Kenmore Ex54 — Jammed drive motor

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TUMBLE DRYERS FAULT CODE · KENMORE

Ex54

JAMMED DRIVE MOTOR

What code Ex54 means on a Kenmore tumble dryers, what causes it, and which part to check first.

● SEVERITY: MEDIUM
Kenmore Tumble dryers
In short

Kenmore Ex54 means: Jammed drive motor. The documented cause is: Overloading can prevent the motor from running. Remove some of the load if too large or heavy. If the dryer isn't overloaded, unplug it and remove the load.

01

What Ex54 means

Jammed drive motor

WHAT YOU SEE ON THE APPLIANCE

The display shows Ex54 and the machine stops until the fault is cleared.

02

What the technical documentation says

Causes documented in the technical source published by applianceaid.com

DOCUMENTED CAUSE OR CHECK
Overloading can prevent the motor from running
Remove some of the load if too large or heavy
If the dryer isn't overloaded, unplug it and remove the load
Spin the drum by hand to check for drive system friction
If you detect excessive friction, check all drive components and replace any damaged parts
03

Replacement parts

06

Tools you'll need

04

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.

05

What to check, in order

From the quickest check to the one that needs a technician.

1
Unplug the machine.
2
Clean the lint filter and the condenser — lint is the single most common cause.
3
Check the exhaust duct is clear along its whole length.
4
Check the door closes properly and the drum turns freely by hand.
5
If the fault returns, the part named above needs testing with a multimeter.
Appliance technician checking wiring and connections with a multimeter
07

Find a specialist

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Frequently asked questions

What does Ex54 mean on a Kenmore?

Jammed drive motor The documented cause is: Overloading can prevent the motor from running. Remove some of the load if too large or heavy. If the dryer isn't overloaded, unplug it and remove the load. Spin the drum by hand to check for drive system friction. If you detect excessive friction, check all drive components and replace any damaged parts

Can I fix Ex54 myself?

It depends on the part involved: Overloading can prevent the motor from running. Remove some of the load if too large or heavy. If the dryer isn't overloaded, unplug it and remove the load. Spin the drum by hand to check for drive system friction. If you detect excessive friction, check all drive components and replace any damaged parts 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.

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Other Kenmore codes

Written by TroubleAtlas Technical Team · Last verified: · How we verify — methodology · Sources: applianceaid.com
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