Error code · Washer

Kenmore Calypso Top-Load Washer Code CA / CI / LS / Ob: Locked Motor, Lid and Unbalanced Load

On Kenmore Calypso top-load washers, a line whose builder is not stated in our research, CA or CI points to a locked-up drive motor, LS to a lid switch error and Ob to an unbalanced load.…

Low risk · DIY check OK

(713) 955-7152

Code: CA / CI / LS / Ob
Appliance: Washer
Brand: Kenmore
Warranty: 30-day workmanship

What CA / CI / LS / Ob means

On Kenmore Calypso top-load washers, a line whose builder is not stated in our research, CA or CI points to a locked-up drive motor, LS to a lid switch error and Ob to an unbalanced load. This reading comes from general guidance for the line rather than a quote from a Kenmore manual. The washer pauses or stops, often mid-fill or during spin.

Common causes of CA / CI / LS / Ob

Overloaded or packed basket binding the drive motor (CA or CI)
Drive motor itself, if it stays locked with a normal load
Lid switch not detecting the lid closed (LS)
Clothes bunched on one side of the basket (Ob)

✓ One safe check you can try

1. For CA or CI, remove some clothes and fill the basket loosely without packing items down. 2. For LS, close the lid fully before pressing Start. 3. For Ob, redistribute the load evenly and avoid washing a single heavy item alone. 4. Restart the cycle and stop there if the code returns.

! Why to stop there

Whether the motor truly locks with a light load or the basket was just overfilled
Whether the lid switch fails to detect the lid or the lid is only misaligned
We test the lid switch and motor before suggesting a part, with the price given first

Opening a panel yourself does not automatically cancel a manufacturer warranty, but it can cause accidental damage, and some manufacturers set their own service conditions. Check your warranty terms, or ask us, before deciding.

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Other Washer codes

SFKenmore 402 Front-Load Washer Code SF: Control board error SLKenmore Calypso Top-Load Washer Code SL: Excessive suds Spin LED onKenmore 110 VMW Top-Load Washer Spin Light On: Drain took too long Sud / SUDSKenmore Washer Codes Sud and SUDS: Excessive suds on 110, 796 and 402 front-loads tEKenmore 796 Washer Code tE: Thermistor and heating UEKenmore 796 Washer Code UE: Unbalanced load uLKenmore 110 Oasis Top-Load Washer Code uL: Unbalanced load Wash LED onKenmore 110 VMW Top-Load Washer Wash Light On: No fill or slow fill

CA / CI / LS / ObCA / CI / LS / Ob questions

What is the difference between CA and CI?

Both point to a locked drive motor on this line, so we treat them the same way and test the motor and the load. A packed basket is the cheapest cause to rule out first.

Why does LS show up when the lid is shut?

The lid switch may not be registering the closed lid, so the washer thinks it is open. That can be a worn switch or a misaligned lid, and we check both before replacing anything.

Can an uneven load cause Ob?

Yes. Wet towels bunched on one side are a common reason, and rebalancing the load by hand usually clears it. If Ob returns with a light, even load, we check the suspension and drum.

Book a visit

Still unsure about CA / CI / LS / Ob?

A technician diagnoses it on site and gives you the price in writing before any work starts.

(713) 955-7152