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.  

Kenmore Clothes Washers

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

1

Washer Leaking Water

Check for cracked/damaged drain pump, check for worn-out bearings

2

Kenmore Washer Not Starting

Check for tripped breaker or blown fuse, replace control panel if damaged

3

Washer Making Excessive Noise

Check for worn out bearings, check for loose components, load properly according to manufacturer’s instructions

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.   

Kenmore Clothes Dryers

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?

1

Won’t Power On

check for overloading, check for blocked ventilation, check for clogged lint trap

2

Dryer Shuts Off Quickly

Check thermostat for malfunction, check for blocked ventilation, check for clogged lint screen

3

Dryer Not Heating

Check igniter (gas models), check for faulty fuses, check for malfunctioning heating element

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.  

SlideAway Shelves

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.

1

Fridge Not Cooling

Check for faulty controls, check for clogged or frozen dampers, check fridge’s air circulation system

2

Water Dispenser Not Working

Check for clogged filter, check for frozen water lines, check for faulty inlet valve 

3

Ice Maker Not Working

Check for clogs in water filter, check for frozen water lines, check for faulty ice maker assembly  

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.  

Kenmore Dishwashers

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.

1

Dishwasher Not Draining

Check for bend drain hose, check for clogs, clean dishwasher filter

2

Dishwasher Not Starting

Check for tripped breaker, check for blown fuse, ensure dishwasher is connected to a proper outlet

3

Dishes Not Getting Clean

ensure dishwasher is not overloaded, follow manufacturer’s instructions for loading

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.  

Kenmore Ranges/Ovens

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?

1

Kenmore Oven Not Heating Up

Check for faulty heating element, check for faulty infinite switch, check for faulty igniter in gas ranges

2

Range Displaying Error Code

check for faulty control board, check electrical connection

3

Knobs Won’t Turn

check for worn interior and exterior of knobs/covers, remove and clean knobs, replace worn/old knobs 

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.   

Kenmore Microwaves

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.

1

Kenmore Microwave Not Heating

Check power level, clean the interior, check the door switch  

2

Door Getting Stuck

Check for worn-out door latch, check door switch, check for obstruction

3

Turntable Not Turning

Check turntable motor, check alignment on turntable roller guide

Home Warranty Coverage for Kenmore Appliances

1

Discover Issue

Discover a broken appliance or system that is covered by your warranty plan.

2

Set up Appointment

Make one call or go online, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

3

Appliance Repair

We dispatch a prescreened repair professional to fix the covered equipment.