Kenmore Washer 0e Code Error: 8 Causes+Fix

It is frustrating to confront the washer displaying the 0e error amidst the washing cycle. But it is a common issue many users face, and you are not alone. You can easily fix the 0e error code on your Kenmore washer. Let’s understand how.

A Kenmore washer displaying an 0e error indicates the draining issue. The draining issue of the washer happens due to the clogged filter, a faulty drain hose, and the blocked drain pump. Check the filter, drain hose, and drain pump for any blockage due to dirt and debris. If damaged, replace them.

With this article, I will help you determine the cause of the 0e error code in your Kenmore washer. I will also help with the quick fix to eliminate the error code 0e. So, keep reading.

Check out our list of top-handpicked products for all your electrical, appliance, and HVAC system needs to keep your home running smoothly.

This post includes some affiliate links.

Table of Contents

Causes of Kenmore washer 0e error (+Quick fix)

0e error in the washing machine indicates the water is not draining out of the drum after the wash cycle.

There may be several factors causing this issue.

Here are the 8 common causes and the quick fixes to solve the issue.

1. Glitch in the control board

When your washer shows the error code 0e, it doesn’t indicate serious issues always.

It may also happen due to glitches in the control board.

When the control board shows glitches, you don’t want to replace the control board.

You can solve this issue by resetting the control board of the washer.

Here is how you can reset the control board of your Kenmore washer.

Kenmore washers don’t have a reset button, but you can still reset them by following these simple steps.

Turn off the washer by pressing the off button on the control board of your Kenmore washer.
Disconnect the washing machine from the electric supply by unplugging it from the electric outlet.

Let it be unplugged for 3 to 6 minutes.
Reconnect the washer with the electric outlet.
Restart your Kenmore washing machine. Begin the wash cycle.

Resetting the control board of the washing machine will solve the 0e error.

If it still displays the 0e error code, you must figure out the problem to fix it.

2. Clogged pump filter

A pump filter collects the dirt and debris at the end of the washing cycle.

In the long run, if the pump filter is clogged by dirt and debris, it won’t let the water drain.

Due to this issue, the washer’s control panel displays a 0e error code.

It is recommended to clean the pump filter at least once a month to avoid draining issues.

To fix the 0e error code, follow these steps to clean the pump filter:

Keep water, a bowl, vinegar, a paper towel, and a screwdriver while beginning the process.
To clean the dump filter, make the cleaning solution using vinegar.

Mix the vinegar into a bowl of water. Make sure the vinegar is mixed well with the water.
Keep the vinegar mixture in a safer place and begin the process.
You can locate the filter beneath the agitator in a top-loading Kenmore washer.

To access the filter, you need to detach the agitator.
Remove the screw holding the agitator with a washer.
You can access the filter. Detach the filter by turning it clockwise. Start cleaning it.

Run the vinegar mixture throughout the filter. If the dirt is too stubborn, use a toothbrush or a paper towel to clean it manually.
As the filter is wet, don’t attach the filter immediately after cleaning. Let the filter dry.
Connect the filter back to the washer.

Re-attach the agitator. Secure it with the screws you removed.

After fixing the filter:

Run the washer.

Check if the error code issue is resolved.
If not, try out the other methods.

3. A faulty drain hose

The drain hose carries the water from the washer to exit it into the drainage.

If your washer displays the 0e error code, it may also be due to the faulty drain hose.

A drain hose won’t drain the water if it is damaged or knitted.

Check the drain hose and straighten it if it is knitted in the middle.

Replace it if the accumulation of excess debris completely blocks the water entering it from the washer.

Follow these steps to check and replace the drain hose from your Kenmore washer:

Begin the process by disconnecting the electricity from the washer.

Keep the flat screwdriver, Philip head screwdriver, nut driver, and channel locks to make the process easy.
Turn off the water valve to disconnect the water supply.
Disconnect the hoses attached to the wall using the channel locks.

Turn the hoses clockwise to disconnect them. While doing this, the excess water in the pipeline will start to pour. So, keep the bucket under it to collect the water.
Now disconnect the hoses from the machine using the channel locks.
Push the washer away from the wall.

Disconnect the control panel from the washer by removing the screws that secure it with the washer.
Remove the clips on either side of the washer using a flathead screwdriver.
Disconnect the wire connections to remove the back panel without hassle.

Disconnect the back panel by removing the screws that secure it with the washer using a nut driver.
You can access the drain hose beneath the drum; loosen the clamp attached to it using a channel lock.
Pull out the drain hose from one end. Remove the drum from the washer to access the other end of the hose.

Remove the clamps from the other end of the hose using channel locks. Pull the hose out from the pipe.
Prepare the new hose to get attached to the washer.
Take the new hose, and insert the clamp into one side of the hose.

Attach the hose to the inner pipe of the washer.
Tighten the clamps using channel locks.
Now attach the other side of the hose to the tube by tightening the clamps with channel locks.

After fixing the new hose, fix the drum into the washer body.
Re-attach the back panel with the washer.
Secure it with the screws at the bottom and the top of the washer.

Connect the wire you disconnected earlier.
Fix back the control panel. Secure it with the screws using a screwdriver.
Turn on the electric supply. Run the washer and check if the issue is resolved.

4. A damaged drain pump

Water will drain through the drain pump at the end of the wash cycle.

If there is a blockage in the drain pump or it is damaged, water won’t drain from the washer triggering the 0e error code.

Check the drain pump motor to see if it is at fault.

Follow these steps to inspect the drain pump:

Start the process by disconnecting the electric supply from the washer.
Disconnect the water hoses from the wall using a channel lock.

