What Does the Kenmore Washer LE Code Mean? Take Action

When your Kenmore washer displays the "LE" error code, it indicates a drive motor problem.

The washer won’t run at all or at the expected speed because the control detects that the drive motor has locked up or the control can’t detect motor rotation.

The cause of the LE code is often due to overloading, an unbalanced load, a drive system obstruction or an internal component failure such as a bad motor tachometer.

Address this code promptly to restore functionality.

We’ll help you understand this code and troubleshoot the common causes so you can get back to doing your laundry.

Identify the General Cause: What Does 'LE' Mean?

The "LE" code on a Kenmore or Kenmore Elite washer signifies a "Locked Motor Error" condition. Essentially, the washer's motor is unable to spin the drum correctly.

This error code can occur for several reasons, all of which prevent the wash cycle from progressing. The machine detects that the motor is attempting to run but is encountering resistance or the washer control board is not receiving proper speed signals from the motor tachometer. The LE code can also be caused by a defective control board not sending proper electric current to run the drive motor.

Pro tip: This same LE error code occurs on LG washing machines for the exact same issues. Troubleshoot your LG washer in the same manner as described in this article when you encounter that code.

Distinguish Between Common and Less Common Specific Causes

Common specific causes of the LE code include an unbalanced wash load, excessive suds, or a drain system failure. These are generally user-resolvable issues.

Less common, but more serious, causes involve internal component failures such as a faulty control board (also called the motor control unit or MCU), wiring failure or a defective motor tachometer (also known as the hall sensor, RPS sensor or rotor position sensor).

To fix the washer and clear the LE error code yourself, start by checking user-resolvable issues first.

Initial Troubleshooting Steps for the LE Code

Begin with simple, straightforward checks. Sometimes, LE code issues are resolved without needing specialized tools or knowledge.

Reset Your Washer: A First Attempt

First, perform a hard reset on the washer control board. This clears any control board issues caused by a power surge or electrical supply glitch that might be corrupting the circuit board and causing the LE error code.

1. Unplug the washing machine: Disconnect the power cord from the wall outlet.
2. Wait: Allow at least 5 minutes for the internal electrical charge to dissipate completely.
3. Plug in the washer: Reconnect the power cord securely to the outlet.
4. Restart a cycle: Select a new wash cycle and observe if the LE code reappears.

If this simple tactic works, you’ve fixed the problem and saved the day. If the code reappears, continue with the troubleshooting described below.

Check the Load: Is it Unbalanced or Overloaded?

An unbalanced load or overloaded washer is a frequent culprit that causes the LE code. Distribute laundry evenly and/or remove excess items.

1. Open the washer door: Check the wash load inside the drum.
2. Rearrange items: Distribute clothes evenly around the agitator or drum. Untangle heavy items that are clumping together.
3. Remove excess items: If the load is too large, remove some garments to reduce the overall weight and allow for proper tumbling and spinning.
4. Close the door: Ensure the door is latched securely.
5. Restart the cycle: Begin the wash cycle again.

If the Drum is Full of Water, Inspect the Drain System

If water is still in the washer drum during the spin cycle, a drain system failure is causing the motor to struggle. The motor can’t rotate the spin basket at high speed because of the resistance of the water in the drum.

Check the washer drain system as shown in this DIY washer repair video:

Try to Drain the Water

Start the “Drain & Spin” cycle to remove any water remaining in the washer. If water drains out, the washing machine may work properly.

If the water won’t drain and you see excessive suds, add a cup of white vinegar to the tub to dissipate the suds. Add the vinegar through the dispenser drawer if the washer door is still locked shut because of the water still being inside the tub. Wait a half hour and use the “Drain & Spin” cycle to remove the sudsy water.

For future loads, use less detergent. Follow the manufacturer's recommendations for your specific detergent and water hardness. Use high-efficiency (HE) detergent if your washer is an HE model.

Pro tip: For most laundry loads in your Kenmore HE front-load washer, you’ll only need about a tablespoon of HE detergent to effectively clean the laundry without causing excessive suds.

