Kenmore Appliance Diagnosis
Kenmore doesn't make appliances — Whirlpool, LG, and others do. We know exactly who made yours and how to fix it.
Here's what most people don't realize about Kenmore: Sears doesn't manufacture a single appliance. Kenmore is a brand name slapped on appliances made by Whirlpool, LG, Electrolux, and others. The first three digits of your Kenmore model number tell you who actually made it. This matters for repair because the parts, error codes, and failure patterns match the true manufacturer — not the Kenmore label. Simon has been decoding Kenmore model numbers for 35 years.
Common Kenmore problems we diagnose
Not cooling (varies by manufacturer)
CommonRefrigerator
A Kenmore fridge starting with 106 is made by Whirlpool. Starting with 795 is LG. The failure modes and parts are completely different. We need your model number to diagnose accurately.
Won't spin or agitate
CommonWasher
Kenmore washers starting with 110 are Whirlpool-made (check lid switch, motor coupling). Starting with 796 means LG-made (check bearings, motor control). Different machines, different fixes.
No heat
Very commonDryer
Same as the base manufacturer — heating element, thermal fuse, or gas valve depending on the model. Whirlpool-made Kenmore dryers (110 prefix) are the easiest to repair.
Not draining
CommonDishwasher
Most Kenmore dishwashers are made by Whirlpool. Check the filter, run the garbage disposal to clear the drain connection, and test the drain pump. Same parts as Whirlpool.
Oven not heating
CommonOven/Range
Depending on manufacturer prefix: could be a Frigidaire-made range (bake element) or an LG-made range (igniter). The model number tells all.
Kenmore error codes we see most
| Code | Appliance | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| F5E2 | Washer | Door lock error (Whirlpool-made models, prefix 110) |
| OE | Washer | Drain error (LG-made models, prefix 796) |
| SY EF | Refrigerator | Evaporator fan error (Frigidaire-made models) |
| LE | Washer | Motor error (LG-made models) |
| F7E1 | Washer | Motor speed error (Whirlpool-made models) |
Should you repair or replace your Kenmore?
Kenmore appliances are worth repairing whenever the equivalent base brand (Whirlpool, LG, etc.) would be. Since Kenmore is typically priced similarly to the manufacturer's own brand, the 50% rule applies the same way. The one complication: since Sears has largely closed, getting Kenmore-branded parts can be harder. The workaround is to use the manufacturer's part number instead — same part, better availability. We'll give you both numbers.
How to decode your Kenmore model number
The first three digits of a Kenmore model number identify the actual manufacturer: 110 = Whirlpool 253 = Frigidaire (Electrolux) 362 = GE 417 = Electrolux 596 = Whirlpool (refrigerators) 665 = Whirlpool (dishwashers) 721 = GE (ovens) 790 = Electrolux/Frigidaire 795 = LG (refrigerators) 796 = LG (washers/dryers) During your video consult, give us the full model number and we'll immediately know the manufacturer, the parts catalog, and the common failure modes.
The Sears closure problem
With most Sears stores closed, getting Kenmore-specific parts has become harder. But here's the good news: since Kenmore appliances are made by other manufacturers, you can almost always find the equivalent part under the manufacturer's own part number. A Whirlpool water inlet valve works in a Kenmore 110-prefix washer because it IS a Whirlpool washer. We'll cross-reference the part numbers for you.
What you'll get
- Identification of who actually manufactured your Kenmore appliance
- Diagnosis using the correct manufacturer's troubleshooting approach
- Both Kenmore and manufacturer part numbers for better availability
- Repair guidance matched to the actual brand, not the Kenmore label
Simple pricing
Pick your level
Both include a written report with diagnosis, parts list, and fix-vs-replace recommendation.
Diagnosis
$49
15 minutes
- Live video call with Simon's team
- Expert diagnosis of your appliance issue
- Parts list with part numbers & prices
- Fix-vs-replace recommendation
- Written report emailed to you
Best for: "Tell me what's wrong and what I need"
Guided Repair
$79
30 minutes
- Everything in Diagnosis, plus:
- Step-by-step repair walkthrough on video
- Real-time guidance as you do the repair
- Safety checks before & after
- Extended time if needed ($29/15min)
Best for: "Walk me through fixing it myself"
Can't diagnose it? You don't pay. · In SoCal? $49 credited toward in-home repair.
FAQ
Who actually makes Kenmore appliances?+
Kenmore is a brand owned by Sears (now Transformco). The appliances are manufactured by Whirlpool, LG, Electrolux/Frigidaire, GE, and others. The first three digits of the model number identify the manufacturer. Tell us your model number and we'll decode it in seconds.
Can I still get Kenmore parts?+
Kenmore-branded parts are harder to find since Sears closed most locations. But the parts are identical to the manufacturer's own parts — same component, different sticker. We'll give you both the Kenmore and manufacturer part numbers so you can find the best price and availability.
Is my Kenmore washer a Whirlpool?+
If the model number starts with 110, yes — it's made by Whirlpool on a Whirlpool platform with Whirlpool parts. If it starts with 796, it's made by LG. The repair approach is completely different between the two, which is why the model number matters so much.
Should I keep repairing my Kenmore or switch brands?+
There's no inherent reason to switch — a Kenmore 110 washer IS a Whirlpool washer. Repair it like you would a Whirlpool. When replacement time comes, you can buy the equivalent Whirlpool, LG, or whatever brand made yours. There's no loyalty advantage to staying with Kenmore specifically.
Kenmore Resources
Kenmore Repair HubNeed in-home repair?
In SoCal? Your $49 video fee is credited toward an in-home repair.
Learn about in-home service