Kenmore Gas water heater Error Code 8-3: Meaning & How to Fix It

By the ErrorCodePro Editorial Team · Last reviewed October 20, 2026

Kenmore gas water heater error code 8-3 means: Gas control failure. [1] Keep using it? No. Stop using it until the cause is fixed. Start with the owner checks below, beginning with: write down the code and model number.

Source: Kenmore gas water heater error-code chart, via Sears PartsDirect [1].

Smell gas? Leave the building now. Do not touch light switches, phones or appliances inside. Call your gas utility or 911 from outside. CO alarm sounding or headache, dizziness or nausea? Get everyone outside and call 911. Gas valves, burners, venting and wiring are for a licensed technician only. See our safety policy.

Quick facts

Code	8-3
Also shown as	None listed by the manufacturer
Brand / appliance	Kenmore gas water heater
System	Heating
Meaning (service chart)	Gas control failure. [1]
Keep using it?	No. Stop using it until the cause is fixed
DIY-safe?	Owner checks only (listed below)
Support	Kenmore customer support (kenmore.com) or a Sears-authorized technician
Source document	Kenmore gas water heater error-code chart (via Sears PartsDirect)

On this page: Meaning · Steps · Parts · When to call a technician · Related codes · FAQ

What error code 8-3 means on a Kenmore gas water heater

Gas control failure. [1]

This is a heating code. Codes and wording can vary by model, so check your owner's manual for your model number.

How to fix Kenmore gas water heater error code 8-3 (safe owner checks)

Owner checks only: on heating, cooling and water-heating equipment, limit yourself to reading the code and checking the thermostat, breaker and service switch, air filter, condensate drain, that the gas supply valve is open (no disassembly) and that vent terminals are clear of snow or debris. Reset power only if your manual allows it.

Safety first: disconnect power before you remove any panel or reach into the sump or drum. Do not touch wiring, the control board or the motor. If you see water near electrical parts, stop and call a technician. These steps are based on the Kenmore gas water heater error-code chart (via Sears PartsDirect) [1], rewritten for clarity.

Write down the code and model number. Note exactly what the display shows (8-3) and copy the full model number from the rating label, so you can confirm this chart applies to your gas water heater and order the right parts.
Give it time. Wait for 10 seconds and move the switch back to the ON position.
Test and decide. Run a short cycle or restart and watch the display. If 8-3 comes back after these checks, stop using the water heater for this function and call a technician, because the remaining causes need meters or part replacement.

The first and last steps (and the power reset) are general owner checks added by ErrorCodePro; the rest follow the Kenmore gas water heater error-code chart published by Sears PartsDirect, rewritten for safe owner use.

Parts that may be involved

Exact parts depend on your model number. This page lists part types only, never part numbers.

Gas control

When to call a technician

If resetting the control does not clear the fault code, a technician should replace it.
Gas valves, burners, igniters, flame sensors, venting/flue or CO concerns: licensed HVAC technician or plumber
Refrigerant work: EPA 608-certified technician only
Smell of gas: leave and call the gas utility or 911
Anything involving wiring, the control board, the motor or the water valve electrics
The appliance is under warranty: contact Kenmore customer support (kenmore.com) or a Sears-authorized technician first

Frequently asked questions

What does error code 8-3 mean on a Kenmore gas water heater?

The Kenmore gas water heater error-code chart lists 8-3 as follows: Gas control failure.

Is it safe to keep using the gas water heater with 8-3?

No. Stop using it until the cause is fixed.

Can I fix Kenmore gas water heater error 8-3 myself?

Only with the owner checks on this page, starting with: write down the code and model number. If it persists, call a technician or Kenmore customer support (kenmore.com) or a Sears-authorized technician.

Sources

Sears PartsDirect: Kenmore gas water heater error-code chart (third-party copy of manufacturer service data)

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