Kenmore Washer LE Code: Meaning & Fixes
- Meaning
- Motor error: the motor's thermal overload protection tripped and the washer stopped the drum to let the motor cool.
- Can I fix it?
- Sometimes, may need a pro
- 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.
LE on a Kenmore 796-series front-loader is a motor error: the motor’s thermal overload protection has tripped. Kenmore’s fix is to let the washer stand for 30 minutes so the motor cools, then restart the cycle. A drum packed too tightly can strain the motor, so take out part of the load before you restart.
Try this first
- Let the washer stand for 30 minutes so the motor can cool.
- Remove part of the load if the drum is packed tightly.
- Check the drum for a stuck item, such as a bra wire or a sock caught at the door seal.
- Restart the cycle.
- If LE comes back, call for service.
What causes LE
| Cause | What you notice | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| Motor overheated | LE after a long or heavy cycle | Wait 30 minutes, then restart |
| Drum overloaded | LE with a tightly packed drum | The door should close easily on the load |
| Object jamming the drum | Drum hard to turn by hand | Check the drum and door seal with the power off |
| Motor or motor wiring fault | LE returns after cooling and a smaller load | Needs a technician |
| Control fault | LE on every cycle, even empty | Needs a technician |
Fix it step by step
Tap a step number to tick it off as you go. Ticks stay on this device.
-
Let the motor cool
Leave the washer for 30 minutes. Kenmore says this lets the motor's overload protection reset.
-
Lighten the load
Open the door once it unlocks and take out part of the load if the drum is packed tightly. Kenmore says the drum can be full but shouldn't be tightly packed, and the door should close easily.
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Check that the drum turns
Unplug the washer, then turn the drum by hand. It should move freely. Remove anything caught between the drum and the door seal.
Safety: Unplug the washer before you reach into the drum.
-
Restart the cycle
Plug the washer back in and restart the cycle. If LE appears again, stop using the washer and call for service.
When to call a technician
Kenmore says to call for service if LE persists after the 30-minute cool-down. A repeat LE with a light load and a freely turning drum points to the motor, its sensor or wiring, or the control board, which needs a technician.
Questions people ask
Is Kenmore LE the same as OE?
No. OE is a drain problem and LE is a motor error. They have different causes and fixes.
Why did LE appear after a big load of towels or bedding?
A heavy or tightly packed load makes the motor work harder and can trip its overload protection. Let it cool for 30 minutes and wash a smaller load.
Does LE mean the same thing on every Kenmore washer?
No. LE belongs to LG-built Kenmore washers with 796 model numbers. Kenmore washers from other makers use different codes.