Introduction
If your Kenmore washer stops mid-cycle, shows an LE error code, and may make bumping or grinding noises, the washer is detecting a motor-lock condition and won't spin properly. This guide shows how to reset the washer, check for obstructions, access the motor components, and test the rotor-position sensor with a multimeter.
What you need
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Step 1 Confirm the model and understand the LE code
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Open the door and find the model number label.
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Step 2 Reset the washer to clear the error and drain water
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Press and hold the power button for five to ten seconds while the washer is unplugged.
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Plug the washer back in and confirm the LE code is gone.
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Run the washer to drain the water if there was still water in the drum when the LE code appeared.
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Step 3 Check for a physical obstruction
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Spin the drum by hand and listen for abnormal noises.
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Step 4 Access the rear motor area
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Move the washer so you can access the rear metal panel.
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Use a Phillips screwdriver to remove the four screws from the rear panel.
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Slide the rear panel off to expose the motor area.
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Step 5 Remove the rotor bolt
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Use a 17 mm socket wrench to turn the rotor bolt counterclockwise to loosen it.
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Remove the rotor bolt completely.
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Step 6 Remove and inspect the rotor
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Pull the rotor straight off the shaft using equal pressure with both hands.
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Inspect the rotor hub threads for severe wear.
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Inspect the rotor magnets for wear, cracks, burns, damage, or obstructions.
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Step 7 Remove the stator and disconnect wiring
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Use a 10 mm socket wrench to remove the six long stator screws.
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Support the stator with one hand and disconnect the two wire harnesses attached to it.
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Step 8 Inspect the stator and harnesses
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Inspect the stator magnet edges and stator wiring for burn marks or damage.
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Inspect the stator wiring harnesses for frayed wires or damaged connector wires inside the harness.
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Step 9 Remove the rotor position sensor
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Locate the rotor position sensor mounted on the inside of the stator.
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Use a flat-bladed screwdriver to press in on the sensor’s retaining tab, and remove the sensor from the stator ring.
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Step 10 Test the rotor position sensor with a multimeter
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Set a multimeter to ohms resistance, and use the 20k range if the meter isn’t self-ranging.
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Identify the five sensor pins numbered one through five.
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Measure resistance between pin five and pin one, and confirm it reads between 5 and 15k ohms.
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Measure resistance between pin five and pin two, and confirm it matches the first reading and is between 5 and 15k ohms.
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Step 11 Install the rotor position sensor
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Position the new sensor over the three small outer pegs on the stator ring.
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Snap the sensor onto the three outer pegs and the inner peg until it seats securely.
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Step 12 Reinstall the stator and reconnect wiring
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Position the stator on the tub and thread two stator screws in partway to hold it in place.
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Reconnect the two wire harnesses to the stator.
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Use a 10 mm socket wrench to install the other four stator screws.
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Fully tighten the first two stator screws.
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Step 13 Reinstall and secure the rotor
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Align the rotor hub threads with the tub shaft and set the rotor onto the stator.
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Press the rotor toward the tub as needed so the rotor bolt can thread properly.
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Apply five or six drops of blue threadlocker to the rotor bolt threads before installing it.
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Use a 17 mm socket wrench to tighten the rotor bolt.
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Step 14 Close the washer and test
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Slide the rear panel into place.
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Use a Phillips screwdriver to install the four rear panel screws.
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Move the washer back into place, plug it in, and make sure the washer hoses are on.
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Run a test cycle and confirm the washer runs smoothly, completes the cycle, and spins properly without the LE code.
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Reinstall the rear panel and run a test cycle to confirm the LE code stays cleared before returning the washer to service. Repair didn't go as planned? Ask our Answers community for help.
