confirm that the exhaust ductwork is properly configured and free of debris, lint, and obstructions. Make sure that outside wall dampers can open properly and are not blocked, jammed, or damaged. Refer to the installation instructions at the beginning of this manual for proper venting guidelines. |
| House fuse is blown, circuit breaker has tripped, or power outage has occurred. | Reset circuit breaker or replace fuse. Do not increase fuse capacity. If the problem is a circuit overload, have it corrected by a qualified electrician. |
| Dryer is overloaded. | Divide larger loads into smaller loads for drying. |
| Dryer is underloaded. | If you are drying a very small load, add a few extra items to ensure proper tumbling action. If the load is too small, the electronic control cannot properly sense the dryness of the load and may shut off too soon. Use timed dry or add some extra wet clothes to the load. |
| Clothes are wrinkled/Check if... | Then... |
| Clothes dried too long (overdried). | Overdrying a load of laundry can lead to wrinkled clothes. Try a shorter drying time or LESS DRY setting and remove items while they still retain a slight amount of moisture. |
| Clothes left in dryer too long after cycle ends. | Remove items from the dryer immediately at the end of the cycle. Use the WRINKLE CARE option to tumble the clothes briefly at intervals at the end of the cycle, for up to 3 hours. |
| Clothes are shrinking/Check if... | Then... |
| Garment care instructions are not being followed. | To avoid shrinkage, please carefully follow the fabric care instructions for your garment, because some fabrics will naturally shrink when washed. Other fabrics can be washed but will shrink when dried in a dryer. Use a low or no heat setting and/or the RACK DRY option. |
| Check vent indicator is blinking/Check if... | Then... |
| Ductwork is too long or has too many turns/restrictions. | Install a shorter or straighter duct run. |
| Partial blockage of the ductwork due to lint buildup or other foreign object. | Ductwork should be checked/cleaned immediately. Dryer can be used in this condition, but drying times will be longer and energy consumption will be increased. |
| Display shows error code TE1 or TE2/Check if... | Then... |
| Temperature sensing failure. | Turn off the dryer and call for service. |
| Lint on clothes/Check if... | Then... |
| Lint filter not cleaned properly. | Make sure the lint filter is cleaned before every load. With some loads that produce high amounts of lint, it may be necessary to clean the filter during the cycle. |
| Laundry not sorted properly. | Some fabrics are lint producers (i.e., a fuzzy white cotton towel) and should be dried separately from clothes that are lint trappers (i.e., a pair of black linen pants). |
| Excess static in clothes. | Static can cause lint to cling to clothing. |
| Dryer is overloaded. | Divide larger loads into smaller loads for drying. |
| Tissue, paper, etc., left in pockets. | Check pockets thoroughly before washing and drying clothes. |
| Problem | Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Clothes are not drying satisfactorily, or drying times are too long | Lint screen clogged with lint. | Lint screen should be cleaned before each load. |
| The Air Only cycle has been selected. | Select the right cycle for the types of garments being dried. | |
| Load too large and heavy to dry guickly. | Separate the load to tumble freely. | |
| Exhaust vent or outside exhaust hood clogged with lint, restricting air movement. | Run the dryer for 5-10 minutes. Hold your hand under the outside exhaust hood to check air movement. If you do not feel air movement, clean exhaust system of lint or replace exhaust vent with heavy metal or flexible metal vent. | |
| Fabric softener sheets blocking the grille. | Use only one fabric softener sheet, and use it only once. | |
| Exhaust vent not the correct length. | Check that the exhaust vent is not too long or has too many turns. Long venting will increase drying times. | |
| Exhaust vent diameter not the correct size. | Use 4" (102 mm) diameter vent material. | |
| Dryer located in a room with temperature below 45°F (7°C). | Proper operation of dryer cycles requires temperatures above 45°F (7°C). | |
| Dryer located in a closet without adequate openings. | Closet doors must have ventilation openings at the top and bottom of the door. The front of the dryer requires a minimum of 1" (25 mm) of airspace, and, for most installations, the rear of the dryer requires 5" (127 mm). | |
| Dryer will not run | Door not closed completely. | Make sure the dryer door is closed completely. |
| START/PAUSE button not pressed firmly or held long enough. | Press and hold the START/PAUSE button until you hear the dryer drum moving. | |
| Household fuse is blown or circuit breaker has tripped. | Electric dryers use 2 household fuses or circuit breakers. The drum may be turning, but you may not have heat. Replace both fuses or reset the circuit breaker. If the problem continues, call an electrician. | |
| Incorrect power supply. | Electric dryers require 240-volt power supply. Check with a qualified electrician. | |
