mypros+
Error code reference

Kenmore Dryer Error Code PAU

Displayed as a reminder that the door is open and needs to be closed before the dryer will operate.

Kenmore codesKenmore dryer codes

Displayed as a reminder that the door is open and needs to be closed before the dryer will operate.

First step from the service manual

Close the door and press START.

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

MyPros+ Max

Get the full diagnostic procedure for PAU.

  • Step-by-step tests with expected resistance, voltage, and continuity values
  • Wiring diagram references and connector pinouts from the OEM service manual
  • Verified part numbers when replacement is required
Get the full procedure

$29/month · Cancel anytime · Or $9.95 3-day pass

What PAU means on a Kenmore dryer

The PAU code on a Kenmore dryer is not a fault code in the traditional sense. It is a status indicator that displays when the dryer detects that the door is open at the time a cycle is attempted or while the unit is in standby. The dryer's control board monitors the door switch circuit continuously, and when it registers an open-door condition, it displays PAU as a pause reminder rather than allowing the drum to spin or the heating element to energize. This is a built-in safety interlock designed to prevent the dryer from operating with the door open.

The door switch is the primary component involved in this condition. It is a simple electrical switch mounted in the door frame that closes the circuit when the door is shut and latched. When the door is fully closed, the switch sends a signal to the control board confirming it is safe to start. If the switch is open, either because the door is physically open or because the switch itself has failed, the control board holds the machine in a paused state and displays PAU.

In most cases, this display is completely normal and clears immediately once the door is closed and the START button is pressed. However, if PAU persists after the door is firmly closed, the issue shifts from a user action to a component problem, most likely a faulty door switch, a misaligned door latch, or a wiring issue in the door switch circuit. Diagnosing a persistent PAU code requires testing the door switch for continuity and inspecting the latch mechanism for wear or damage.

Source: manufacturer service documentation.

Common causes of PAU

  1. 01

    Door is physically open or not fully latched

    Wiring / connection

    The most common reason for the PAU display is simply that the door was not pushed shut completely. Press the door firmly until you hear the latch click, then press START.

  2. 02

    Faulty or worn door switch

    Part replacement

    The door switch can wear out over time and fail to signal the control board even when the door is closed. A switch that reads no continuity when the door is shut will need to be replaced.

  3. 03

    Broken or misaligned door latch

    Part replacement

    If the door latch is cracked, bent, or misaligned, the door may appear closed but the latch striker will not properly depress the door switch. Inspect the latch and strike for visible damage or misalignment.

  4. 04

    Damaged door strike or catch

    Part replacement

    The plastic or metal strike that engages the door latch can break off or wear down, preventing a secure connection. Check the interior door frame area for a missing or deformed strike component.

  5. 05

    Loose or broken wiring to the door switch

    Wiring / connection

    A wire connector at the door switch can loosen or corrode over time, interrupting the circuit even if the switch itself is functional. Inspect the wiring harness connections at the switch terminals for damage or looseness.

See the test procedure for each cause

Frequently asked questions about PAU

What does PAU mean on a Kenmore dryer?
PAU is a status reminder indicating that the dryer door is open and the machine will not start until the door is closed. It is not an error or malfunction code under normal circumstances. Close the door firmly until it latches and press START to clear the display and begin the cycle. If PAU remains after the door is shut, there may be a problem with the door switch or latch.
How do I fix the PAU code on my Kenmore dryer?
Start by firmly closing the dryer door until you feel or hear the latch click, then press the START button. If the PAU code clears and the dryer runs, no further action is needed. If the code persists with the door closed, inspect the door latch and strike for damage, and test the door switch for continuity with a multimeter. A door switch that fails to show continuity when activated will need to be replaced.
Is it safe to try to bypass the door switch to clear the PAU code?
Bypassing the door switch is not recommended. The door interlock is a critical safety feature that prevents the drum from spinning and the heating element from operating while the door is open. Operating the dryer without a functioning door switch creates a risk of injury and fire. The correct fix is to repair or replace the faulty switch or latch component.
Will resetting the dryer clear the PAU code?
Unplugging the dryer or cycling the power will not permanently clear PAU if the door switch circuit is still open. The code will return as soon as power is restored because the control board continuously monitors the door switch status. The only way to clear PAU is to correct the underlying condition, either by closing the door properly or repairing a faulty switch or latch.
How much does it cost to fix a Kenmore dryer showing PAU due to a bad door switch?
If the door switch is the cause, the part itself typically costs between $10 and $40 depending on the specific model. If you hire a technician for the repair, total costs including labor generally range from $75 to $175. The door switch is a relatively straightforward repair for a knowledgeable DIYer, requiring basic hand tools and a multimeter to confirm the diagnosis before purchasing parts.

Related Kenmore dryer codes

All Kenmore dryer codes
View all 105 Kenmore dryer codes

78,000+ service manuals · 160,000+ error codes · 55+ brands

Get Started

$29/month · Cancel anytime · Or $9.95 3-day pass