What Does Kenmore Washer OE Code Mean?
The OE error code on a Kenmore washer indicates that there is a problem with the drain system. This can be caused by a number of factors, including a clogged drain hose, a malfunctioning drain pump, or a problem with the washer’s control board.
One of the first things to check when you see the OE error code is the drain hose. Make sure that it is not clogged with lint or debris, as this can prevent water from draining properly.
If the hose is clear, the next step is to check the drain pump. This is the component that pumps water out of the washer and into the drain. If the pump is not working properly, it may need to be replaced.
Another possible cause of the OE error code is a problem with the washer’s control board.
This is the electronic brain of the washer, and if it is malfunctioning, it can prevent the drain system from working properly. In this case, the control board may need to be replaced.
1. Drain Pump Problem
One of the most common and most likely reasons why your Kenmore washing machine is showing you the OE error code is that there is a problem with the washer’s draining system.
With this in mind, one of the most important parts of the Kenmore washer’s draining system is the drain pump. The drain pump is an integral part of the Kenmore washer’s draining system.
So, when you see the OE error code on your Kenmore washing machine you should take the drain pump into consideration as it very well might be the cause of the Outlet Error.
The drain pump on a Kenmore washer is responsible for pumping out the water from the tub after the wash cycle is complete.
The pump is located inside the washer, typically at the bottom or back of the machine.
The pump works by using an impeller, which is a small spinning wheel with vanes, to move the water out of the tub and into the drain hose.
The drain pump is powered by an electric motor, which is controlled by the washer’s control board. The drain pump is an important component of the washer, as it ensures that all of the water is removed from the tub before the next wash cycle starts.
If the drain pump is not working properly, water may not be removed from the tub, causing the washer to overflow or not spin properly. In some cases, a clogged drain pump or a failed pump motor may cause the washer to not drain at all.
Fix – Check/Clean The Drain Pump
To check and possibly clean the drain pump on your Kenmore washing machine. You are going to need a couple of things to do it correctly and without getting water everywhere.
Items You Will Need
- Screwdriver
- Towels
- Wet/Dry Shop Vacuum (view on Amazon)
- Long or needle nose pliers
The first thing you will want to do is make sure that the washer has no power to the machine, which you can do by either turning the breaker off at the service panel or unplugging the power cord from the electrical outlet.
Step 1. While facing the front of the washer, locate the screws at the very bottom of the panel below the door and pull the panel down and forward until it is off. There will be either 1/4″ hex head or #20 Torx head screws.
Step 2. Now you should see the drain pump directly in front of you and you should see a turning knob for the removable filter.
(This is when the wet/dry shop vacuum, towels, and even the removed panel come in handy.)
Step 3. Turn the knob counter-clockwise, which should allow you to remove the filter, check the filter, and thoroughly clean it out of any debris.
Be sure that you give the inside of the pump a thorough inspection, not only the removable filter.
Step 4. Now you can press the clean filter back in and turn it clockwise to tighten the filter/cap into place.
Before you put the panel back into place, you should attempt to run a test rinse/drain cycle to not only check for any possible leaks but also to make sure the washer spins and drains correctly.
Step 5. If everything seems to be working properly, then you likely just saved yourself a couple of hundred dollars. Reattach the lower protective panel.
2. Drain Hose Clogged
As previously mentioned, the most common and most likely cause of your Kenmore washing machine showing you the OE error code is that the drain hose is likely clogged.
This may not be common knowledge but the OE code stands for “Outlet Error,” which is typically only triggered when the washing machine is having trouble letting out water from the machine to the drain hose and out.
The drain hose on a Kenmore washer is a flexible pipe that is used to remove used water and detergent from the washing machine during the drain cycle. The hose is connected to the back of the washer and runs to a nearby drain or laundry sink.
The drain hose is typically made of a durable plastic material and is designed to handle high water pressure and temperatures.
It is an essential component of the washing machine as it ensures that the used water is properly removed and does not accumulate in the washer or surrounding area.
It is important to regularly check the drain hose for any signs of wear or damage and replace it if necessary to prevent leaks or water damage.