| Wrong type of fuse. | Use a time-delay fuse. | |
| Unusual sounds | Dryer had a period of non-use. | If the dryer hasn’t been used for awhile, there may be a thumping sound during the first few minutes of operation. |
| A coin, button, or paper clip caught between the drum and front or rear of the dryer. | Check the front and rear edges of the drum for small objects. Clean out pockets before laundering. | |
| It is a gas dryer. | The gas valve clicking is a normal operating sound. | |
| The four legs are not installed, and the dryer is not level front to back and side to side. | The dryer may vibrate if not properly installed. | |
| Clothing knotted or balled up. | When balled up, the load will bounce, causing the dryer to vibrate. Separate the load items and restart the dryer. | |
| No heat | Household fuse is blown or circuit breaker has tripped. | The drum may be turning, but you may not have heat. Electric dryers use 2 household fuses or circuit breakers. Replace both fuses or reset the circuit breaker. If the problem continues, call an electrician. |
| Supply line valve not open. | For gas dryers, the valve is open on the supply line. | |
| Incorrect power supply. | Electric dryers require 240-volt power supply. Check with a qualified electrician. | |
| Cycle time too short | Automatic cycle ending early. | The load may not be contacting the sensor strips. Level the dryer. |
| Use Timed Dry for very small loads. Change the dryness level setting on Auto Dry Cycles. | ||
| Increasing or decreasing the dryness level will change the amount of drying time in a cycle. If loads are consistently ending too early | ||
| Lint on load | Lint screen clogged. | Lint screen should be cleaned before each load. |
| Stains on load or drum | Dryer fabric softener not properly used. | Add dryer fabric softener sheets at the beginning of the cycle. Fabric softener sheets added to a partially dried load can stain your garments. |
| Drum stains are caused by dyes in clothing (usually blue jeans). These will not transfer to other clothing. | ||
| Loads are wrinkled | The load was not removed from dryer at the end of the cycle. | Select Wrinkle Guard™ feature to fumble the load without heat to avoid wrinkling. |
| Dryer tightly packed. | Dry smaller loads that can tumble freely to reduce wrinkles from forming. | |
| Odors | You have recently been painting, staining, or varnishing in the area where your dryer is located. | If so, ventilate the area. When the odors or fumes are gone from the area, rewash and dry the clothing. |
| The electric dryer is being used for the first time. | The new electric heating element may have an odor. The odor will be gone after the first cycle. | |
| Load is too hot | Laundry items were removed from the dryer before the end of the cycle. | Allow the Cool Down cycle to finish before removing laundry from dryer. All cycles are cooled slowly to reduce wrinkling and make it easier to handle. Items removed before Cool Down may feel very warm. |
| A high temperature cycle was used or the Dry Temp control set on high. | Select a lower temperature, and use an Auto Dry cycle. These cycles sense the temperature or the moisture level in the load and shut off when the load reaches the selected dryness. This reduces overdrying. |
| DISPLAY | Checking Part | Cause | Remark |
|---|---|---|---|
| tE1, tE2 | Thermistor of blower housing | • Thermistor open or shorted | • tE1 error is displayed in the drying cycle or test mode.• Replace the steam generator. |
| dE | Door SW | • Door SW is abnormal. (Only TEST MODE) | • dE error is only displayed in the test mode. |
| PS | Wire Connection (Black-White-Red) | Wire Connection is wrong. Wire Connection is loose. | |
| tE4 | Thermistor of steam generator | • Steam generator thermistor open or shorted. | • tE4 error is only displayed in the test mode. • Replace the steam generator. |
| Add Water | Steam generator | • Sensors do not detect that steam generator is full within 60 seconds. | If water in the steam feeder is not enough this error may be isplayed. Fill the feeder and restart the cycle. |
| E5 | Water supply pump | • When the pump valve is less than 10 in the test mode | • E5 error is only displayed in the test mode. • Check the connection between harness wire and connector. • Replace the water supply pump. |
| EE | EE PROM Error | • EE PROM operation is abnormal. | • EE error is only displayed in the test mode. |
| PROBLEM | POSSIBLE CAUSES | SOLUTIONS |
|---|---|---|
| ADD WATER indicator light is on during the drying cycle | • Water supply error. | • Check steam feeder drawer: (1) Make sure steam feeder is filled with water to MAX line. (2) Make sure steam feeder is seated properly and drawer is fully cloased. (3) Turn the dryer off then restart the Steam cycle. • Do not use distilled water; the water level sensor in steam generator will not work. • Pump not working. Unplug dryer and call for service. |
| Water drips from orifice when Steam Cycle starts. | • This is normal. | • This is steam condensation. The dripping water will stop after a short time. |
