Kenmore Dryer Error Codes: What They Mean and How to Fix Them

Last updated: · Applies to Kenmore and Kenmore Elite electronic-control dryers; codes depend on the model family (110, 796 or 417) — each code is labelled · Sources

Kenmore appliances were built by other manufacturers, and the code set depends on the three-digit prefix before the period in your model number (for example 110.xxxxxxx or 796.xxxxxxx). This guide covers 12 Kenmore dryer codes that owners can act on, labelled by family. Technician-only control-board codes are summarised rather than listed one by one.

Before you start

Find your full model number (usually inside the door frame). The digits before the period tell you which family below applies. Codes marked Verify in your manual vary within a family.

Kenmore dryer error code table

Always unplug the dryer or switch off its breakers before cleaning the lint housing or moving it.

CodeMeaningLikely causeStep-by-step fix
PF110 & Elite Power failure during the cycle. Outage; loose plug or cord; tripped breaker.
  1. Press Start to continue or Stop to clear.
  2. If it happens often, check the outlet and power cord.
F:30 / F4 E3110 / Elite (F:30); 110 VMAX-type (F4 E3) Restricted airflow. Clogged lint screen (including dryer-sheet film) or vent.
  1. Clean the lint screen; wash it with water and a soft brush if you use dryer sheets.
  2. Clear the exhaust duct to the outside.
F:31 / F4 E4110 / Elite One leg (L2) of the 240-volt supply is low or missing. Tripped breaker on one side; loose power-cord wiring.
  1. Check and reset both dryer breakers.
  2. If it persists, have an electrician check the supply and cord connection.
F3 E2 / F:28110 Moisture sensor fault. Metal object across the sensor bars; residue; wiring fault.
  1. Check nothing metal is touching the sensor bars inside the drum.
  2. Wipe the bars clean.
  3. If it returns, call a pro.
Verify in your manual
F:02 / F2 E1110 / Elite A control button is stuck. Stuck or damaged key.
  1. Press each button to free it.
  2. If it won’t clear, the control panel needs replacing — call a pro.
tE1 / tE2796 Thermistor (temperature sensor) failure. Sensor or wiring fault; occasionally a blocked vent.
  1. Clean the lint filter and vent.
  2. Unplug for a few minutes and retry.
  3. If it returns, call a pro.
dE796 Door switch error. Door not fully closed; door switch fault.
  1. Close the door firmly and check nothing is caught.
  2. If it continues, call a pro.
PS796 steam / hybrid Power supply error — often one leg (L2) of the 240-volt supply is missing. Loose plug or power-cord connection; tripped breaker on one side.
  1. Check the plug is fully seated and reset both dryer breakers.
  2. If it persists, have an electrician check the outlet and cord wiring.
E5B417 No heat detected. Tripped breaker (electric); gas valve off (gas); heating component fault.
  1. Electric: check both breakers. Gas: check the supply valve is open.
  2. If it still won’t heat, call a pro.
E8C417 Frequent high-limit thermostat trips (overheating). Blocked exhaust vent.
  1. Clean the lint screen and the full vent run.
  2. If it returns with a clear vent, call a pro.
E4A417 Normal dry time exceeded. Heating problem; restricted vent.
  1. Check breakers or gas valve and clean the vent.
  2. If it continues, call a pro.
F:01, F1 E1, E10–E12, EAF …various families Main control or communication faults (technician codes). Electronic control or wiring fault.
  1. Unplug for 5 minutes and restart.
  2. If the code returns, call a pro.

Don’t see your code? Search your full model number on Sears PartsDirect, or check the tech sheet often stored inside the dryer console.

Troubleshooting without an error code

No code on the display, but something’s not right? Work through these safe checks for the most common dryer problems, in order. They apply to most Kenmore dryers. Unplug the dryer before touching hoses, filters or panels.

Dryer won’t start

  1. Close the door firmly — the dryer won’t run if the door switch doesn’t detect it closed.
  2. Check the plug and the breaker. Electric dryers use a 240-volt circuit with a double breaker (or two fuses) — reset both sides if one has tripped.
  3. Check whether Control/Child Lock is on (lock icon or a lock message on the display).
  4. Press and hold Start for a second or two — many dryers need a longer press than a tap.

Dryer runs but doesn’t heat

  1. Make sure you didn’t select an air-only, no-heat or Air Fluff setting.
  2. Electric dryers: check both breakers or fuses for the dryer circuit — a dryer can tumble with one leg of power but won’t heat.
  3. Gas dryers: confirm the gas shut-off valve behind the dryer is open and other gas appliances are working.
  4. Clean the lint filter and check the vent (see “takes too long”) — a blocked vent can trip a safety thermostat or fuse that stops heating.
  5. If it still won’t heat, the heating element, igniter, gas valve, thermal fuse or thermostat may need testing by a technician.

Dryer takes too long or clothes are still damp

  1. Clean the lint filter before every load. If you use dryer sheets, wash the screen occasionally with warm soapy water and a soft brush to remove residue.
  2. Pull the dryer out and check the duct behind it isn’t crushed, kinked or coiled.
  3. Go outside and check the vent hood: the flap should open freely when the dryer runs and there should be strong airflow.
  4. Don’t overload the dryer, and make sure the washer spun the load properly (very wet loads take much longer).
  5. On sensor-dry models, wipe the metal moisture-sensor bars inside the drum with a soft cloth; residue can make the dryer end cycles early or late.
  6. Have the full vent run professionally cleaned if it has been more than a year or the run is long.

