Kenmore Washer OE 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 sold under LG's own name. The OE code on these units means Drain Error — the machine can't pump water out fast enough or at all. There's no independent Kenmore service manual with different facts — the causes and fixes below come directly from the matching LG service documentation.
What Causes the OE Code
| Cause | Likelihood | DIY difficulty | Related part |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drain hose kinked, clogged, or positioned too low | Common | Easy — no tools | Drain hose |
| Pump-to-control-board connector disconnected or loose | Common | Easy — reconnect | Connector |
| Air chamber / pressure switch tube clogged | Occasional | Moderate — access panel | Air chamber tube |
| Drain pump coil out of spec (resistance too high/low) | Less common | Moderate — multimeter | Drain pump assembly |
| Pump voltage out of range (wiring/PCB fault) | Rare | Pro repair | Main PCB / wiring harness |
How to Fix the OE Error, Step by Step
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Check the drain hose
It must not sit lower than the specified height, must not be bent or clogged, and must not be frozen.
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Check the pump connector
Make sure the connector between the drain pump and the control board is fully seated and not disassembled.
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Run the built-in pump diagnostic
Enter Service Mode and press START/PAUSE — the 9th press cycles to the pump check, confirming the pump is being driven correctly before you open anything up.
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Check the water level frequency in Service Mode
If the frequency reads below 26.0 kHz, the issue points to the pressure/air-chamber side — check the air chamber, its tube for clogs, and the pressure switch.
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Test the drain pump coil resistance
Unplug the washer and measure the pump coil: it should read 10–20 Ω. A reading outside that range means the pump itself has failed.
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Check pump voltage (advanced)
With the terminal position assurance removed, voltage across the connector (WH6 Pin 1) should read 120V ±5% while the pump is running and 0–1V when stopped. Voltage out of range points to a wiring or control-board fault.
Which Models This Applies To
Kenmore washer models beginning with 796 are LG-built and share the exact same drain-error diagnostic table and parts as the LG WT5070C platform. If your model number starts differently, this specific breakdown may not apply.
See also: LG washer OE · Kenmore washer LE · 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 OE code?
No damage risk immediately, but the washer won't finish the cycle until it can drain — don't leave a load sitting for long once you see OE.
How do I clear the OE code after fixing the cause?
Power the washer off, check the drain hose is clear and the connector seated, then restart the cycle. The code clears once the pump successfully drains the tub.
What resistance should the drain pump read?
10–20 Ω, measured at the pump coil with the washer unplugged. Outside that range, the pump has failed and needs replacing.
Based on the LG washer service documentation (WT5070C), which applies to LG-built Kenmore washers (796.xxx model numbers). Last updated: .