How To Reset Kenmore Washer

Kenmore washers are some of the best on the market and are sold for a relatively affordable price. They’re known for their quality, reliability, durability and fantastic range of features like deep water washes, large capacity drums, smart functions and a sleek, modern design. They have a good service plan and warranty, but like all washers, they sometimes have their issues. And when a washing machine fails to operate correctly it can be a big problem. But before you call a technician, I would try resetting the machine. It’s fast, very easy to do and may fix the problem. There are a few ways to reset a Kenmore washer, depending on the model. The easiest is to turn off the power by unplugging the machine. Then, press the Start/Pause button for 5 seconds. Finally, plug the washer back in and it should reset.

To force reset a Kenmore washing machine, you must turn off the power and allow any juice inside the circuits to clear out. This is called a power cycle. Turn the machine off and unplug it or turn off power at the circuit breaker > press and hold the “Start” or “Pause” button for 5 seconds > wait about 5 minutes for the electrical charge to clear out of the washer > power the washer up again.

Turning off and completely draining all the power is the best way to reset a Kenmore washer. It drains the machine of all power and restarts its electronic systems. However, it doesn’t fix mechanical problems. If there are broken or malfunctioning parts, you should fix or replace them before performing a reset.

In addition to these methods, there are other ways to reset a Kenmore washer which we’ll explain throughout the article.

How Do I Reset My Kenmore Washing Machine?

The best way to reset a Kenmore washing machine is by performing a power cycle. Begin by turning the machine off with the power button, then unplugging it from the wall or turning power off at the breaker. Press and hold the “Start” or “Pause” button for 5 seconds. Wait about 5 minutes for any residual power to clear out of the washer, then plug the washer back in or turn on the circuit breaker.

Once a power cycle is complete, your Kenmore washer should work normally.

Another way to reset a Kenmore washer is to press “Stop” two times and then press “Power” > next, select a “Wash Cycle” such as “Normal” and then choose a “Wash Option” such as “Hot” > press “Start” to restart the washer. The machine should be reset and working normally.

If you’re still having issues with your washer, keep reading. We’ll discuss some of the most common Kenmore washing machine problems and how to fix them. We’ll also review some other ways to reset a Kenmore washer.

Diagnosing a Kenmore Washer

Resetting a Kenmore washer won’t necessarily fix the machine if there’s a more serious problem. Depending on the model washer you have, the machine will give you a code which indicates what you need to do to fix it. Once you get the code, follow the instructions in your owners manual to fix and reset the machine.

Here are the most common codes and what they mean:

Code 1: Your washer isn’t turned on properly: A power reset usually fixes the issue.
Code 2: The washer is not draining properly: Check the drain hose and drain pipe for a blockage.
Code 3: The washer is not spinning or agitating properly: Check the inner drum for a blockage and make sure the washer is level.
Code 4: The washer is leaking water somewhere: Inspect all the hoses and clamps.
Code 5: There is a problem with the detergent dispenser: If the dispenser isn’t dispensing detergent properly check for clogs and/or gunk.
Code 6: The washer is shaking and moving too much: Make sure the machine is level and inspect the inner drum.
Code 7: The washer is making too much noise: Look for a blockage in the drum, make sure the machine is level and inspect the motor.
Code 8: The washer is giving off a foul odor: Look for stagnant water, drain the entire machine and all hoses, look for mold and mildew.

Once you get a code from the machine and fix the problem, perform a power reset. Turn off the machine and unplug it. Wait 5 minutes and then plug the machine back in. Restart the washer and it should reset and work properly with no error codes.

How To Troubleshoot A Kenmore Washing Machine

There are a few reasons why a Kenmore Washing Machine may be malfunctioning and most are easy to fix. Here’s a list of the most common problems washers have and how to deal with them.

Settings: A washer won’t operate properly if you select two settings that are incompatible with each other.
Delayed Start: Some Kenmore washers have a timer function with a delayed start. Check your settings to see if delayed start is on by mistake. If it is, your washer won’t start until the delayed start timing is met.
Child-Lock: Many washer models have a child lock function. There may be an indicator light to let you know when the child lock is active. Deactivate the lock to use the washer as normal.
Anti-Flooding Device: If you have an anti-flooding device installed between the washer and water supply, make sure it’s working properly. The device may be shutting off water to the washer which prevents it from working properly.
Control Is Locked: If your Kenmore washer has an electronic touch-pad, the controls may be locked. If the control lock light is ON, hold the lock button for 3 seconds to unlock it.
Control Settings: Check to see if your control is set correctly. The selector knob should line up with a cycle selection before you press the start button. If the cycle and selector knob are not lined up properly, the washer won’t start.

