Kenmore Washer Error Codes: How to Fix UE, LE, dE1, F11, & 5d

There is nothing more frustrating than a mountain of laundry and a Kenmore washer that refuses to start. Whether your machine is flashing a cryptic UE code, stuck on a 5d suds error, or completely locked out by an F11 communication failure, these digital warnings can feel like a death sentence for your appliance. However, most Kenmore error codes don’t require a professional repairman—they just require a little DIY troubleshooting. In this comprehensive guide, we’ve consolidated the most frequent Kenmore washing machine errors into one master resource. We’ll break down exactly what codes like LE, dE1, and F11 actually mean and provide the step-by-step fixes to get your laundry room back in motion without the expensive service call.

Quick Answers for Common Kenmore Washer Error Codes

The most common Kenmore washer error codes and their meanings are:

• UE / uE: Unbalanced Load (the washer cannot reach spin speed).
• LE: Motor or Water Level Error (often a communication or sensor fault).
• dE1: Door/Lid Lock Error (the washer thinks the door is open).
• F11: Communication Failure (loss of signal between control boards).
• 5d / Sud: Excessive Suds (too much detergent or a drain restriction).

Kenmore Washer UE Error Code: Unbalanced Load Fixes

The UE (or uE) error code on a Kenmore washer stands for an Unbalanced Load. This safety feature is triggered when the machine’s sensors detect that the laundry is not evenly distributed, which prevents the drum from reaching high spin speeds to avoid damaging the internal components.

When you see this code, troubleshooting usually begins with simple adjustments before moving to mechanical repairs:

• Distinguish Between uE and UE: On many Kenmore models, a lower-case “uE” means the washer is currently attempting to rebalance the load automatically by adding water and agitating. If it fails after three attempts, it will trigger the capital “UE” and stop the cycle entirely.

• Manually Redistribute the Load: Open the lid and move heavy items (like wet towels or jeans) to opposite sides of the drum. Avoid washing a single heavy item, like a rug or a heavy blanket, on its own; add a few extra towels to help balance the weight.

• Check for Leveling: If the washer rocks when you push on its corners, it is not stable. Adjust the leveling legs until all four are firmly on the floor. An unstable base will mimic an unbalanced load even if the laundry inside is perfectly distributed.

• Inspect Suspension Rods or Dampers: If the UE code appears constantly despite a balanced load, the suspension rods (in top-loaders) or shock absorbers (in front-loaders) may be worn out. If the tub bounces excessively when pushed down, these parts likely need replacement.

Suspension rod and shock absorber

• Examine the Hub and Bolt: In some Kenmore Elite models, a loose mounting bolt or a stripped washplate hub can cause the basket to wobble independently of the motor, triggering a false unbalanced reading.

How to Prevent Code UE On Your Kenmore Washer?

The UE washer code is one of the most common error codes that users experience. It’s also fairly simple to prevent. Below are some common tips for keeping your Kenmore washer balanced so you can avoid triggering the UE code. 

• Avoid washing single items. If you have a particularly small load, try adding a few towels or pillowcases to the basket to help the washer balance out the items. 
• For larger loads, add items to your washer just until the basket is full. Garments should sit loosely, allowing for movement. Avoid packing, and when in doubt, opt for a second load. 
• Check for shaking and rocking. Any extra vibration during the spin cycle has the possibility to trigger the UE code, so make sure your washer is stable.
• Reduce the spin speed to low for smaller loads. 

How to Resolve the Kenmore Washer LE Error Code

The LE error code on a Kenmore front-loading washer indicates a Locked Motor error. This happens when the drum is unable to rotate at its normal speed or is physically prevented from moving, causing the motor to stall.

Before replacing expensive parts, work through these troubleshooting steps in order of complexity:

• Check for Overloading: The most common cause is a drum that is too heavy. Remove a few items and restart the cycle to see if the motor can regain momentum.
• Identify Excessive Suds: Using too much detergent (or non-HE detergent) creates a “suds lock” situation. The sensor detects the resistance from the bubbles and trips the LE code. If you see excess foam, run a Drain/Spin cycle and use less soap in the future.
• Clear Drive System Blockages: Small items like coins or socks can get trapped between the spin basket and the outer tub. Manually spin the drum with your hand; if you feel significant resistance or hear a scraping sound, there is likely a physical obstruction or a failed tub bearing.
• Inspect the Rotor and Magnets: On the back of the washer, the rotor contains magnets that allow the motor to spin. If these magnets are cracked or the mounting bolt is loose, the motor will “stutter” and trigger the code.
• Test the Hall Sensor (Rotor Position Sensor): This is a small plastic sensor on the stator. If it fails, the control board cannot track the motor’s position. Replacing this sensor is a common, inexpensive DIY fix that often resolves the LE error.
• Check Wiring Harnesses: Because washers vibrate intensely, the wires connecting the motor to the control board can shake loose. Ensure all plugs are seated firmly and check for any frayed or pinched wires.

Troubleshooting the Kenmore dE1 Error (Door Lock Fault)

The dE1 error code on a Kenmore washer is a direct signal that the machine’s door or lid is not properly closed or locked. For safety reasons, the washer will not initiate any agitation or spin cycles until it confirms the door is securely latched. This interruption can be caused by something as simple as a loose door or a more complex mechanical failure.