Push the washer away from the wall to make it comfortable to work.
Disconnect the control panel from the washer by removing the screws securing it.
Disconnect all the wire connections and disconnect the wire harness.

Pull out the control panel and keep it aside. Remove the clips holding the back panel.
Disconnect the back panel or the access panel from your washer using a screwdriver to remove the screws.
You can locate the drain pump in the lower front panel of your washer. Disconnect the front panel to access the drain pump.

Disconnect the hoses and clamps to remove the drain pump from the washer.
Remove the screws holding the drain pump in the housing using a screwdriver.
You can now disconnect the drain pump from the washer.

Check the drain pump for blockages. If the drain pump is filled with blockage, clear it using plain water or vinegar cleaning solution.
Separate the drain pump motor to inspect it with the multimeter to see if it is in working condition or needs replacement.
Replace it if the multimeter doesn’t show the reading.

Prepare the new drain pump to replace.
Connect it with the water hose and clamp to fix it back in the housing by securing it with the two screws you removed.
Screw back the back panel. Fix the front panel with the washer by connecting the wires. Fix the clips back to hold the back and the front panel.

Position the washer, re-attach the hoses, and turn on the valve.
Plug the washer into the electric outlet.
Run the washer, and check if the issue is solved.

5. Malfunctioning water level sensor

A water level sensor in the washer senses how much water is being filled in the drum.

If the water level sensor is damaged or not working, it won’t let the washer drain the water after the washing cycle.

A faulty water level sensor will also lead to overfilling water.

In such a case, you need to replace the water level sensor.

Follow these steps to replace the water level sensor:

Start by unplugging the washer from the electric outlet and turning off the water supply valves.

Disconnect the water hoses from the wall.
Move the washer away from the wall to work in comfort.
Disconnect the other end of the hoses attached to the washer using the channel locks.

Remove the 3 screws securing the front panel with the washer using the star plier.
Pull the front panel away from the washer. You can access the water level sensor in the right corner.
Disconnect the wire harness and other wires attached to the water level sensor.

Pull out the water level sensor by rotating it to 90 degrees.
Prepare the new water level sensor to be attached. Connect the wire harness and other electric wires to the new water level sensor. Fix it in a place.
Fix the washer’s top panel by securing it with the 3 screws.

Connect the hoses to the washer to the tube present in the wall.
Turn on the water supply. And plug in the washer to the electrical outlet.
Run the washer, and check if the issue is solved.

6. Poorly balanced load

While loading the clothes in the washer, ensure they are equally distributed.

Sometimes, loading only the heavy clothes in the single wash cycle will cause an imbalance in the drum.

As the drum spins, heavy clothes will patch up on one side, leaving the other side empty.

Due to this, a 0e error code will occur.

Water will stagnate in the drum due to the unbalanced load during the wash cycle.

While loading the heavier clothes in a single washing cycle, accompany lighter clothes to balance the load.

This way, you can prevent your washer from getting off balance.

7. Not using the right detergent

If you use a highly efficient washing machine, you must use the detergent with the tag” HE.”

Using other detergents will leave a large amount of suds in the washer, leading the washer not to drain properly.

Ultimately, it will trigger the 0e error code in the control panel.

Use the right detergent to prevent this, as your user manual mentions.

8. Malfunctioning door lock

Every washer contains a door lock and a switch assembly to lock the door firmly during the wash cycle.

If the door lock or the latch assembly is at fault, it will pause the wash cycle while the water is stagnant in the washer.

To solve this issue, you have to replace the latch assembly.

Follow these steps to replace the latch assembly:

Start by unplugging the washer from the electric outlet.
Remove the screws securing the top panel.
Pull off the top panel and keep it aside.

Detach the detergent drawer to keep it aside.
Remove the screws securing the front panel with the washer.
Pull off the front panel and keep it aside.

Unscrew the screws securing the door with the washer.
You can find the latch assembly beneath the door. Pull out the latch assembly, and disconnect the wire harness. Disconnect it completely from the washer and keep it aside.
Prepare the new latch assembly for the replacement.

Connect the three-wire harness with the new latch assembly. Fix it beneath the door.
Secure the washer’s door by fixing the screws.
Attach the front panel by securing it with the screws.

Re-attach the top panel with the washer by securing it with the screws you removed.
Attach the detergent drawer back.
Plug the washer and check if the 0e error code issue is resolved.

Why is my Kenmore washer not draining completely?

As mentioned earlier, your Kenmore washing machine may drain partially for the following reasons.

A clogged drain hose: A drain hose collects the water from the washer to exit it into the home drainage. If the drain hose is clogged due to dirt and debris, it won’t let the water pass through the drain hose to the drainage. To fix this issue, access the drain hose of your washer to remove the drain hose. Run it through the water and the vinegar cleaning solution. You can also use a toothbrush to clear the debris manually.
A faulty drain pump: A drain pump is used to pump the water from the washing machine. If the drain pump is damaged, water will not drain out of the washer. In such a case, you must replace the drain, as mentioned earlier.

Malfunctioning pump motor: Your washer will have draining issues if the pump motor is at fault. Check the pump motor with the multimeter. You have to replace the pump motor if it is at fault.

Final thoughts

The 0e error code is a common issue you can solve by finding the cause and following the step-by-step process mentioned in the article.

While repairing, ensure to take the required safety measures. Wear hand gloves and remember to turn off the electricity. Before fixing the 0e error code, analyze all the causes mentioned in the article and fix the issue accordingly.

At any point, if you feel it is too technical to follow the step, seek the help of a professional instead of risking it by doing it yourself.

Reference: Kenmore Washer Official Manual