Kenmore Appliance Repair and Troubleshooting Guide
About Kenmore
About Kenmore
Kenmore came onto the scene in 1913 as a sewing machine brand, and expanded to include its first washing machine in the late 1920s. Since then, Kenmore has grown to include many other kitchen appliances and home systems from refrigerators to air conditioners. With many of their products highly rated by consumers, Kenmore is a popular brand among American homeowners.
If you’re considering a new appliance or system for your home — whether in a new build or as an upgrade — it’s always good to have all the information on hand. This guide is intended to provide information about purchasing and troubleshooting Kenmore appliances and guiding you to the right place when a problem is beyond a simple DIY fix. (Yes, even the best appliances break down sometimes, but with the proper care and maintenance, you can decrease the likelihood of an unexpected issue with your appliance or system).
Clothes Washers
Kenmore laundry appliances have a long history of high performance and efficient capabilities. And with your lifestyle in mind, they offer a versatile array of washer sizes and styles. From classic, large-capacity units to modern smart technology, the brand offers something for everyone.
FEATURES
Accela Wash Technology
Deep Steam Clean
Sanitize Wash Cycle
Smart Controls
Multi-Function Agitator
Quad Action™ Impeller
Available in sizes from 1.6 cu. ft. to 6.2 cu. ft., Kenmore clothes washers are capable of washing any size load you may need to clean. Whether you prefer a classic model with extra-large capacity and simple, easy-to-use functionality or a modern front-loader with smart controls and tons of cycles to choose from, there’s a washer for you. Sanitizing, quick cleaning, and even steam treatments are all available at the touch of a fingertip to eliminate germs, stains and more.
Kenmore Washing Machine Troubleshooting
Washer Leaking Water
Check for cracked/damaged drain pump, check for worn-out bearings
Kenmore Washer Not Starting
Check for tripped breaker or blown fuse, replace control panel if damaged
Washer Making Excessive Noise
Check for worn out bearings, check for loose components, load properly according to manufacturer’s instructions
Explore More
Can You Wash Shoes in the Washer & Dryer?
Washer & Dryer Troubleshooting Guide
How to Drain Washing Machines
Clothes Dryers
Just like their other appliances, Kenmore dryers are made to work with your lifestyle, schedule, and needs. Whether you need to sanitize scrubs after a healthcare shift, de-wrinkle a suit for work, or dry a delicate sweater, there’s a setting for that. And with plenty of design and size choices, they’re sure to fit your home.
FEATURES
Accela Steam Technology
Steam Refresh
Up to 14 Dryer Cycles
Wrinkle Guard
SmartDry Technology
Sanitize Dry
Kenmore dryers are available in electric or gas models in a size range of 5.9-7.4 cu. ft. Front load models come in white and stainless-steel finishes, with several door types from solid metal to tinted glass, and even a hamper door style. Kenmore currently does not have any top-loading dryers available. Their dryers feature technology that senses when your clothes are dry, so you won’t ever need to re-run that load before it’s ready to be put away.
Kenmore Dryer Troubleshooting
For more information on Kenmore dryer repair, take a look at our guide, Dryer Not Spinning?
Won’t Power On
check for overloading, check for blocked ventilation, check for clogged lint trap
Dryer Shuts Off Quickly
Check thermostat for malfunction, check for blocked ventilation, check for clogged lint screen
Dryer Not Heating
Check igniter (gas models), check for faulty fuses, check for malfunctioning heating element
Explore More
Quick Tips to Help Fix Your Dryer That Isn't Drying
How to Clean and Maintain Your Washer and Dryer
Dryer Not Spinning? A Troubleshooting Guide
Refrigerators
Kenmore is all about making life easier for their customers, so their fridges come in all kinds of sizes and configurations to suit any household — whether you live in a large home with a big family or reside solo in a studio apartment. Here, we’ll share some of their key features and common troubleshooting tips for Kenmore refrigerators.
FEATURES
Infinity slide shelves
ActiveFinish™
PreView™ Grab-N-Go™ Doors
Smart Capabilities
GeniusCool™ Technology
ENERGY STAR Certification on some models
Kenmore refrigerators come in many styles, from French door and side-by-side options to top or bottom freezer locations and even multiple sizes of freezer-less, compact models. Kenmore recommends about 4-6 cu. ft. of food storage per family member, and most of their refrigerators fall between 10 and 35 cu. ft. in size. Finishes include stainless, white, black, bisque (a warm neutral), and ActiveFinish™, designed to help keep your fridge in tip-top shape, avoiding smudges or fingerprints. Their built-in CleanFlow™ air filters can also reduce odors and keep your fridge smelling fresh.
Kenmore Refrigerator Troubleshooting
For more Kenmore troubleshooting tips for refrigerators, take a look at our Guide to Refrigerator Maintenance 101.
