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Error code reference

Kenmore Cooktop Error Code Er

ESEC control error

Kenmore codesKenmore cooktop codes

ESEC control error – displays and flashes when a control knob is in the ON position during initial power-up or after a power interruption.

First step from the service manual

Turn all control knobs to the OFF position to reset the surface element controls. If Er remains displayed after turning knobs off, contact an authorized service technician.

The complete diagnostic procedure includes additional test steps, resistance specifications, wiring diagram references, and component test points.

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What Er means on a Kenmore cooktop

The Er error code on a Kenmore cooktop indicates an ESEC (Electronic Surface Element Control) system fault. This error is specifically triggered when the control unit detects that one or more surface element knobs are in the ON position at the moment power is first applied to the unit, or when power is restored after an interruption such as a tripped breaker or brief outage. The ESEC system performs a safety initialization check during startup, and it requires all knobs to be in the OFF position before it will allow normal operation to proceed.

This behavior is a built-in safety protocol rather than a component failure in most cases. The control board reads the position of each surface element knob through position-sensing circuits during the power-up sequence. If any knob is detected as being out of the OFF position during this initialization window, the system halts and displays Er as a flashing alert to notify the user before any heating element is energized.

If Er continues to display after all knobs have been confirmed in the OFF position, the fault shifts from a user-correctable condition to a potential hardware issue. Possible hardware causes include a faulty knob position sensor, a damaged control board that is misreading knob input signals, or wiring faults between the knob assembly and the control board. At that point, further diagnosis requires hands-on inspection by a qualified service technician with access to the appropriate test equipment.

Source: manufacturer service documentation.

Common causes of Er

  1. 01

    Knob left in ON position during power-up

    Wiring / connection

    The most frequent cause is simply that a burner knob was not in the OFF position when the cooktop received power. This happens after power outages or when the cooktop is reconnected to power without checking knob positions first.

  2. 02

    Power interruption with active burner

    Wiring / connection

    A brief power interruption such as a tripped circuit breaker or a momentary outage while a burner was in use will trigger Er when power is restored, because the knob is still in the ON position from before the outage.

  3. 03

    Faulty knob position sensor

    Part replacement

    If Er persists after all knobs are confirmed to be in the OFF position, one of the knob position sensors may be sending an incorrect signal to the control board, falsely indicating a knob is ON.

  4. 04

    Control board malfunction

    Part replacement

    A defective ESEC control board may misinterpret the input signals from the knob assembly during initialization, causing Er to display even when all knobs are correctly set to OFF.

  5. 05

    Wiring fault between knob assembly and control board

    Wiring / connection

    Damaged, loose, or corroded wiring connections between the surface element knobs and the control board can cause incorrect position readings during the power-up sequence, resulting in a persistent Er code.

See the test procedure for each cause

Frequently asked questions about Er

What does Er mean on a Kenmore cooktop?
Er stands for an ESEC (Electronic Surface Element Control) error and appears when the cooktop detects that a control knob is in the ON position during initial power-up or after a power interruption. It is a safety lockout that prevents the heating elements from energizing under those conditions. In most cases, turning all knobs to the OFF position will clear the error immediately.
Will resetting the cooktop clear the Er code?
Yes, in most cases. Turn all surface element control knobs to the OFF position and the Er code should stop flashing and normal operation should resume. If the code continues to display after all knobs are confirmed to be fully in the OFF position, a hardware fault may be present and a service technician should inspect the unit.
Is it safe to use my Kenmore cooktop while Er is displayed?
No, you should not attempt to operate the cooktop while Er is displayed. The ESEC system has locked out the surface elements as a safety measure. Address the error by turning all knobs to OFF before attempting to use the appliance again.
How do I fix the Er code on my Kenmore cooktop myself?
Turn every surface element knob to the fully OFF position and wait a moment to see if the Er code clears. This resolves the issue in the majority of cases. If the error persists after confirming all knobs are off, the repair moves beyond a simple reset and requires a technician to check the knob sensors, wiring, and control board.
How much does it cost to repair a Kenmore cooktop showing an Er code?
If the error clears by turning the knobs off, there is no cost involved. If a hardware repair is needed, costs will vary depending on the failed component. Knob position sensors and wiring repairs tend to be less expensive, while a control board replacement can range from around $150 to $350 or more including parts and labor, depending on the model and service rates in your area.

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