Imagine you are in the middle of doing a cycle of laundry when suddenly your washer displays an error code. Panic sets in as you try to decipher the cryptic message on the screen, hoping it’s nothing serious. The error code LE of Kenmore Elite washer is one such code that is bound to make you worry.
The LE error code actually refers to “Locked Motor Error.” This error code can be triggered for a lot of reasons or factors related to your washer’s motor or motor control unit. Now, if you want to find a solution to fix the LE error code, first, you got to figure out the underlying cause of it.
That is where this article comes in. In this article, we are going to discuss in detail the possible causes and potential solutions to the Kenmore Elite washer LE code. So, read along and find out how you can fix the issue and get your washer back in action.
Causes Of Kenmore Elite Washer Code LE
Your Kenmore Elite washer’s LE error code can be caused by several factors related to the motor or motor control unit. However, it’s important to note that these causes are not mutually exclusive, and more than one factor can contribute to the LE error code.
Let us now talk about some of the most common factors of the LE code:
Motor Overload
Sometimes, you might put an unbalanced or too much load on your washer. If that happens and your washer tries to spin in this situation, the motor of your washer can become overloaded and therefore trigger a LE error code. When a washer’s motor becomes overloaded, it can overheat. In such cases, your Kenmore Elite washer will automatically shut down as a safety measure.
Communication Error
Another common cause that can usually trigger the LE error code in your Kenmore Elite washer is a communication error between the motor and the control board. This type of communication error usually occurs when, for some reason, there is a loose or disconnected wire between the two components of your washer.
When the motor and control board of your washer cannot communicate properly, it can cause the washer to shut down and display the LE error code.
Faulty Motor or Motor Control Unit
Sometimes, the root of the issue can be found in the motor or motor control unit itself. If the motor or motor control unit of your washer is faulty, it can also trigger the LE error code. This is because a damaged motor or motor control unit is not able to function properly. Thus, as a result, your washer will malfunction, triggering the LE error code.
Overheated Motor
Besides overloading, there are other reasons for your washer’s motor to get overheated. For instance, sometimes, the motor can overheat due to a malfunctioning thermal overload protector. When something like this happens, the thermal overload protector of your Kenmore Elite washer will shut off the motor and, as a result, trigger the LE error code.
Power Surge
Apart from all these conventional reasons, there are other factors as well which can be the cause of triggering the LE error code in your Kenmore Elite washer. For example, sometimes, power surges can also cause the LE error code. If for some reason, there is a sudden spike in the electricity, it can damage the motor or motor control unit of your washer. This can lead to the displaying of the LE error code.
Solutions For Kenmore Elite Washer Code LE
Once you have identified the underlying factor or factors causing the LE error code, it is now time to figure out the right solution to fix the issue. Here are some potential solutions for the LE error code in your Kenmore Elite washer:
Reset The Washer
The first and simplest solution you can try is to reset the Kenmore Elite washer. You can do it by unplugging the washer from the power source for a few minutes and then plugging it back in and turning it on again. This can sometimes clear the error code and reset the control board.
Distribute The Load Evenly
You can also try to readjust the load of your washer. If the LE error code is caused by an overloaded or unbalanced load, redistributing the laundry in the washer and running it again just might do the trick and fix the LE error code.
Check for Loose Wires
If these simple solutions do not fix the LE error code, then you need to look for other possibilities. For instance, if there is a communication error between the motor and the control board, you can check for any loose or disconnected wires. If loose or damaged wires are found, try to reconnect or replace them to fix the LE error code.
Replace The Motor Or Motor Control Unit
After following through with all the above-mentioned steps, if the LE error code persists, you have a bigger problem. At this point, you may need to replace your Kenmore Elite washer’s motor or motor control unit.
However, replacing the motor or the motor control unit is no child’s play. It is a complicated matter which should only be done by a qualified appliance repair technician.
Kenmore Elite washer available error codes cause and solutions we already discussed at HowToFixup:
Kenmore Elite Washer Code OE: Causes And Solutions
Kenmore Elite Washer Code F20: Causes And Solutions
Kenmore Elite Washer IE Code: Troubleshooting And Solutions
Kenmore Elite Washer Error Code F35
Kenmore Elite Washer CL Code: Causes and Solutions
Final Words
The error code LE can be a tricky one to deal with. It can be caused by several factors which are not mutually exclusive. So, it is possible that you may need to find solutions to several factors at the same time. This error code can either be fixed by resetting the washer or readjusting. You can also try loading, or it may need you to replace some wires or even the motor control unit.
In this article, we have discussed the possible ways you can solve the LE error code if it ever displays in your Kenmore Elite washer. However, remember, if you feel unsure of the cause or how to fix the problem, it is always recommended to seek the help of a professional. And above all, always ensure your own safety first while trying to fix any electric appliance.