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Error code reference

Kenmore Dryer Error Code E5

Pump error

Kenmore codesKenmore dryer codes

Pump error – AD value of the pump is less than 10 in test mode (displayed only in test mode).

First step from the service manual

Replace the steam feeder pump.

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

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What E5 means on a Kenmore dryer

The E5 error code on a Kenmore dryer indicates a pump fault specific to the steam system. This code is only visible during test mode and is triggered when the analog-to-digital (AD) conversion value of the steam feeder pump reads below 10. The AD value is a low-level electrical measurement the control board uses to assess pump operation. A reading that low effectively means the control board is detecting little to no meaningful signal from the pump circuit, pointing to a failure in the pump itself or in the wiring that feeds it.

The steam feeder pump is responsible for delivering water to the steam generation system in steam-equipped Kenmore dryers. When this pump fails, the control board cannot confirm proper pump activity, and the AD value drops below the acceptable threshold of 10. This is a hard electrical failure condition rather than a borderline or intermittent reading issue. The pump may have an open winding, a failed internal motor, or a shorted component that prevents it from drawing current in a way the board can detect as valid.

Diagnosis should begin with a physical inspection of the pump and its wiring harness, checking for damaged connectors, corrosion, or broken wires that could interrupt the circuit. If the wiring is intact and connections are secure, the pump itself is the most probable failed component. Because this code only appears in test mode, technicians typically access it during a service diagnostic cycle rather than through normal operation. The recommended first action is replacement of the steam feeder pump.

Source: manufacturer service documentation.

Common causes of E5

  1. 01

    Failed steam feeder pump

    Part replacement

    The pump motor or internal windings have failed, causing the AD value to drop below the required threshold of 10. This is the most likely cause and replacement of the pump is the primary recommended fix.

  2. 02

    Damaged or disconnected wiring harness

    Wiring / connection

    A broken wire, corroded connector, or loose plug between the control board and the pump can interrupt the circuit and produce a falsely low AD reading. Inspect the harness carefully before replacing the pump.

  3. 03

    Corroded pump terminals

    Wiring / connection

    Moisture from the steam system can cause oxidation at the pump's electrical terminals, increasing resistance or breaking continuity in the pump circuit. Cleaning or replacing the connector may resolve this in some cases.

  4. 04

    Control board fault

    Part replacement

    If the pump and all associated wiring test correctly, the control board itself may be misreading or failing to send proper voltage to the pump circuit, resulting in a spurious low AD value.

See the test procedure for each cause

Frequently asked questions about E5

What does E5 mean on a Kenmore dryer?
E5 on a Kenmore dryer indicates a pump error in the steam system. Specifically, it means the analog-to-digital value of the steam feeder pump has dropped below 10 during a test mode diagnostic cycle. This signals that the control board cannot detect a valid operating signal from the pump. The code is only displayed while the dryer is in test mode, not during regular use.
Can I fix the E5 error on my Kenmore dryer myself?
If you are comfortable working with appliance wiring and components, you can start by inspecting the steam feeder pump's wiring harness and connectors for damage or corrosion. If the wiring is intact, the pump itself will need to be replaced. This is a moderately involved repair that requires accessing internal dryer components and working with electrical connections, so some DIY experience is helpful.
Is it safe to use my Kenmore dryer while the E5 code is active?
Because E5 only appears in test mode, your dryer may still complete normal drying cycles without displaying this code during regular operation. However, the steam function will not work correctly with a failed pump. Continuing to use the dryer without addressing the fault could leave the steam system non-functional and, depending on the nature of the pump failure, could pose a concern if moisture is involved in the fault.
Will resetting my Kenmore dryer clear the E5 error code?
Resetting the dryer will not resolve the E5 error because the underlying hardware problem, a pump AD value below 10, will persist after a reset. The code will return whenever test mode is run again. A permanent fix requires repairing or replacing the faulty pump or its wiring.
How much does it cost to fix a Kenmore dryer E5 error?
If the steam feeder pump is the failed component, replacement pump parts typically range from around $30 to $80 depending on the specific model. If you hire a technician, labor costs can add another $80 to $150 to the total. In cases where the control board is the source of the fault, board replacement costs are generally higher, often in the $100 to $200 range for the part alone.

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