Dryer runs but the drum won’t turn

  1. Unplug the dryer, then try turning the drum by hand. If it spins very freely with no resistance, the drive belt may be broken.
  2. Check for an item jammed between the drum and the front of the dryer.
  3. If you hear the motor hum but the drum doesn’t move, stop using the dryer — the belt, idler pulley or motor need a technician.

Dryer is squeaking, thumping or noisy

  1. Check pockets and the drum for coins, buttons, zippers and other hard objects.
  2. Level the dryer so it doesn’t rock.
  3. Squealing or squeaking that grows over time usually points to worn drum rollers, an idler pulley or drum glides; thumping can be a flat spot on a roller. These are repair jobs for a technician or an experienced DIYer.
  4. A burning smell, smoke or sparks: switch off at the breaker and don’t use the dryer until it has been inspected.

Common mistakes

Many “faults” are caused by how the dryer is loaded, installed or maintained. Avoid these and you’ll see far fewer codes:

  • Skipping the lint filter. Clean it before every load. A clogged filter slows drying, raises temperatures and can trigger vent or overheat codes.
  • Neglecting the vent. Crushed foil ducts, long runs and lint-clogged outside hoods are the top causes of long drying times and overheating. Use rigid or semi-rigid metal duct and clean the run regularly.
  • Overloading. Clothes need space to tumble. Overfilled drums dry unevenly and take longer.
  • Drying very wet loads. If the washer didn’t spin properly, fix that first — the dryer isn’t designed to remove standing water.
  • Ignoring residue on the lint screen and sensors. Dryer-sheet film can block airflow through the screen and fool moisture sensors. Wash the screen and wipe the sensor bars occasionally.
  • Using an extension cord or wrong outlet. Dryers should be plugged directly into a correctly rated outlet; low or incorrect voltage causes heating and power codes.

Tips and tricks for Kenmore owners

Useful Kenmore-specific features and procedures, confirmed from Kenmore’s own support pages and manuals. Exact buttons vary by model, so check your manual.

  • Match the code to the model family. Vent problems show as F:30 or F4 E3 on 110-family dryers and as E8C (repeated overheating) on 417-family dryers, so the same fix — clean the lint screen and vent — applies to different codes.
  • Wash the lint screen occasionally. Sears PartsDirect notes dryer-sheet film can clog the screen even when it looks clean — wash it with water and a soft brush.
  • Tech sheet in the console. Sears notes that many Kenmore dryers store a technical sheet in the console explaining the diagnostic test mode — handy for a technician.

Safety note

Read this before any DIY fix

Unplug the dryer (or switch off both breakers for an electric dryer) before cleaning the lint housing, moving the dryer or touching the vent. Gas dryers: if you smell gas, don’t operate any switches or the dryer — leave the house and call your gas utility from outside. Don’t disconnect or reconnect gas lines yourself. Never run a dryer without the lint filter, and never ignore repeated overheating or vent warnings — lint build-up is a fire risk. Don’t open the cabinet or touch internal wiring. If your dryer is under warranty, DIY repairs beyond basic cleaning may affect coverage — check with Sears/Kenmore or your warranty provider first.

When to call a pro

The steps above are limited to safe, user-level checks. Call a qualified appliance technician (Sears Home Services or an independent repairer) if:

  • The same code returns after you’ve completed the fix steps.
  • Airflow or overheating codes return even after cleaning the full vent run.
  • Thermistor, heater or control-board codes keep coming back.
  • The drum won’t turn, or you hear grinding, squealing or thumping.
  • You smell gas (leave and call your gas utility), or notice burning, smoke or sparks.

Get the part

Have your model number ready — dryer parts are model-specific.

Buy parts online

Sears PartsDirect (Kenmore parts) RepairClinic AppliancePartsPros

Local help

Find a parts store near me Find a dryer repair technician near me

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Frequently asked questions

What does PF mean on a Kenmore dryer?

PF means the power failed while the dryer was running. Press Start to continue or Stop to clear the display. Check the outlet and cord if it happens often.

What does F:30 mean on a Kenmore Elite dryer?

F:30 means restricted airflow. Clean the lint screen, wash off any dryer-sheet film, and clear the exhaust duct to the outside.

Why do Kenmore dryer codes differ between models?

Kenmore dryers were built by different manufacturers. The model-number prefix (such as 110, 796 or 417) tells you which code set applies.

How do I reset a Kenmore dryer?

Unplug the dryer or switch off its breakers for about 5 minutes, then restore power and start a cycle. If the code returns, it needs service.

What does E8C mean on a Kenmore dryer?

On 417-family dryers, E8C means the high-limit thermostat has tripped too often, usually because of a blocked vent. Clean the lint screen and the full vent run.

Sources

Sears PartsDirect Kenmore dryer error code listings (Kenmore Elite, 110 electronic-control, VMAX, 796 and 417 families).

Last updated: . This guide was drafted with AI assistance and checked against the manufacturer sources above; items marked Verify in your manual vary by model. FixCode is not affiliated with Sears, Transform Holdco or Kenmore. Kenmore is a trademark of Transform SR Brands LLC.