Kenmore 417 Front-Load Washer with Code E5A: Motor Board Running Hot
On Kenmore front-load washers whose model numbers start with 417, including 417.44130000, E5A says the motor control board is overheated. The board cuts the drive to protect itself, so the drum stops turning and the cycle…
- Code
- E5A
- Appliance
- Washer
- Brand
- Kenmore
- Warranty
- 30-day workmanship
What E5A means
On Kenmore front-load washers whose model numbers start with 417, including 417.44130000, E5A says the motor control board is overheated. The board cuts the drive to protect itself, so the drum stops turning and the cycle halts. It may come back after cooling, only to trip again. This is a board-level protection code, not a drum or door message. The drum stops turning until the board cools.
Common causes of E5A
- Motor control board overheating
- Heat from a drive that is working too hard
- Poor airflow around the board
1. Unplug the washer and let it sit before using it again. 2. Make sure the back and sides have clearance and are not against a wall. 3. Run it only with a normal-sized load afterward. 4. If E5A returns, stop and call us.
- Whether the motor control board is simply defective or something is making it run hot
- A drive that is working too hard can overheat a healthy board
- We check the motor load before ordering a board
Other Washer codes
Why does it overheat?
The motor control board drives the motor. It can overheat from a failure in itself or from a load on the motor that is too heavy, so we look at both.
Will cooling down fix it?
It may clear for a while. If E5A returns, the board needs to be tested, because a cool-down only hides a problem that will come back.
Is it dangerous?
The board shuts the drive down for protection, but we do not advise repeated restarts. Unplug the washer, leave it alone and let us check the motor and board.
Still seeing E5A?
A technician diagnoses it on site and gives you the price in writing before any work starts.