Fridge Not Cooling
Check for faulty controls, check for clogged or frozen dampers, check fridge’s air circulation system
Water Dispenser Not Working
Check for clogged filter, check for frozen water lines, check for faulty inlet valve
Ice Maker Not Working
Check for clogs in water filter, check for frozen water lines, check for faulty ice maker assembly
Explore More
Guide to Refrigerator Maintenance 101
Guide to Condensation in Your Refrigerator and How to Fix It
Refrigerator Water Dispenser Cleaning Guide
Dishwashers
Dishwashers are one of the hardest-working appliances in the American home, so purchasing one you trust is important. Kenmore’s dishwashers are designed to blend into any kitchen, especially one with other Kenmore appliances. And their advanced technology means no extra scrubbing, rinsing, or extra work when it comes to cleaning up after dinner. Whether you prioritize design, functionality, or even the quietest dishwasher possible, Kenmore will surely have a model that meets your needs.
FEATURES
Smart Connectivity Available
Mixed Load Technology
Removable Third Rack
360° Powerwash X Wash System
PowerWave™ Spray Arms
Condensation Guard
Kenmore dishwashers are built to install seamlessly into your kitchen counter. With a variety of finishes (including black, white, and stainless) and panels, they’re sure to blend with any kitchen décor. Controls are available in hidden or console, and with sound output as low as 39 dBa, you may not even notice this appliance is running at all. Their smart connectivity and Condensation Guard features also mean you can run a load from anywhere without worrying about those pesky water spots left over.
Kenmore Dishwasher Repair Tips
For more Kenmore dishwasher repair advice, take a look at our guide to fixing a dishwasher that’s not draining.
Dishwasher Not Draining
Check for bend drain hose, check for clogs, clean dishwasher filter
Dishwasher Not Starting
Check for tripped breaker, check for blown fuse, ensure dishwasher is connected to a proper outlet
Dishes Not Getting Clean
ensure dishwasher is not overloaded, follow manufacturer’s instructions for loading
Explore More
Easy Guide: How to Clean Dishwasher Filters
How to Keep Your Dishwasher Sparkling Clean and Running Smoothly
What to Do When Your Dishwasher Isn't Drying
Ranges/Ovens
Kenmore ranges come in gas and electric, and the brand even offers a short quiz to help you select the best fit for your home. This brand is all about doing things on your own terms, and their ranges' styles, sizes, and finishes illustrate that well.
FEATURES
Gas Turbo Boil™
Accela Heat™ Technology
SpaceWise Expandable Elements
Steam bake
AirGuard™ Self Cleaning
Infrared Boiler System
Kenmore ranges are available in sizes from 4.2-5.7 cu. ft. They come in both freestanding and built-in options, and colors including white, black, and stainless steel. The brand offers classically designed ranges and sleek, modern models with advanced features. Kenmore’s Elite range series provides a stylish, advanced design paired with top-of-the-line functionality to provide a next-level experience.
Kenmore Range/Oven Repair Tips
For more Kenmore oven repair tips and stovetop troubleshooting, take a look at our guides, Electric Stove Not Working? and Oven Not Heating Up?
Kenmore Oven Not Heating Up
Check for faulty heating element, check for faulty infinite switch, check for faulty igniter in gas ranges
Range Displaying Error Code
check for faulty control board, check electrical connection
Knobs Won’t Turn
check for worn interior and exterior of knobs/covers, remove and clean knobs, replace worn/old knobs
Explore More
Range vs. Cooktop: Find Your Perfect Kitchen Companion
A Complete Guide to Electric Ovens
Guide to Gas Stoves vs Electric Stoves
Microwaves
While Kenmore ranges are up to about any job, sometimes you don’t need the full functionality, size, or heat of an oven. Whether you don’t want to heat your kitchen with the stove in the summer months or need to reheat leftovers or defrost something quickly, the microwave has become a kitchen staple for most US households. And with Kenmore’s sensor technology, you never have to worry about over or under-cooking the food in your microwave.
FEATURES
Sensor Cooking
CombiCook Technology
Evenness Plate™
Child Lock Feature
Quick Touch Buttons
Built-in Charcoal Filter
Kenmore’s over-the-range microwaves have 1.8-cu. ft. capacities and several finish options: white, black, and stainless. All are equipped with the brand’s signature sensor cooking technology, which helps the microwave know what it’s cooking and adjust heat accordingly for a perfect cook or defrost every time. Their Quick Touch buttons and preprogrammed settings help with this, too, and their equipped charcoal filter and 2-speed fan help ensure no lingering odors are left behind.
Kenmore Microwave Repair Tips
To help avoid costly Kenmore repairs for your microwave, take a look at our guide, What to Never Put in the Microwave.
Kenmore Microwave Not Heating
Check power level, clean the interior, check the door switch
Door Getting Stuck
Check for worn-out door latch, check door switch, check for obstruction
Turntable Not Turning
Check turntable motor, check alignment on turntable roller guide
Explore More
How to Clean a Microwave
10 Things You Should Never Put in the Microwave
Home Appliance Warranties - Why They're Worth It
Home Warranty Coverage for Kenmore Appliances
Discover Issue
Discover a broken appliance or system that is covered by your warranty plan.
Set up Appointment
Make one call or go online, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Appliance Repair
We dispatch a prescreened repair professional to fix the covered equipment.