To resolve the dE1 fault, follow these troubleshooting steps:

• Verify the Door is Closed Firmly: This is the most frequent culprit. Ensure no clothing is caught in the seal and give the door a firm push. You should hear a distinct click.
• Perform a Power Reset: If the door is shut but the code remains, unplug the washer for at least 10 seconds. This allows the control board to reset and re-check the door switch status upon powering back up.
• Check the Door Latch and Strike: Inspect the physical latch on the door and the strike hole on the machine frame. If the latch is bent or if soap scum has built up in the strike, the switch may not engage. Clean the area with a damp cloth or rubbing alcohol.
• Inspect the Door Switch Assembly: If the latch is physically entering the hole but the washer doesn’t recognize it, the internal switch may have failed. This component uses an electrical signal to tell the control board that the door is locked; if the internal contacts are worn, the part will need replacement.
• Clear Diagnostic Codes: If the error persists, you can enter diagnostic mode (typically by pressing a specific sequence of buttons like “Drain/Spin” and “Rinse” four times within five seconds) to confirm if the dE1 code is the active fault.

• If you have tried resetting the power and cleaning the latch but the machine still won’t lock, the door switch assembly or the main control board may require a professional repair.

Fixing the Kenmore F11 Error: Communication Failure

The F11 error code on a Kenmore washer is a communication failure between the Machine Control Board (CCU) and the Motor Control Unit (MCU). When these two vital components cannot “talk” to each other, the washer will stop mid-cycle, refuse to spin, or fail to start entirely.

While this code often points toward a hardware failure, you can troubleshoot the issue using these steps:

🔴 Pro-Tip: The Kenmore F11 “Hard Reset”

The F11 error code is often a “ghost” error caused by a temporary glitch in the Machine Control Board (CCU). Before buying a replacement board, try this 10-minute hard reset:

1. Unplug the washer from the power outlet entirely.
2. Press and hold the Start/Pause button for 5 seconds to drain any residual energy from the capacitors.
3. Wait 10 full minutes—this allows the memory on the control board to clear.
4. Plug the unit back in. If the code returns immediately, check the wire harness connections between the CCU and the MCU (Motor Control Unit) for any loose or corroded pins.

Check All Connections

Check Wire Harness Connections: Because washers vibrate during high-speed spins, the wires connecting the CCU (located at the top) and the MCU (located at the bottom near the motor) can shake loose. Ensure all plugs are firmly seated and look for any signs of corrosion or “burnt” pins.

Inspect the Main Control Board (CCU): If the washer won’t fill or enter any cycle, the CCU may have failed. Look for visible scorch marks or blown capacitors on the board itself.

Evaluate the Motor Control Unit (MCU): If the washer fills and drains but won’t agitate or spin, the MCU is likely the culprit. This board is responsible for taking commands from the CCU and physically powering the motor.

Check for Drive System Obstructions: Occasionally, a physically seized motor or a heavy obstruction in the drum can mimic a communication error because the MCU cannot report back the expected motor speed to the main board.

In most cases, if a hard reset and wire inspection don’t work, replacing either the CCU or the MCU is required to resolve an F11 fault.

What Does the 5d (or Sud) Error Mean on a Kenmore Washer?

The 5d (or Sud) error code on a Kenmore washer is one of the most common warnings, indicating that the machine has detected an excessive amount of soapsuds in the drum. When this occurs, the washer will typically pause the cycle and trigger a “Suds Kill” routine, adding extra water and dwell time to dissolve the foam. If the suds do not dissipate, the cycle will stop entirely to protect the pump and motor.

While the code seems straightforward, it can be caused by both user error and mechanical failures:

• Excessive Detergent Use: The most frequent cause is simply using too much detergent or using non-HE (High-Efficiency) soap in an HE machine. Standard soap creates too many bubbles for the sensors to handle.
• Drain Pump Blockage: If the drain pump filter is clogged with lint, coins, or hair, the water cannot drain quickly enough. The remaining soapy water gets agitated again, creating a “suds lock” that trips the sensor.
• Obstructed Pressure Switch: The pressure switch hose can become blocked by a “slug” of concentrated detergent or debris. This tricks the control board into thinking the tub is full of foam even when it is empty.
• Wrong Cycle Selection: Using a heavy-duty cycle for a very small load can sometimes cause oversudsing because there isn’t enough fabric to absorb the detergent’s chemical action.
• Faulty Water Level Sensor: If the sensor itself is defective, it may send a false “high suds” signal to the main control board, preventing the machine from entering the spin cycle.

How to Fix: If you see the 5d code, wait 30–60 minutes for the suds to settle naturally, then run a “Rinse & Spin” cycle without any added soap. If the code persists, you should check and clean the drain pump filter located at the bottom front of the machine.

Read: Kenmore Washer Troubleshooting Guide

How to Enter Diagnostic Mode On Kenmore Washer?

If your washing machine is acting up, the first thing you need to do is find out the problem via the diagnostic mode. The following is a step-by-step process of how to get into diagnostic mode for a front-loading model of a Kenmore washing machine: 

1. Make sure the washer is completely empty. This will ensure that nothing is in the way or may affect the sensors. Close the door. 
2. Next, depending on the model of your washer, push a button labeled “Control/On” or “Start.”
3. Once you have pushed the start button, press the button labeled “Drain” or “Spin.”
4. In the option for Spin Speed, press “No spin.”
5. Then push the button labeled “Pre-wash” or “Rinse” four times. It is very important that you press the button four times within five seconds.
6. From there, C:00 will light up, and the diagnostic will start. 

If you have done all of this correctly, it should display error codes.

Common Kenmore Washer Error Codes & Fixes