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Error code reference

Kenmore Dryer Error Code E24

Shorted control thermistor.

Kenmore codesKenmore dryer codes

Shorted control thermistor.

First step from the service manual

Remove wires from the control thermistor. Measure resistance of the thermistor. If the reading is not 50K (+/- 10%), replace thermistor. If the reading is within 50K (+/-10%) check wiring between thermistor and electronic control. If good, replace electronic control.

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

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What E24 means on a Kenmore dryer

The E24 error code on a Kenmore dryer indicates a shorted control thermistor. The control thermistor is a temperature-sensing resistor that continuously monitors thermal conditions and sends resistance-based signals to the electronic control board. When the control board detects a resistance reading that falls outside the expected range due to an internal short within the thermistor, it triggers the E24 code and halts normal operation to prevent potential damage.

The control thermistor is a negative temperature coefficient (NTC) type sensor. At normal operating temperatures, it should read approximately 50K ohms, with an acceptable tolerance of plus or minus 10 percent (roughly 45K to 55K ohms). A shorted thermistor will read significantly below this range, sometimes near zero ohms, which signals to the control board that an abnormally high temperature is present even when it is not. This causes the dryer to behave erratically or shut down entirely.

Common causes include a failed thermistor with an internal short, damaged wiring between the thermistor and the control board (such as chafed, pinched, or corroded wires that allow conductors to contact each other), or a faulty electronic control board that is misreading valid thermistor signals. Diagnosis begins by disconnecting the thermistor wires and measuring resistance directly at the thermistor terminals. This isolates the sensor from the wiring and control board, allowing accurate fault identification before any parts are replaced.

Source: manufacturer service documentation.

Common causes of E24

  1. 01

    Failed control thermistor (internal short)

    Part replacement

    The thermistor itself has developed an internal short, causing its resistance to drop well below the required 50K ohm range. Disconnect the thermistor wires and measure resistance directly at the sensor terminals to confirm.

  2. 02

    Shorted or damaged wiring harness

    Wiring / connection

    Wiring between the thermistor and the electronic control board may be pinched, chafed, or corroded, causing two conductors to contact each other and create an artificial short. Visually inspect the harness for damage and test continuity with a multimeter.

  3. 03

    Connector corrosion or debris

    Wiring / connection

    Moisture or lint buildup in the thermistor connector can create a conductive path between pins, mimicking a shorted sensor. Inspect the connector for corrosion, clean the terminals, and retest.

  4. 04

    Faulty electronic control board

    Part replacement

    If the thermistor resistance measures within the 50K ohm plus or minus 10 percent range and the wiring is intact, the control board itself may be misinterpreting the sensor signal. In this case, replacing the electronic control board is the recommended repair.

See the test procedure for each cause

Frequently asked questions about E24

What does E24 mean on a Kenmore dryer?
E24 on a Kenmore dryer indicates a shorted control thermistor. The control thermistor is a resistance-based temperature sensor, and this code appears when the electronic control board detects a resistance reading outside the expected 50K ohm range. The dryer stops operating to prevent unsafe conditions caused by unreliable temperature data.
Can I fix the E24 error myself, or do I need a technician?
A knowledgeable DIYer can often diagnose and resolve E24 without a technician. The first step is to disconnect the thermistor wires and measure resistance with a multimeter. If the reading is not within 45K to 55K ohms, replacing the thermistor is the fix. If the thermistor reads correctly, inspecting and testing the wiring harness is the next step before considering a control board replacement.
Is it safe to use my Kenmore dryer while the E24 code is active?
No, you should not continue using the dryer with an active E24 code. A shorted thermistor means the control board cannot accurately monitor temperatures inside the dryer. Operating the dryer in this condition could result in overheating or other damage to the appliance.
How much does it cost to repair an E24 error on a Kenmore dryer?
If only the control thermistor needs replacement, parts typically cost in the range of $15 to $50 depending on the specific model. If the electronic control board is at fault, board replacement parts generally range from $80 to $200 or more. Adding professional labor will increase the total repair cost by roughly $75 to $150 depending on your area.
Will resetting the dryer clear the E24 error code?
Resetting the dryer may temporarily clear the E24 code, but it will return if the underlying fault is not repaired. Because the code is triggered by an out-of-range resistance reading from the thermistor circuit, the error will reappear as soon as the control board checks the sensor again during operation. A proper diagnosis and component repair or replacement is required to resolve the issue permanently.

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