Kenmore
Kenmore is unique in the appliance industry: it's a brand that doesn't manufacture anything. Instead, Kenmore appliances are produced by major manufacturers — including LG, Whirlpool, Electrolux, GE, Daewoo, and Panasonic — under contract for the Sears/Kenmore brand. This means a Kenmore washer could be an LG in disguise, while a Kenmore dishwasher might be a Whirlpool with a different badge. Understanding who actually made your Kenmore is the essential first step to troubleshooting any error code.
Identifying Your Kenmore's Manufacturer
The manufacturer code is hidden in the first three digits of your Kenmore model number. Here are the most common prefixes: 110 = Whirlpool (washers/dryers), 253 = Frigidaire/Electrolux (freezers), 363 = GE, 417 = LG (front-load washers), 596 = Whirlpool (refrigerators), 665 = Whirlpool (dishwashers), 721 = Daewoo, 790 = Electrolux (ranges), 795 = LG (refrigerators), and 796 = LG (washers/dryers). Once you identify the manufacturer, you can cross-reference with that brand's error code system for identical repair procedures.
For example, if your Kenmore model number starts with 796 and displays error code LE, you're looking at an LG-manufactured washer with a motor overload error — the exact same code, cause, and fix as a branded LG washer displaying LE.
Why Manufacturer Identification Matters
Using the wrong brand's troubleshooting guide for your Kenmore is a common mistake that leads to misdiagnosis. A Kenmore washer made by LG (prefix 796) displays completely different error codes than a Kenmore washer made by Whirlpool (prefix 110). The internal components, control boards, and repair procedures are entirely different machines wearing the same Kenmore badge. Our guides always specify which manufacturer platform applies to each troubleshooting procedure.
Parts Sourcing for Kenmore
Parts for Kenmore appliances can be found under both the Kenmore part number and the original manufacturer's part number. The manufacturer's number is often cheaper and more widely available since it serves a larger install base. Our guides provide both part numbers when available, along with cross-reference information to help you find the best price.
Browse Kenmore Error Codes
Select your appliance type below. Each guide identifies the manufacturer platform and provides the corresponding error code explanations and repair procedures.