| Steam doesn’t generate but no error code is shown. | • Water level error. | • Unplug dryer and call for service. |
| Garments still wrinkled after STEAM FRESH™. | • Too many or to different types of garments in dryer. | • Small loads of 1 to 5 items work best. • Load fewer garments. Load similar-type garments. |
| There are no creases left on garment after STEAM FRESH™. | • The function of this cycle is to remove wrinkles from fabric. | • Use an iron to make creases. |
| Garments have static after REDUCE STATIC. | • This is normal. | • Depends on individual moisture level in skin. |
| Garments are too damp or too dry after REDUCE STATIC. | • Correct drying options not selected. | • Select load weight manually before starting REDUCE STATIC option. |
| Garments are not uniformly damp after EASY IRON. | • This is normal. | • Depends on the amount or type of garments. |
| Water drips from door during Steam Cycle. | • This is steam condensation on door surface. | |
| Steam is not visible during Steam Cycle. | • Steam vapor is difficult to see when the door is closed. | |
| Drum does not turn during Steam Cycle. | • The drum is turned off so that the steam vapor remains in the drum. |
| Problem | Cause/Solution |
|---|---|
| Dryer displaying code message | • "PF" (power failure), check the following: Is the dryer connected to the power supply? Was the dryer connected to a power supply during installation or a power failure? Press STOP/CANCEL to clear display. Was the drying cycle interrupted by a power failure? Press START to restart the dryer. • "E" Variable (El, E2, E3) service codes: Call for service. |
| Clothes are not drying satisfactorily | • Check the following: Is the lint screen clogged with lint? Is the exhaust vent or outside exhaust hood clogged with lint, restricting air movement? Run the dryer for 5-10 minutes. Hold your hand under the outside exhaust hood to check air movement. If you do not feel air movement, clean exhaust system of lint or replace exhaust vent with heavy metal or flexible metal vent. Is the exhaust vent crushed or kinked? Replace with a heavy metal vent. Has a fuse blown, or a circuit breaker tripped? Electric dryers use 2 household fuses or breakers. The drum may be turning but you may not have heat. Has an Air Dry cycle been selected? Select the right cycle for the types of garments being dried. Is the automatic cycle ending early? The load may not be contacting the electronic sensor strips. Level the dryer. Are fabric softener sheets blocking the grille? Use only one fabric softener sheet and only use it once. Is the dryer located in a room with temperature below 45°F (7°C)? Proper operation of dryer cycles requires temperatures above 45°F (7°0). Was a cold rinse water used? Was the load very wet? Expect longer drying times with items rinsed in cold water and with items that hold moisture (cottons). Is the load too large and heavy to dry quickly? Separate the load to tumble freely. |
| Dryer will not run | • Checkthe following: Is the power cord plugged in? Has a fuse blown, or has a circuit breaker tripped? Was a regular fuse used? Use a time-delay fuse. Is the dryer door firmly closed? Was the START button firmly pressed? Is a cycle selected? |
| Unusual sounds | • Has the dryer had a period of non-use? If the dryer hasn't been used for a while, there may be a thumping sound during the first few minutes of operation. |
| Lint on load | Is the lint screen clogged? Clean lint screen. Check for air movement. Is load properly sorted? Sort lint givers (towels, chenille) from lint takers (corduroy, synthetics). Also sort by color. Is the load too big or too heavy? Dry smaller loads so lint can be carried to the lint screen. Was the load overdried? Use correct dryer settings for load type. Overdrying can cause lint-attracting static electricity. Was paper or tissue left in pockets? Is pilling being mistaken for lint? Pilling (surface fuzz) is caused by normal wear and laundering. |
| Stains on load or color change | • Was dryer fabric softener properly used? Add dryer fabric softener sheets at the beginning of the cycle when the load is cold. Do not add fabric softener sheets to a warm load. • Were items soiled when placed in the dryer? Items should be clean before being dried. • Were items properly sorted? Sort light colors from dark colors. Sort colorfast items from noncolorfast items. |
| Items shrinking | • Wasthe dryer overloaded? Dry smaller loads that can tumble freely, • Bid theload overdry? Check the manufacturer's care label. Match dryer setting to load type |
| Loads are wrinkled | • Was load removed from dryer at the end of the cycle? • Was dryer overloaded? Dry smaller loads that can tumble freely. • Did load overdry? Check the manufacturer's care label. Match dryer setting to load type |
| Odors | Have you recently been painting, staining or varnishing in the area where your dryer is located? If so, ventilate the area. When the odors or fumes are gone from the area, re-wash and dry the clothing. • Is the dryer being used for the first time? The new electric heating element may have an odor. The odor will be gone after the first cycle. |