Check the Drain Hose for a Clog

1. Pull the washer out: Carefully move the machine away from the wall to access the rear.
2. Examine the drain hose: Check for kinks, bends, or blockages along the entire length of the hose.
3. Straighten hose kinks: Gently unkink any sections of the drain hose.
4. Clear blockages: If possible, disconnect the hose from the standpipe and inspect the opening for debris. Remove any visible obstructions.
5. Ensure proper drain hose elevation: Verify the drain hose is not pushed too far down into the standpipe, which can create a siphon effect. The hose should form an air gap in the house drain stand pipe.
6. Push the washer back: Carefully return the washer to its original position.

Start the “Drain & Spin” cycle to see if the washing machine drains properly.

Check the Drain Pump Filter

A clogged drain pump filter will prevent the washer from draining. Follow the steps shown in the image below to drain water from the washer and check the drain pump filter in your Kenmore washer.

Pro tip: If the tub is still full of water, suck the water out of the washer through the drain hose using a wet/dry shop vacuum so you don’t have to wait for water to drain through the small drain tube on the drain pump filter.

Clear any debris and lint from the drain pump filter. Reassemble the washer and see if it drains properly.

If the washer still won’t drain properly after following these troubleshooting steps, you’ll likely need to schedule washer repair service to have a technician diagnose and repair the drain failure and clear the LE error code.

Address Other Causes of the LE Code

If the initial troubleshooting steps don’t help you resolve the LE code issue, investigate more specific causes.

Problem 1: Spin Basket Friction

The drive motor won’t be able to rotate the spin basket if an obstruction or bad tub bearing is causing excessive spin basket friction.

Check to see if the spin basket rotates properly:

1. Unplug the washer power cord and open the washer door.
2. Try to rotate the stainless steel spin basket inside the washer tub by hand.
3. If you’re not able to easily rotate the spin basket, check for an obstruction such as a sock or other garment stuck between the spin basket and the plastic wash tub.
4. Remove any item found and check again to see if the spin basket rotates properly.

If you don’t find an obstruction and the spin basket is still locked up, you’ll likely need to have a service technician check and repair the washer.

Problem 2: Wiring Failure

The MCU controls the washer's drive motor based on signals it receives from the motor tachometer through a wiring harness. A separate wiring harness carries electric current from the control board to the motor windings to spin the motor.

Loose wiring harness connections or a break in the wiring of these systems will prevent the motor from spinning, or it may attempt to spin but fail, generating the LE code.

If you’re completely confident that you can safely open the washer cabinet and check the wiring harnesses, carefully follow these steps:

1. Unplug the washer power cord.

2. Shut off the water supply.

Close the water supply faucets behind the washing machine.

3. Remove the top washer panel.

Have someone help you move the washer away from the wall.

Using a Phillips screwdriver, remove the 2 screws on the back of the washer that hold the top panel.

Pull the top panel toward the rear of the washer and lift it up and off.

4. Remove the control board cover

Release the tabs on the plastic cover using a slot screwdriver.

Remove the front cover of the housing to access the wires connected to the machine control board.

5. Inspect the control board wiring

Make sure all wire harness plugs are secured properly on the control board. Reconnect any loose wires.

If you find damaged wires or you’re not sure how to reconnect a loose or disconnected wire harness, stop and reassemble the washer. Schedule washer repair service to have a technician fix the washing machine.

Also, if you see a burnt spot or melted components on the control board, that circuit board will need replacing. A technician will typically need to complete that task to ensure all wires are checked and connected properly to the new control board.

If everything looks okay, replace the control board cover and reassemble the top of the washer.

6. Check motor and tachometer wiring harnesses

Remove the back washer panel mounting screws (with the washer power cord still unplugged).

Remove the back washer panel.

Remove the 17mm bolt on the back of the motor.

Pro tip: The rotor will turn when you try to loosen the bolt. Use an impact wrench or hold the rotor still and strike the ratchet with a sharp blow to loosen the rotor bolt. Once the bolt is loose, you’ll be able to easily remove it.

Remove the rotor from the motor.

Use a Phillips screwdriver to remove the screws from the wire harness bracket and retainers on the back of the washer tub.

Remove the screw that holds the green ground wire on the back of the tub.

Remove the bolts that hold the stator to the tub.

Pull the stator out slightly and check the motor wire harness connection. Reconnect the wire harness if it’s loose.

Check the tachometer wire harness connection and reconnect the harness if it’s loose.

After checking the wire harness connections, carefully reassemble to washer and check to see if the LE code still appears. If it does, you’re likely need to have a service technician repair the washer.