These are all common issues with malfunctioning washers that are easy to fix. If you’re having trouble with your Kenmore washer, try them one at a time to see if you can diagnose and fix the problem.

In the next section we’ll review some more common issues that may be a little harder to fix.

No Power

If your washer has no power check the breaker to make sure it hasn’t tripped. Then check the outlet the washer is plugged into. If both are working properly, check the plug.

Door Sensor

The issue may be the door sensor. Open and completely close the door. Check the stripping around the door to make sure the door is fully closing. A front-loading washer may feel like it’s closed all the way when they’re not. If the door isn’t fully closed, the door sensor won’t allow a wash cycle to begin.

Do Kenmore Washers Have A Reset Button?

Kenmore Washers do not have a reset button. However they can be reset manually be performing a series of simple steps. The best way to reset a Kenmore washer is by performing a power cycle. To force reset a Kenmore washing machine, you must turn off the power and allow any juice inside the circuits to drain out. Turn off the machine and unplug it or turn off power at the circuit breaker, wait about 5 minutes for the electrical charge to drain out of the washer, then press and hold the “Start” or “Pause” button for 5 seconds. Finally, power the washer up again.

Once a power cycle is complete the washer should reset. However, if there are still problems with the machine it will give you an error code again. Before resetting a washing machine, you should fix the issue associated with the code it gives you.

How To Do A Factory Reset For A Kenmore Washer

The best way to factory reset a Kenmore washer is by performing a power cycle. To force reset a Kenmore washing machine, you must turn off the power and allow any electricity inside the circuits to drain out. Turn off the machine and unplug it or turn off power at the circuit breaker > wait about 5 minutes for the electrical charge to drain out of the washer > press and hold the “Start” or “Pause” button for 5 seconds > power the washer up again. At this point, the washer should be reset.

A power cycle does not fix issue with the washer. If you receive an error code for things like a clogged detergent dispenser, poor drainage or a leak, you must fix those problems before performing the reset. If you don’t, you’ll receive the error code again after the reset is complete.

After you perform a power cycle and receive no error codes, do the following:

Turn the washer off and unplug it for 5 minutes > plug the washer in a turn it on > the entire control panel should light up (depending on the model washer). Look for the “Lock” Icon and select it to unlock the control panel > press and hold “Options” and “Select” for ten seconds > select the options you want.

Once you’re all done selecting options, the control panel should flash.

How To Reset Kenmore Washer Lid Lock

If there’s a problem with your Kenmore washers lid being locked in place, the machine may not turn on. First, check for obstructions between the lid lock and the lid striker. Then inspect the wire harness connections leading to the lock. In most cases, the washer lid can get stuck because of an obstruction with the locking mechanism.

To reset your Kenmore washer and the washer lid lock, clean out obstructions around the lid lock and lid switch. Check for loose connections in the wire harness and make sure the Actuator motor is functioning properly.

Fix any issues you find which may be interfering with the lid lock. Then perform a power cycle reset.

The best way to reset a Kenmore washer is by performing a power cycle. Here’s how:

Turn off the machine and unplug it or turn off power at the circuit breaker
Wait about 5 minutes for the electrical charge to drain out of the washer
Press and hold the “Start” or “Pause” button for 5 seconds
Power the washer up again. At this point, the washer should be reset

If you dealt with problems around the lid lock prior to performing a reset, the lid lock should be unstuck and working properly and you should not receive an error code.

How To Reset Kenmore Washer Dryer Combo

Kenmore washer dryer combos are a single unit containing a washer on the bottom and a dryer on top. They’re great for rentals, small apartments and condos that have limited space. Kenmore combos are slimmer and shorter than stacking two individual full size washer and dryer units.

The best way to factory reset a Kenmore combo washer and dryer is by performing a power cycle.

Here’s how to do it:

Turn off the machine > unplug the washer or turn off power at the circuit breaker > wait about 5 minutes for the electrical charge to drain out of the washer > press and hold the “Start” or “Pause” button for 5 seconds and release > power the washer up again. At this point, the washer should be reset.

