Kenmore Dryer Error Codes for Airflow, Heat and Electronics

Decode Kenmore dryer alerts tied to restricted venting, interrupted power, failed controls, thermistors, moisture sensing, low voltage, and lost board communication. Match each display to the affected system and recognize when San Diego homeowners should keep the dryer off for professional testing.

Kenmore Dryer Error Codes for San Diego Homes

A Kenmore dryer may display F:01, F:02, F:20, F:22–F:25, F:28, F:29, F:31, F:70–F:78, tE1–tE5, dE, EE, PS, EH1–EH3, Ex21, or Ex22 when it detects a problem with electronic controls, temperature sensing, moisture monitoring, power supply, door detection, or condensate drainage.

Kenmore dryers have been produced on several appliance platforms. The F-series is commonly found on certain Kenmore Elite models, while tE, EE, PS, EH, and Ex messages may appear on 796-series, hybrid, steam, or compact condensing dryers. Confirm the full model number before choosing replacement parts or applying model-specific instructions.

Main Control and User Interface Codes


F:01 indicates a main electronic control-board failure. Sears recommends unplugging the dryer for five minutes and restoring power. If the code returns, the control system requires diagnosis.

F:02 means a keypad or user-interface button is stuck. Check whether an accessible button remains pressed and make sure the console is clean and dry.

F:20 identifies a failed heater relay on the main control board. The dryer may tumble without heating or may interrupt the cycle because the control cannot operate the heating circuit correctly.

Codes F:70 and F:71 mean the main control board and user-interface assemblies are not communicating. F:72 through F:78 point more specifically to a user-interface assembly failure. Wiring harnesses, connectors, the main board, and the console controls may need testing before a component is replaced.

F:22 Through F:25 Temperature Sensor Faults

F:22 means the outlet thermistor circuit is electrically open, while F:23 means it is shorted. This sensor monitors air leaving the drum.

F:24 indicates an open inlet-thermistor circuit, and F:25 indicates a shorted inlet thermistor. On applicable models, the inlet thermistor is combined with the high-limit thermostat.

These faults can cause poor heat regulation, interrupted cycles, overheating protection, or laundry that remains damp. The sensor, wiring, connectors, and electronic control should be checked using specifications for the exact dryer model.

F:28, F:29, and Moisture Detection

F:28 and F:29 identify a moisture-sensor fault. Automatic cycles depend on sensor bars inside the drum to estimate when clothing is dry.

Residue from fabric-care products can affect moisture detection, but a displayed fault may also involve damaged wiring or a failed sensor. Clean the accessible sensor bars gently and keep them dry. If the code returns, the sensor circuit needs further inspection.

F:31 and PS Power Supply Errors

F:31 means the L2 side of the dryer’s 240-volt supply is too low. The drum may turn even though proper heating power is unavailable. PS also points to a power-supply or power-cord connection problem, commonly involving a missing L2 connection on an electric dryer.

Check whether both linked dryer breakers are fully on. Do not open the terminal block or measure voltage unless qualified to perform electrical work. A recurring power code should be evaluated by an electrician or appliance technician.

tE1, tE2, tE3, tE4, and tE5 Sensor Codes

On compatible Kenmore dryers, tE1 and tE2 indicate an outlet or exhaust thermistor failure. The dryer may heat incorrectly, stop early, or run longer than expected.

On Kenmore hybrid models, tE3 points to the heater thermistor, tE4 identifies the steam-generator thermistor, and tE5 concerns the compressor-inlet thermistor. These sensors monitor different temperature zones, so the codes should not be treated as one interchangeable fault.

A technician may need to test sensor resistance, wiring continuity, harness connections, and the main control board.

dE, EE, EH1, EH2, and EH3

The dE code means the control cannot confirm that the dryer door is closed. Check for clothing caught near the opening and close the door normally. A persistent message may involve the door switch, wiring, or control.

EE indicates a software failure in the main electronic control board. Disconnecting power may confirm whether the fault is temporary, but a returning EE code generally requires control-board diagnosis.

On compact condensing dryers, EH1, EH2, and EH3 identify an incoming voltage-supply problem. The appliance should receive the voltage specified for its model. Outlet and circuit testing should be handled by a qualified electrician.

Ex21 and Ex22 Condensate Drain Pump Errors

Ex21 and Ex22 apply to compatible compact condensing dryers and indicate a condensate drain-pump failure. Check the accessible drain hose for kinks or restrictions and stop using the dryer if water is collecting where it should not.