Problem 3: Tachometer (Hall Sensor) Failure

The tachometer monitors the speed and position of the motor. If it fails, the washer cannot detect motor operation, leading to the LE code.

• Symptoms: The washer attempts to spin but stops abruptly, displaying the LE code.
• Location: The tachometer is attached to the stator as shown in the image above in the previous section.
• Difficulty: Testing the tachometer requires special tools and expertise. This is a complex diagnosis.
• Action:__ When you suspect a tachometer failure, schedule washer repair by a professional appliance repair technician.

Note: The tachometer is a relatively inexpensive part. If you highly suspect that the tachometer is bad, you may be able to fix the washer by replacing this part on your own if you’re completely confident in your technical ability to safely install the new tachometer. You can purchase a Genuine OEM Hall Sensor directly from Sears PartsDirect online. Ensure that you use your washer’s model number to find the correct replacement part.

Problem 4: Defective Electronic Control Board

The electronic control board senses motor rotation through the tachometer and sends current to the stator to run the motor.

A defective control board won’t sense the tachometer signal properly or won’t send the proper electrical current to the stator to run the motor—resulting in the LE error code.

• Symptoms: The washer attempts to spin but stops abruptly, displaying the LE code.
• Location: The electronic control board is at the top of the washer under the top panel as shown in the images in the above section.
• Difficulty: Testing the electronic control board requires special tools and expertise. This is a complex diagnosis.
• Action: When you suspect a control board failure, schedule washer repair by a professional appliance repair technician.

Preventing Future LE Code Occurrences

Proactive measures significantly reduce the likelihood of encountering the LE code again.

Use the Correct Detergent and Right Amount

Always adhere to detergent manufacturer guidelines.

• Read labels: Consult both your washer's manual and the detergent packaging for recommended quantities.
• Use HE detergent: If your washer is a High-Efficiency model, only use HE detergent. Standard detergents produce too many suds.
• Adjust for water hardness: Use slightly less detergent in soft water areas, and more in hard water areas.

Remember: Most laundry loads in a Kenmore HE front-load washer only need about 1 tablespoon of HE detergent to clean the load effectively without excess suds.

Balance Your Loads Properly

Evenly distribute laundry within the drum.

• Mix load types: Combine large and small items in each load.
• Avoid overloading: Never pack the washer too tightly. Clothes need space to tumble freely.
• Wash bulky items separately: Wash large, heavy items like blankets or jeans individually or with only one or two other similar items to prevent imbalance.

Pro tip: Wash extremely large and bulky items such as comforters at a laundromat instead of washing them in your Kenmore front-load washer.

Regularly Clean Your Washer

Maintain your washer for optimal performance.

• Run a washer cleaning cycle: Use a washer cleaner or a cycle with hot water and vinegar/baking soda once a month. You can also use Affresh washer cleaner or a similar product to clean your washing machine.
• Clean the dispenser: Wipe down the detergent dispenser to prevent buildup.
• Inspect the pump filter: Clean the pump filter periodically to remove lint and small objects such as coins and small socks.
• Schedule professional annual washer maintenance: Annual preventive washer maintenance from Sears Home Services ensures that your washing machine stays in top shape and works longer.

When to Seek Professional Help

Recognize when a repair is beyond your skill level or capabilities.

Know Your DIY Repair Limits

Don’t attempt complex repairs involving electrical components or significant disassembly if you lack the necessary expertise, tools and experience. Doing so can cause further damage to the appliance or result in personal injury. Safety is paramount.

Contact a Qualified Technician

If the LE code persists after performing all troubleshooting steps described in this article, or if you suspect a component failure such as the MCU or tachometer, contact a professional. Provide the technician with a detailed description of the error and the steps you have already taken.

Pro tip: Make sure that your Kenmore washer is completely reassembled properly before scheduling washer repair so that the technician can accurately conduct diagnosis and repair from scratch.

Conclusion: Resolve Your Kenmore Washer’s LE Error Code by DIY Tactics or Professional Repair

The Kenmore washer LE code signals an interruption in the motor's operation and is a somewhat complicated error code to resolve.

By systematically following these troubleshooting and preventative steps, you can effectively diagnose and resolve most issues.

Prioritize safety during all repair attempts. If the problem remains, engage a qualified professional to ensure a correct and lasting solution.

Act decisively to get your Kenmore washer fully operational again with Sears Home Services help.