Kenmore Washer LE Error Code: What It Means and How to Fix It
Updated · from manufacturer service documentation
Many Kenmore washers (model numbers starting 796.xxx) are built by LG, sharing the same internal components and diagnostics as equivalent LG washers. The LE code on these units means Locked Motor Error — the control board tried to drive the drum motor but got no valid response. The causes and fixes below come directly from the matching LG service documentation.
What Causes the LE Code
| Cause | Likelihood | DIY difficulty | Related part |
|---|---|---|---|
| Motor/hall-sensor connector disconnected or disassembled | Common | Easy — reconnect | Connector (motor hall sensor / motor drive) |
| Hall sensor failed (open resistor reading) | Common | Moderate — multimeter | Hall sensor assembly |
| Rotor magnet cracked | Less common | Pro repair | Rotor |
| Motor coil open / stator fault | Less common | Pro repair | Stator / motor |
| IPM short in the motor controller | Rare | Pro repair | Main control board |
How to Fix the LE Error, Step by Step
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Check the motor and hall-sensor connectors
Confirm the connectors between the main PCB (positions YL3, BL6), the motor drive, and the hall sensor are all fully seated.
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Test the hall sensor resistance and voltage
With the sensor's 5-pin connector (1=BL/Ha, 2=RD/Hb, 3=not used, 4=GRY/−, 5=WH/+), check: pin 5–1 = 10 kΩ, pin 5–2 = 10 kΩ. If either resistance reads open/infinite, replace the hall sensor. With power applied, pin 5–4 should show 10–15 VDC, and pins 4–1 and 4–2 should show a pulsing ~10 VDC signal when the drum turns.
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Check the rotor magnet
If the connectors and hall sensor test fine, inspect the rotor magnet for cracks — a cracked magnet requires replacing the rotor.
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Test motor coil resistance
Measure the stator windings (U-V, V-W, W-V): normal reads 5–15 Ω. Infinite resistance means an open coil — replace the motor/stator.
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Check the IPM in the controller
If the motor and sensor both test good, a shorted IPM on the control board can still prevent the motor from running — replace the main PCB assembly.
Which Models This Applies To
Kenmore washer models beginning with 796 are LG-built and share the exact same Locked Motor Error diagnostic and hall-sensor test procedure as the LG WT5070C/MFL40322141 platforms. Pressing START/PAUSE clears most error codes including LE; if not cleared, the washer shuts off automatically after 4 minutes.
See also: LG washer LE · Kenmore washer OE · Kenmore washer reset.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is my Kenmore washer actually made by LG?
If the model number starts with 796, yes — Kenmore sources many of its washers from LG, and those units run the same internal diagnostics as LG-branded models.
Is it safe to keep using the washer with an LE code?
No — LE means the motor isn't responding, so the washer can't spin the drum safely. Don't force additional cycles until the connector, hall sensor, or motor has been checked.
Can I test the hall sensor myself?
Yes, with a multimeter and the washer unplugged: an open (infinite) resistance reading across the sensor's pins confirms it has failed.
What's the difference between LE and OE?
LE is a motor/hall-sensor fault; OE is a drain error. Completely different systems even though both stop the wash cycle.
Based on the LG washer service documentation (WT5070C, MFL40322141) and the WM0742HGA training manual, which apply to LG-built Kenmore washers (796.xxx model numbers). Last updated: .