Fix – Clean or Replace The Drain Hose
If you believe that the drain hose is the cause of the OE error code on your Kenmore washing machine, then you will want to clean and clear any blockages within the hose.
Luckily, it is relatively simple to both remove the drain hose and clean it out. All you will need to do is use pliers to squeeze and release the retaining clamp on the end of the drain hose that attaches to your Kenmore washer.
Once you have removed the retaining clamp and subsequently the drain hose, you can use a large tub of warm and soapy water to run the drain hose through; allowing the water to pull any dirt, debris, or even built-up detergent residue.
You may have to repeat this motion to ensure that the entire drain hose is clear of all debris and is clean.
Once you are certain that the drain hose is clear of any and all debris and build-ups, you can return the drain hose to its original holding and draining spot.
You can reattach the drain hose by using pliers to squeeze and loosen the retaining clamp, then press the respective end of the drain hose to the appropriate drain hole on the Kenmore washer and stop squeaking the retaining clamp to hold the hose securely.
If you purchased a new draining hose, then you can follow these instructions with the only difference being that you will want to switch the retaining clamp from the old drain hose into the new one.
3. Control Board Malfunction
It is important to remember that while your Kenmore washer is an excellent machine, it is still a machine.
Machines have errors and malfunctions all of the time, which means that your Kenmore washing machine could be malfunctioning.
If you have checked all of the previous potential points of trouble and your washing machine is still showing the OE (Outlet Error) error code, then you very could be dealing with a malfunctioning control board.
Sure, the duties of the control board are simple enough but much like any other system, it can get confused and malfunction.
Fix – Reset The Washer
Similarly to your computer or almost any other electrical device, sometimes they can benefit from a simple restart, which typically only requires removing the power supply for a couple of minutes and then returning the power to the device.
Your Kenmore washing machine is not so different in this regard, as you can reset the washer quite easily and quickly.
With any luck, your Kenmore washing machine is simply misreading the OE error code and only needs to be reset. This issue is more likely if your model of the washing machine is of the older line.
You can reset your Kenmore washing machine by unplugging the power cord from the electrical outlet, then you should wait a few minutes (approximately 10 minutes).
After waiting a decent amount of time, you can plug the power cord back into the electrical outlet.
This will restart your washing machine and if the system was malfunctioning and misreading the OE error code, then the error code should be cleared and you can go about using your washing machine as you normally would.
If you believe that a control board dysfunction is to blame and restarting the Kenmore washing machine did not clear the OE error code, then you will want to consider contacting a licensed laundry technician that can figure out the system issue.
4. Debris or Laundry Stuck
Now, we have established that the OE error code stands for “Outlet Error,” which means that the Kenmore washing machine is having difficulties letting any excess water.
With this in mind, there may be laundry such as socks that are stuck somewhere in the drum of the washer that is not allowing all of the water to escape through. The same could be said for debris such as lint build-ups.
Fix – Check/Clear The Drum
If you do find any socks, lint build-ups, or otherwise stuck in the drum of your Kenmore washer, then you will want to remove them. This way all of the water can escape efficiently and be drained out as it should be.
5. Faulty Unit
If you have attempted all of the previous fixes to no avail, then you may have a faulty washing machine on your hands. While it is unlikely, it is still a possibility.
Fix – Contact Kenmore or Get Replacement
If you believe that your Kenmore washing machine could be a faulty unit, then you will want to contact Kenmore and see if your washer is still under warranty by providing the appropriate information.
If you purchased your washing machine from an appliance store such as Sears or otherwise, then you will want to make sure you have the receipt and see about potentially getting a refund or replacement.
If you are unable to resolve the OE error code on your Kenmore washer, it is best to contact a professional for assistance.
A trained technician will be able to diagnose and repair the problem, ensuring that your washer is working properly and efficiently.
It is always better to check the user manual for the specific model to understand the troubleshooting steps and what causes the OE error code. And in case if the user manual is not available, then you can contact customer support from the Kenmore or Sears website.
