Kenmore 796 model steam dryer Error Codes: Full List & Meanings

Every Kenmore 796 model steam dryer error code in the Kenmore 796 model steam dryer error-code chart, as published by Sears PartsDirect, with its meaning. Codes vary by model, so confirm in your owner's manual. Support: Kenmore customer support (kenmore.com) or a Sears-authorized technician.

Codes by system

Water fill

All Kenmore 796 model steam dryer error codes

Codes marked "Reset only" or "Service" have no separate page because the manufacturer publishes no owner fix beyond a reset or a service call.

Code	Meaning	System	Owner action
tE1	Exhaust thermistor failure. Also: tE2	Venting / airflow	Service
dE	Door switch error.	Door / lock	Service
PS	Power supply error. The power cord on the back of the electric dryer isn't correctly connected.	Power supply	Reset only
tE4	Steam generator thermistor failure. The steam generator thermistor isn't sold as a separate component.	Heating	Service
Add Water	Steam feeder is dry. The steam generator thermistor isn't sold as a separate component. 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heat?","slug":"won-t-heat","sys":{"__typename":"Sys","publishedAt":"2023-04-19T21:45:01.663Z"},"authoredBy":{"__typename":"Author","name":"Lyle Weischwill","slug":"lyle-weischwill"}},{"__typename":"Symptoms","mainCausesText":"Main causes: clogged exhaust system, heating system failure, deposits on moisture sensor, control system failure","symptomId2":"DRYGA01","title":"Why isn't my dryer getting my laundry dry?","slug":"clothes-not-drying","sys":{"__typename":"Sys","publishedAt":"2023-12-27T22:08:19.785Z"},"authoredBy":{"__typename":"Author","name":"Lyle Weischwill","slug":"lyle-weischwill"}},{"__typename":"Symptoms","mainCausesText":"Main causes: clogged exhaust vent, bad motor relay, loose dryer door catch, bad door switch, control system failure, faulty drive motor","symptomId2":"DRYEL09","title":"Why does my dryer start then stop?","slug":"starts-then-stops","sys":{"__typename":"Sys","publishedAt":"2023-04-20T10:11:54.241Z"},"authoredBy":{"__typename":"Author","name":"Lyle Weischwill","slug":"lyle-weischwill"}},{"__typename":"Symptoms","mainCausesText":"Main causes: door switch failure, lack of power, broken belt, blown thermal fuse, bad drive motor, control system failure","symptomId2":"DRYEL03","title":"Why won't my dryer start?","slug":"dryer-wont-start","sys":{"__typename":"Sys","publishedAt":"2024-01-10T13:13:39.404Z"},"authoredBy":{"__typename":"Author","name":"Lyle Weischwill","slug":"lyle-weischwill"}},{"__typename":"Symptoms","mainCausesText":"Main causes: damaged door strike, worn door catch","symptomId2":"DRYEL07","title":"Why won't my dryer door stay shut?","slug":"door-won-t-stay-shut","sys":{"__typename":"Sys","publishedAt":"2023-04-19T21:43:42.609Z"},"authoredBy":{"__typename":"Author","name":"Lyle Weischwill","slug":"lyle-weischwill"}},{"__typename":"Symptoms","mainCausesText":"Main causes: lack of electrical power, bad power cord, wiring failure, bad control board, blown thermal fuse, bad door switch","symptomId2":"DRYGA03","title":"Why doesn't my dryer work?","slug":"won-t-work-at-all","sys":{"__typename":"Sys","publishedAt":"2023-04-19T21:44:29.640Z"},"authoredBy":{"__typename":"Author","name":"Lyle Weischwill","slug":"lyle-weischwill"}},{"__typename":"Symptoms","mainCausesText":"Main causes: bad timer or electronic control board, door switch failure","symptomId2":"DRYEL10","title":"Why won't my dryer shut off?","slug":"won-t-turn-off","sys":{"__typename":"Sys","publishedAt":"2023-04-19T21:44:47.093Z"},"authoredBy":{"__typename":"Author","name":"Lyle Weischwill","slug":"lyle-weischwill"}},{"__typename":"Symptoms","mainCausesText":"Main causes: bad drum support roller, damaged idler pulley, broken blower fan blade, worn drum glide bearing, bad drive motor ","symptomId2":"DRYGA07","title":"Why is my dryer making a rattling noise?","slug":"making-noise-or-vibrating","sys":{"__typename":"Sys","publishedAt":"2023-04-20T10:06:53.559Z"},"authoredBy":{"__typename":"Author","name":"Lyle Weischwill","slug":"lyle-weischwill"}}]},"symptomLandingPageCollection":{"__typename":"SymptomLandingPageCollection","items":[{"__typename":"SymptomLandingPage","allSymptomsSectionText":"Choose a symptom to see related dryer repairs.","introduction":{"__typename":"SymptomLandingPageIntroduction","json":{"data":{},"content":[{"data":{},"content":[{"data":{},"marks":[],"value":"Learn the troubleshooting steps to take when your dryer doesn't start, doesn't heat or when it's making loud noises. A worn idler pulley squeals or squeaks when the dryer is running.	Water fill	Owner checks

Symptoms

Sources

Sears PartsDirect: Kenmore 796 model steam dryer error-code chart (third-party copy of manufacturer service data)

Last reviewed: October 20, 2026. ErrorCodePro is not affiliated with Kenmore.