LE
What code LE means on a Kenmore dishwashers, what causes it, and which part to check first.
● SEVERITY: MEDIUM
Kenmore LE means: Locked up circulation pump motor. The documented cause is: Unplug the dishwasher and check for an obstruction that's preventing the pump impeller from spinning. Remove any debris or foreign objects from the sump.
What LE means
Locked up circulation pump motor
The display shows LE and the machine stops until the fault is cleared.
What the technical documentation says
Causes documented in the technical source published by applianceaid.com
| DOCUMENTED CAUSE OR CHECK |
|---|
| Unplug the dishwasher and check for an obstruction that's preventing the pump impeller from spinning |
| Remove any debris or foreign objects from the sump |
| If the pump impeller is clear, check the wiring connections on the pump and reconnect any loose wires |
| If the wiring connections are okay, unplug the wire harness from the motor and check the resistance through pins 1-2, pins 2-3 and pins 1-3 of the motor using a multimeter |
| The meter should measure between 8 and 20 ohms (resistance of the motor windings). Check the RPM sensor by measuring resistance through pins 7-4 and 7-5. The meter should measure 8,000 to 10,000 ohms |
| Replace the circulation motor if any resistance measurement is near 0 ohms or infinite resistance |
Replacement parts
Tools you'll need
Before you open anything
Unplug the machine and close the water tap before removing any panel. The heating element and the wash water can stay hot long after the cycle ends.
What to check, in order
From the quickest check to the one that needs a technician.
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Frequently asked questions
What does LE mean on a Kenmore?
Locked up circulation pump motor The documented cause is: Unplug the dishwasher and check for an obstruction that's preventing the pump impeller from spinning. Remove any debris or foreign objects from the sump. If the pump impeller is clear, check the wiring connections on the pump and reconnect any loose wires. If the wiring connections are okay, unplug the wire harness from the motor and check the resistance through pins 1-2, pins 2-3 and pins 1-3 of the motor using a multimeter. The meter should measure between 8 and 20 ohms (resistance of the motor windings). Check the RPM sensor by measuring resistance through pins 7-4 and 7-5. The meter should measure 8,000 to 10,000 ohms. Replace the circulation motor if any resistance measurement is near 0 ohms or infinite resistance
Can I fix LE myself?
It depends on the part involved: Unplug the dishwasher and check for an obstruction that's preventing the pump impeller from spinning. Remove any debris or foreign objects from the sump. If the pump impeller is clear, check the wiring connections on the pump and reconnect any loose wires. If the wiring connections are okay, unplug the wire harness from the motor and check the resistance through pins 1-2, pins 2-3 and pins 1-3 of the motor using a multimeter. The meter should measure between 8 and 20 ohms (resistance of the motor windings). Check the RPM sensor by measuring resistance through pins 7-4 and 7-5. The meter should measure 8,000 to 10,000 ohms. Replace the circulation motor if any resistance measurement is near 0 ohms or infinite resistance Clearing a filter or straightening a hose is within reach of anyone; anything behind a panel means mains electricity and water together — that is a job for a technician.
Does Kenmore use other codes on this appliance?
Yes: we document 13 other codes for Kenmore on this dishwashers. They are listed at the bottom of this page, each with its own meaning.
Does the same code mean the same thing on other brands?
Often not. The same two characters can point to completely different faults depending on the manufacturer — always check the page for your own brand.