Error code · Dryer

Kenmore 417 Dryer Code E4A / E5B (417-prefix): Program Timeout and No Heat

Medium · inspection needed

Code: E4A / E5B (417-prefix)
Appliance: Dryer
Brand: Kenmore
Warranty: 30-day workmanship

What E4A / E5B (417-prefix) means

Kenmore dryers whose model numbers start with 417 are a platform we associate with Frigidaire and Electrolux, though the prefix link is not documented. E4A is a program timeout: drying ran longer than the program allowed. E5B is a heater problem, where the control thermistor reading does not change, which means the dryer is not producing heat. The owner sees clothes still damp, or the cycle ending with no warmth.

Common causes of E4A / E5B (417-prefix)

Restricted airflow stretching the drying time
Heater circuit not heating for E5B
Control thermistor reading
Overloaded or very wet loads

✓ One safe check you can try

1. Clean the lint screen. 2. Check the vent run and the outside hood for blockage. 3. Dry a smaller load. 4. Make sure the dryer is plugged in and both breakers are on. 5. Note which code appears after a fresh cycle.

! Why to stop there

E4A often traces to airflow, while E5B points to the heating circuit, and one visit can involve both.
We check the vent and then test the heater path.
A written price is given before work, and the work has a 30-day warranty.

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.

→Same appliance

Other Dryer codes

F4 E3 (110 / Whirlpool-built VMAX)Kenmore 110 VMAX Dryer Code F4 E3 (110 / Whirlpool-built VMAX): vent or lint screen restricted F4 E4 (110 / Whirlpool-built VMAX)Kenmore 110 VMAX Dryer Code F4 E4 (110 / Whirlpool-built VMAX): Low Line Voltage F6 E2 / F6 E3 (110 / Whirlpool-built VMAX)Kenmore 110 VMAX Dryer Code F6 E2 / F6 E3 (110 / Whirlpool-built VMAX): Communication Line F7 E1Kenmore 110 Dryer Code F7 E1: Motor System HSKenmore Elite 796 Dryer Code HS: Humidity Sensor L2Kenmore 110 Dryer Code L2: Low or No Line Voltage nP / gASKenmore Elite 796 Dryer Code nP / gAS: Power Cord and House Supply PFKenmore 110 Dryer Code PF: power was lost mid-cycle

E4A / E5B (417-prefix)E4A / E5B (417-prefix) questions

What does E4A mean?

Drying took longer than the program allowed on this 417-series dryer. Airflow is the usual thing to check first, starting with the lint screen and the vent.

What does E5B mean?

The heating circuit is not producing heat, judged by a control thermistor reading that does not change. That calls for a test of the heater path, not only a vent cleaning.

Are the two related?

They can be. A clogged vent slows drying and can lead to E4A, but E5B needs the heater circuit tested separately, so both may come up in one visit.

Book a visit

Still seeing E4A / E5B (417-prefix)?

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

(713) 955-7152