Kenmore Dryer Error Code E52

E52 on a Kenmore dryer indicates a motor fault, meaning the drive motor has stopped running or failed to start. The control board detects the motor is not operating as expected and shuts down the cycle to prevent further damage. Causes include motor overheating, a mechanical drum jam, low supply voltage, or a defective motor or wiring harness.

No, you should not continue running the dryer while E52 is active. The code indicates the motor has stopped or is under stress, and forcing repeated restart attempts without resolving the underlying cause can damage the motor windings permanently or create a fire risk. Stop using the dryer until the fault has been properly diagnosed and corrected.

A reset can temporarily clear E52 if the underlying cause was a one-time overload or a motor thermal protector that needed time to cool down. However, if the cause is a persistent issue such as a wiring fault, low supply voltage, or a failing motor, the code will return as soon as the dryer attempts to run again. A reset alone is not a repair, and the root cause should be identified before returning the dryer to regular use.

Some causes of E52 are straightforward to address without professional help. Start by removing the laundry load, unplugging the dryer for 30 minutes to allow the motor thermal protector to reset, and then checking that the drum rotates freely by hand. If the fault returns after these steps, diagnosing the L1 supply voltage and inspecting the wiring harness requires a multimeter and comfort working around electrical components, which some DIYers can handle but others may prefer to leave to a technician.

Repair costs vary depending on the root cause. If the fix is simply allowing the thermal protector to reset or correcting a circuit breaker issue, there may be no parts cost at all. Wiring harness repairs typically range from $50 to $150 in parts. A full drive motor replacement, including parts and labor, generally falls in the range of $150 to $350 depending on the specific model and local labor rates.