nE
What code nE means on a Kenmore dishwashers, what causes it, and which part to check first.
● SEVERITY: MEDIUM
Kenmore nE means: Diverter motor failure. The documented cause is: Unplug the dishwasher and check the wire harness connections on the diverter motor and diverter position switch. Reconnect any loose wires.
What nE means
Diverter motor failure
The display shows nE 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 the wire harness connections on the diverter motor and diverter position switch |
| Reconnect any loose wires |
| If the wiring connections are okay, unplug the diverter motor wires and check resistance through the motor using a multimeter |
| The meter should measure around 4,000 ohms of resistance |
| Replace the diverter motor if the meter measure infinite resistance |
| If the diverter motor is okay, measure the resistance through the diverter position switch with the switch plunger pushed in and with the switch plunger extended |
| The meter should measure infinite resistance with the switch plunger in one position and near 0 ohms of resistance with the switch plunger in the opposite position |
| If the meter measures the same resistance regardless of switch plunger positio |
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 nE mean on a Kenmore?
Diverter motor failure The documented cause is: Unplug the dishwasher and check the wire harness connections on the diverter motor and diverter position switch. Reconnect any loose wires. If the wiring connections are okay, unplug the diverter motor wires and check resistance through the motor using a multimeter. The meter should measure around 4,000 ohms of resistance. Replace the diverter motor if the meter measure infinite resistance. If the diverter motor is okay, measure the resistance through the diverter position switch with the switch plunger pushed in and with the switch plunger extended. The meter should measure infinite resistance with the switch plunger in one position and near 0 ohms of resistance with the switch plunger in the opposite position. If the meter measures the same resistance regardless of switch plunger positio
Can I fix nE myself?
It depends on the part involved: Unplug the dishwasher and check the wire harness connections on the diverter motor and diverter position switch. Reconnect any loose wires. If the wiring connections are okay, unplug the diverter motor wires and check resistance through the motor using a multimeter. The meter should measure around 4,000 ohms of resistance. Replace the diverter motor if the meter measure infinite resistance. If the diverter motor is okay, measure the resistance through the diverter position switch with the switch plunger pushed in and with the switch plunger extended. The meter should measure infinite resistance with the switch plunger in one position and near 0 ohms of resistance with the switch plunger in the opposite position. If the meter measures the same resistance regardless of switch plunger positio 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.