Kenmore 796 Washer Code tE: Thermistor and heating
On Kenmore washers whose model numbers start with 796, an LG-built platform, tE points to the temperature sensor. On the front-load it is a heating sensor error, and it can appear as TE. On the Wi-Fi…
- Code
- tE
- Appliance
- Washer
- Brand
- Kenmore
- Warranty
- 30-day workmanship
What tE means
On Kenmore washers whose model numbers start with 796, an LG-built platform, tE points to the temperature sensor. On the front-load it is a heating sensor error, and it can appear as TE. On the Wi-Fi front-load it is a thermistor failure, and on the top-load it is a thermistor error. In each case the control cannot trust the temperature reading, so it stops heating or ends the cycle. A 402 front-load uses tE differently.
Common causes of tE
- Wiring connections on the drum thermistor (temperature sensor)
- Wire harness between the thermistor and the electronic control board
- Thermistor that is defective
- Heating element that is damaged (front-load)
1. Unplug the washer and leave it for a few minutes. 2. Plug it in and start a cold-water cycle to see whether tE returns. 3. Do not try to test the sensor yourself. 4. If tE comes back, call us with your exact model number.
- Whether the thermistor, its wiring or the heating element is behind the code
- Whether the code shows only on warm cycles
- Whether the control reads the sensor properly
Other Washer codes
Is tE the same as TE?
On a 796 front-load the heating sensor error can display as tE or TE. Both point to the temperature sensing, so we check the thermistor and its connections.
Can I still wash in cold water?
Often a cold cycle will run, but not always. Since the control cannot trust the temperature reading, it may stop, refuse heated cycles, or end the wash early. Tell us which cycle you were running when it appeared.
On a 402, does tE mean the same?
No. On a 402 front-load tE means the temperature is out of range, high or low. We confirm your model prefix before choosing checks, and we quote in writing before we start any repair on the washer.
Still seeing tE?
A technician diagnoses it on site and gives you the price in writing before any work starts.