Kenmore Washer OE Code: Meaning & Fixes
- Meaning
- Drain error: the washer couldn't pump the water out of the tub in the expected time, so it drains slowly or not at all.
- Can I fix it?
- Yes, usually a DIY fix
- Also shown as
- 0E
- Seen on
- Kenmore and Kenmore Elite front-load washers with model numbers starting 796 (built by LG), including the 796.4044 and 796.4130 series. Whirlpool-built Kenmore washers (model numbers starting 110) use different codes, such as F21 for a long drain.
OE on a Kenmore 796-series front-loader means the washer drains slowly or not at all. Kenmore’s guide lists three checks: a kinked, pinched or clogged drain hose, a clogged drain pump filter, and a drain outlet set more than 96 inches above the bottom of the washer. Start with the hose behind the machine.
Try this first
- Pull the washer out and straighten any kink or pinch in the drain hose.
- Clear any clog in the drain hose, standpipe or laundry sink.
- Clean the drain pump filter behind the access panel at the bottom front.
- Make sure the drain outlet is no higher than 96 inches above the bottom of the washer.
- Use only HE detergent, since excess suds slow the drain.
What causes OE
| Cause | What you notice | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| Kinked, pinched or clogged drain hose | Water left in the drum, OE on the display | The hose behind and under the washer |
| Clogged drain pump filter | Humming during drain, slow or no drain | Lint, coins, buttons or keys in the filter |
| Drain outlet set too high | Washer drains poorly on every cycle | Drain height no more than 96 inches above the washer base |
| Clogged house drain | Standpipe or sink backs up | Run water down the standpipe |
| Failed drain pump | No pump sound with a clean filter and clear hose | Needs a technician |
Fix it step by step
Tap a step number to tick it off as you go. Ticks stay on this device.
-
Check the drain hose
Pull the washer away from the wall. Straighten any kink and make sure the hose isn't pinched behind or under the cabinet. Clear any clog in the hose, standpipe or laundry sink.
-
Drain the tub
Open the drain pump filter access panel at the bottom front. Unclip the small drain hose, put its end in a shallow pan, remove its plug and let the water drain. Empty the pan as often as needed.
Safety: Unplug the washer before you open the filter panel, and let hot water cool first. Expect water to spill.
-
Clean the pump filter
Twist the pump filter counterclockwise to remove it. Clear out lint and objects such as buttons, keys and coins. Refit the filter, plug and clip the small hose, and close the panel.
-
Check the drain height
The top of the drain outlet should be no more than 96 inches above the bottom of the washer. Adjust or repair the drain if it's higher.
-
Test with a drain cycle
Plug the washer back in and run a Rinse+Spin or drain cycle with no clothes to confirm the water pumps out.
When to call a technician
If OE returns with a clear hose, a clean pump filter and a correct drain height, the drain pump or its wiring may have failed. Contact Kenmore service or an appliance technician.
Questions people ask
Is Kenmore OE the same as LG OE?
Kenmore 796-series front-loaders are built by LG and use the same letter codes, and both treat OE as a drain problem. Follow the steps for your washer's model.
Is OE the same as 0E?
Yes. The display shows a letter O, but it looks like a zero, so many people search for 0E.
My Kenmore washer has a 110 model number. Does OE apply?
No. Whirlpool-built Kenmore washers with 110 model numbers report drain problems as F21 or F02, not OE.