E5F
What code E5F means on a Kenmore tumble dryers, what causes it, and which part to check first.
● SEVERITY: HIGH
Kenmore E5F means: Inverter board failed to start the drive motor. The documented cause is: Unplug the dryer and check the wire harness connections between main control board and the inverter board. Reconnect any loose wires and replace the wire harness if damaged.
What E5F means
Inverter board failed to start the drive motor
The display shows E5F 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 dryer and check the wire harness connections between main control board and the inverter board |
| Reconnect any loose wires and replace the wire harness if damaged |
| If the wire connections are okay, replace the inverter board |
| If the problem continues, replace the main electronic control board |
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.

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Frequently asked questions
What does E5F mean on a Kenmore?
Inverter board failed to start the drive motor The documented cause is: Unplug the dryer and check the wire harness connections between main control board and the inverter board. Reconnect any loose wires and replace the wire harness if damaged. If the wire connections are okay, replace the inverter board. If the problem continues, replace the main electronic control board
Can I fix E5F myself?
It depends on the part involved: Unplug the dryer and check the wire harness connections between main control board and the inverter board. Reconnect any loose wires and replace the wire harness if damaged. If the wire connections are okay, replace the inverter board. If the problem continues, replace the main electronic control board 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.