If the drain path is clear, the pump, wiring harness, or main control board may need repair.

Kenmore Dryer Error Code Service in San Diego

A recurring code means the dryer cannot reliably complete a monitored function. Stop using it if there is unusual overheating, a burning smell, sparking, water leakage, or repeated breaker tripping.

Reset Appliance Repair provides Kenmore dryer diagnostics in San Diego for electronic-control failures, thermistor and moisture-sensor faults, door-switch problems, power errors, communication faults, and condensate drain-pump issues.

Related Kenmore Appliance Error Code Guides

Use these Kenmore resources to connect dryer warnings with the broader brand library and closely related laundry appliance guides.

Kenmore Appliance Error Codes: Start with the main Kenmore appliance error code guide for an overview of diagnostic messages across Kenmore laundry, kitchen, cooking, and refrigeration appliances.

Front Load Washer: Review Kenmore front load washer error codes when the washer paired with the dryer displays warnings involving filling, drainage, door locking, motor operation, heating, or electronic communication.

Top Load Washer: Explore Kenmore top load washer error codes for related laundry alerts connected with water-level sensing, lid locking, basket speed, drive components, filling, draining, and control operation.

These connected guides help homeowners move from Kenmore dryer diagnostics to the closely related washer categories and the wider brand support library.

Reset Appliance Repair – San Diego, CA

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Kenmore Dryer Codes for Heat, Sensor, Power, and Control Problems

The table decodes Kenmore dryer alerts associated with electronic controls, stuck console buttons, heater relays, temperature and moisture sensors, communication failures, door detection, incoming voltage, and condensate drainage. Match each F, tE, dE, EE, PS, EH, or Ex code with the affected system and recommended response for the applicable dryer model.

Error Code Meaning Safe first steps Technician required Related help
F:01 [Elite dryer] Main electronic control board failure Unplug for 5 minutes and retry once. Yes
F:02 [Elite dryer] Keypad / user interface failure Try freeing a stuck key if obvious. If not resolved, service is needed. Yes
F:20 [Elite dryer] Heater relay failure Unplug dryer and stop use until board diagnosis/replacement. Yes
F:22 [Elite dryer] Outlet thermistor failure (open) Unplug dryer. Service should verify thermistor resistance and wiring. Yes
F:23 [Elite dryer] Outlet thermistor failure (shorted) Unplug dryer. Service should verify thermistor resistance and wiring. Yes
F:24 [Elite dryer] Inlet thermistor failure (open) Unplug dryer and stop use until service checks the thermistor/high-limit assembly. Yes
F:25 [Elite dryer] Inlet thermistor failure (shorted) Unplug dryer and stop use until service checks the thermistor/high-limit assembly. Yes
F:28 / F:29 [Elite dryer] Moisture sensor failure Unplug dryer and inspect accessible moisture-sensor wiring only. Yes
F:31 [Elite dryer] Low L2 voltage Check breaker and power-cord connection. If supply issue is not obvious, use electrician / service. Yes
F:70 / F:71 [Elite dryer] No communication between main control and UI assemblies Unplug dryer and inspect accessible harness connections only. Yes
F:72-F:78 [Elite dryer] User interface control assembly failure Unplug dryer and inspect accessible harness connections only. Yes
tE1 / tE2 [796 / Hybrid dryer] Thermistor failure Unplug dryer. Service should verify thermistor resistance and replace if needed. Yes
dE [796 dryer] Door switch error Check door closes properly. If code returns, service should test/replace the door switch. Yes
tE3 [Hybrid dryer] Heater thermistor failure Unplug dryer and stop use until thermistor wiring/resistance is checked. Yes
tE4 [Hybrid dryer] Steam generator thermistor failure Unplug dryer and stop use until service checks thermistor circuit. Yes
tE5 [Hybrid dryer] Compressor inlet thermistor failure Unplug dryer and stop use until service checks thermistor circuit. Yes
EE [Hybrid dryer] Main control board failure Unplug dryer and retry once only. Yes
PS [Hybrid dryer] Power supply failure Check cord connection and breaker. If supply is okay or code returns, service is needed. Yes
EH1 / EH2 / EH3 [Compact condensing dryer] Voltage supply problem Unplug dryer and verify supply/breaker. Use an electrician if voltage is suspect. Yes
Ex21 / Ex22 [Compact condensing dryer] Condensate drain pump failure Unplug dryer. Check for an obvious clog in the drain hose/path only. Yes

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