F4 E3
What code F4 E3 means on a Kenmore tumble dryers, what causes it, and which part to check first.
● SEVERITY: LOW
Kenmore F4 E3 means: Airflow restriction. The documented cause is: Clean the lint screen. Check the flexible vent hose behind the dryer for kinks or clogs. Clean the duct system that vents dryer air to the outside of your home.
What F4 E3 means
Airflow restriction
The display shows F4 E3 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 |
|---|
| Clean the lint screen |
| Check the flexible vent hose behind the dryer for kinks or clogs |
| Clean the duct system that vents dryer air to the outside of your home |
| Make sure that the damper vent on the outside of your home opens properly |
Replacement parts
Tools you'll need
Before you open anything
Unplug the machine before removing any panel. Lint is flammable: never run a dryer with the filter removed, and clear the duct if the code points to airflow.
What to check, in order
From the quickest check to the one that needs a technician.

Find a specialist
TroubleAtlas Pro
TroubleAtlas Certified

What is the TroubleAtlas Score?
Beyond fault codes and specialists, we rate the reliability of appliance brands and models — a transparent score that owes nothing to the manufacturer. The reference to check before you buy or repair.
See all appliance scores →TA YouTube Channel
Frequently asked questions
What does F4 E3 mean on a Kenmore?
Airflow restriction The documented cause is: Clean the lint screen. Check the flexible vent hose behind the dryer for kinks or clogs. Clean the duct system that vents dryer air to the outside of your home. Make sure that the damper vent on the outside of your home opens properly
Can I fix F4 E3 myself?
It depends on the part involved: Clean the lint screen. Check the flexible vent hose behind the dryer for kinks or clogs. Clean the duct system that vents dryer air to the outside of your home. Make sure that the damper vent on the outside of your home opens properly 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 65 other codes for Kenmore on this tumble dryers. 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.