Keep in mind that resetting a Kenmore washer dryer combo does not fix problems with the machine. If you’re resetting the machine because you got an error code, make sure to fix the issue before resetting the washer. If you don’t fix the issue, you’ll typically get the error code all over again after the reset.

Here’s a second way to reset a Kenmore washer and dryer combo you can try:

Press the “Stop” button on the washer two times > press on “Power” > pick the wash cycle that you want to use > select your wash options > press “Start” > restart the washer.

I prefer the power cycle to reset a Kenmore washer dryer combo. But which works best depends on the model you own. If the power cycle doesn’t work, try the second method.

How To Reset Kenmore Front Load Washer

Kenmore Front Load Washers are very efficient and feature high-capacity washer drums. They’re very durable and typically use less water per wash vs top load washers. However they require different detergent to work properly. Using standard detergent in a high-efficiency front load washer can cause several issues. If your front load Kenmore washer is malfunctioning, it may be necessary to reset it.

The best way to reset a Kenmore Front Load Washer is by performing a power cycle. Turn off the machine and unplug it or turn off power at the circuit breaker > wait about 5 minutes for the electrical charge to drain out of the washer > press and hold the “Start” or “Pause” button for 5 seconds > power the washer up again. At this point, the washer should be reset.

A second way to reset a Kenmore Front Load Washer is by pressing the “Stop” button twice on the control panel > then press “Power” > select a “Wash Cycle” > select a “Wash Option” > press “Start”. At this point the washer should reset.

A third way to reset a Kenmore Front Load Washer is to press “Spin” and “Drain” for 3 seconds to release the child-proof lock if the keypad is locked > then press on “Pause/Cancel” two times to cancel the operating cycle > finally, turn the washing machine “Off” and unplug the washer > wait 5 minutes > plug the washer back in and turn it on.

I recommend starting with the power cycle first. Then move on to other methods if a power cycle doesn’t work.

Make sure to fix any issues which may be causing the machine to return an error code or work improperly before resetting the machine. If you don’t fix the problem your machine is having, it will typically still work improperly or give you an error code again after a reset.

How To Reset Kenmore Top Load Washer

Kenmore Top Load Washers are among the best in the industry. Top load washers are a traditional design, they use standard soap and do a great job of getting clothes clean. But they’re less efficient and use more water than newer front load designs. Many people prefer top load washers because they’re very dependable. However, they can still have occasional issues which can sometimes be fixed with a reset.

The best way to reset a Kenmore Top Load Washer is by performing a power cycle. Turn off the machine and unplug it or turn off power at the circuit breaker > wait about 5 minutes for the electrical charge to drain out of the washer > press and hold the “Start” or “Pause” button for 5 seconds > power the washer up again. At this point, the washer should be reset.

A second way to reset a Kenmore Top Load Washer is by pressing the “Stop” button twice on the control panel > then press “Power” > select a “Wash Cycle” > select a “Wash Option” > press “Start”. At this point the washer should reset.

A third way to reset a Kenmore Top Load Washer is by unplugging the washer for 60 seconds and then plugging it back in > then lift the lid up and put it down six times over twelve seconds. Doing this should reset the motor. Finish by running a new cycle to test the washer.

Why Is My Kenmore Washer Not Spinning?

If your Kenmore Washer powers up and starts a wash cycle but doesn’t spin properly, there could be a few different issues. These include using the wrong detergent, an overloaded or unbalanced machine, an issue with the drain hose, a power outage, a pause, a dirty pump filter or an item stuck in the machine.

In the next section we’ll review each cause and tell you how to fix them.

Wrong Detergent

In order for your Kenmore washer to function properly, you must use the correct detergent for your machine. If you’re using non-high efficiency detergent in a high-efficiency washing machine, it may create excess suds which can cause the machine to function improperly.

Make sure to use the correct detergent for the model Kenmore washer you have. Use regular detergent in a regular washer and high-efficiency detergent in a high-efficiency washer.

Overloaded Machine

If you overload a washing machine the drum may become unbalanced. This will cause problems when operating the machine because the drum can’t spin properly. Check if your washer is unbalanced or packed too tight. A large load can slow down the spinning process because it’s too heavy, packed too tight and doesn’t allow the clothing to move.

To fix the problem, remove some clothing and balance the load by distributing clothes evenly around the wash basket. Allow some room so clothing can shift while the drum is spinning.