| Garment damage | • Checkthe following: Were zippers, snaps, and hooks left open? Were strings and sashes tied to prevent tangling? Were care label instructions followed? Were items damaged before drying? |
| Problem | Solution |
|---|---|
| Dryer will not run | ■ Has a household fuse blown, or has a circuit breaker tripped? Replace the fuse or reset the circuit breaker. There may be 2 household fuses or circuit breakers for the electric dryer. Check that both fuses are intact and tight, or that both circuit breakers have not tripped. If the problem continues, call an electrician. ■ Is the correct power supply available? Electric dryers require 240-volt power supply. Check with a qualified electrician. ■ Was a regular fuse used? Use a time-delay fuse. ■ Is the dryer door firmly closed? ■ Was the Start button firmly pressed? Large loads may require pressing and holding the Start button for 2-5 seconds. |
| No heat | ■ Has a household fuse blown, or has a circuit breaker tripped? The drum may be turning, but you may not have heat. Electric dryers use 2 household fuses or breakers. Replace the fuse or reset the circuit breaker. If the problem continues, call an electrician. |
| Unusual sounds | ■ Has the dryer had a period of non-use? If the dryer hasn’t been used for a while, there may be a thumping sound during the first few minutes of operation. ■ Is a coin, button or paper clip caught between the drum and front or rear of the dryer? Check the front and rear edges of the drum for small objects. Clean out pockets before laundering. ■ Are the four legs installed, and is the dryer level front to back and side to side? The dryer may vibrate if not properly installed. ■ Is the clothing knotted or balled up? When balled up, the load will bounce, causing the dryer to vibrate. Separate the load items and restart the dryer. |
| Dryer displaying code message | ■ “PF” (power failure), check the following: Was the drying cycle interrupted by a power failure? Press and hold START to restart the dryer. ■ “AF” (dryer is experiencing a low airflow condition): To clear the code, press STOP once and the estimated time remaining countdown will return to the display. “AF” will continue to appear with each cycle until the low airflow condition is resolved. ■ “F” Variable (F1, F2, F20, etc.) service codes: Call for service. |
| Clothes are not drying satisfactorily, drying times are too long, or load is too hot | ■ Is the lint screen clogged with lint? Lint screen should be cleaned before each load. ■ Is the exhaust vent or outside exhaust hood clogged with lint, restricting air movement? Run the dryer for 5-10 minutes. Hold your hand under the outside exhaust hood to check air movement. If you do not feel air movement, clean exhaust system of lint or replace exhaust vent with heavy metal or flexible metal vent. ■ Are fabric softener sheets blocking the grille? Use only one fabric softener sheet, and use it only once. ■ Is the exhaust vent the correct length? Check that the exhaust vent is not too long or has too many turns. Long venting will increase drying times. ■ Is the exhaust vent diameter the correct size? Use 4" (10.2 cm) diameter vent material. ■ Is the dryer located in a room with temperature below 45ºF (7ºC)? Proper operation of dryer cycles requires temperatures above 45ºF (7ºC). ■ Is the dryer located in a closet? Closet doors must have ventilation openings at the top and bottom of the door. The rear of the dryer requires 5" (12.7 cm) of airspace. ■ Has the Air Only modifier been selected? Select the right temperature for the types of garments being dried. ■ Is the load too large and heavy to dry quickly? Separate the load to tumble freely. ■ Are all your Auto Dry cycle loads consistently not as dry as you would like? You may change the preset Dryness Level settings to increase dryness for all Auto Dry cycles. |
| Cycle time too short | ■ Is the Auto Dry Cycle ending early? The load may not be contacting the sensor strips. Level the dryer. Change the dryness level setting on Auto Dry Cycles. Increasing or decreasing the dryness level will change the amount of drying time in a cycle. Do not use a dryer rack with an Auto Dry Cycle. |
| Lint on load | ■ Is the lint screen clogged? Clean lint screen. Check for air movement. |
| Stains on load or drum | ■ Was dryer fabric softener properly used? Add dryer fabric softener sheets at the beginning of the cycle. Fabric softener sheets added to a partially dried load can stain your garments. Drum stains are caused by dyes in clothing (usually blue jeans). This will not transfer to other clothing. |
| Loads are wrinkled | ■ Was the load removed from dryer at the end of the cycle? ■ Was the dryer overloaded? Dry smaller loads that can tumble freely. |
| Odors | ■ Have you recently been painting, staining or varnishing in the area where your dryer is located? If so, ventilate the area. When the odors or fumes are gone from the area, rewash and dry the clothing. Is the electric dryer being used for the first time? The new electric heating element may have an odor. The odor will be gone after the first cycle. |