It’s better to wash a single bulky item, like a comforter, by itself. But make sure it fits properly and doesn’t unbalance the drum. Some large items may be too large for a home washing machine.

Power Failure During Spin Cycling

If you temporarily lose power during a spin cycle, the machine may have trouble returning to full spin speed on its own. The fix may require doing a rest or allowing the load to finish its wash cycle and then starting a new one.

Something Stuck In The Machine

If a small item is stuck between the washer tub and the outer tub it could cause the washer to spin slowly or not at all. Check the space for small items by looking through the drum holes. If you find a stuck item, I would call a technician. Removing the stuck item may involve removing the washer drum to access it.

Drain Hose

If your Kenmore washer is having trouble spinning and water is standing in the drum, you you should check the drain hose. Conduct the check when your spin light is ON. The spin light will turn on after the drain pump is ON for 10 minutes with no water level exchange.

When the washer spins, it pulls water out of the clothes and discharges it out the drain hose. If there’s an issue with the hose, water could have a problem draining out of the tub.

To fix the issue, remove the hose and check it for a blockage. Then re-install the hose. Make sure it’s installed properly without any blockages or kinks.

Pause

If the washer is paused at the wrong time, it could cause a slow spin when the machine is re-started. There’s no way to fix this. Allow the cycle to complete and start a new one if needed.

Dirty Pump Filter

Check the pump filter to see if it’s dirty. If it has dirt buildup, clean it out. A dirty filter can interfere with the machine.

How To Reset A Kenmore Washer That Won’t Spin

There are two ways to reset a Kenmore Washer that won’t spin properly. The first and most common method is called a power cycle. Turn off the machine and unplug it or turn off power at the circuit breaker > wait about 5 minutes for the electrical charge to drain out of the washer > press and hold the “Start” or “Pause” button for 5 seconds > power the washer up again. At this point, the washer should be reset.

A second way to reset a Kenmore Washing Machine if the first doesn’t work is by turning the washer off and either unplugging it from the wall or turning power off at the breaker > wait for at least 60 seconds and then plug the machine back in or flip the breaker ON. Returning power to the washer will start a 30 second countdown. During this time, raise and lower the washer lid 6 times. Start immediately. If you wait too long or don’t raise and lower the lid all 6 times in 30 seconds, the process will have to be repeated.

Raise the lid far enough to trigger the sensor switch, usually this is a few inches. You don’t have to lift the lid all the way open. When you lower the lid make sure it’s completely closed.

Once you’ve opened and closed the lid six times during the 30 second countdown, the system should reset and clear all error codes. But a reset will not fix the washers spin problem.

Before you perform the reset, you need to deal with the cause of your spin problems. In the next section I’ll explain how.

How To Fix Kenmore Washer Spin Problems

There are several reasons why your Kenmore Washer may have spin problems. You should fix the problem before performing a reset.

The most common cause of a washer not spinning properly is an overloaded or unbalanced tub. Remove some clothing to lessen the weight and allow room for the clothes to move when the tub spins.
A power surge or outing during a wash could cause a malfunction. Allow the wash cycle to complete, then reset the machine and perform a new wash.
Check the pause button. Many Kenmore washers have a pause button that can stop a wash. If you press it by accident the drum will stop spinning.

Make sure you always address the cause of the problem along with performing a reset. A reset alone will not always fix the problem.

How To Reset Kenmore Washer After A Power Outage

There are two ways to reset a Kenmore washer after a power outage. The first and most common method is called a power cycle. Turn off the machine and unplug it or turn off power at the circuit breaker > wait about 5 minutes for the electrical charge to drain out of the washer > press and hold the “Start” or “Pause” button for 5 seconds > power the washer up again. At this point, the washer should be reset.

Raise the lid far enough to trigger the sensor switch, usually this is a few inches. You don’t have to lift the lid all the way open. When you lower the lid make sure it’s completely closed.

Once you’ve opened and closed the lid six times during the 30 second countdown, the system should reset and clear all error codes. But a reset will not fix the washers spin problem.

If the outage occurred during a wash cycle, the washer will have to finish the wash in order to drain the tub. Once you reset the machine, turn it on and let the washer complete the wash and drain. Then restart a new wash if needed. I usually run a completely new wash to make sure the machine is functioning properly after a reset.