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Error code reference

Kenmore Oven Error Code ERROR

Microwave humidity sensor did not correctly detect steam during sensor cooking (except popcorn).

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What the ERROR error code actually means

Your Kenmore microwave tried to automatically sense when your food was done by detecting steam, but it could not pick up enough moisture to work properly. This can happen because of a dirty sensor, a very humid kitchen, or food that did not release enough steam. You can keep cooking by pressing STOP and entering a cooking time and power level yourself.

Diagnostic procedure

The full ERROR procedure

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1
First diagnostic step
Press STOP and choose cooking time and power level manually to continue cooking.
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Most common causes of ERROR

Ranked by how often they cause this code
  1. 1Contaminated humidity sensor
  2. 2High ambient kitchen humidity
  3. 3Food type or quantity not suited for sensor cooking
  4. 4Faulty or degraded humidity sensor
  5. 5Loose or damaged sensor wiring harness

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Questions people ask about ERROR

What does ERROR mean on a Kenmore oven?
This error means the microwave's humidity sensor did not detect the expected amount of steam during a sensor cooking cycle. The control board monitors moisture levels to automatically time cooking, and when that moisture rise is not detected, the automatic cycle cannot complete. This applies to all sensor cook functions except popcorn. You can continue cooking immediately by pressing STOP and entering a manual cook time and power level.
Is it safe to keep using my Kenmore microwave when this error appears?
Yes, this error does not indicate a safety hazard. It is specific to the automatic sensor cooking feature and does not affect the magnetron, door interlock, or other core functions. You can continue using the microwave safely by cooking on manual time and power settings until the sensor issue is resolved.
How much does it cost to repair this error on a Kenmore microwave?
If cleaning the sensor resolves the issue, there is no parts cost involved. If the humidity sensor itself needs replacement, parts typically range from $15 to $50 depending on the model. Professional labor for a sensor replacement generally adds $75 to $150, though total repair costs vary by region and service provider. Given the relatively low cost of a microwave sensor, repair is usually worthwhile before considering replacement of the appliance.
How do I fix the ERROR code on my Kenmore microwave?
Press STOP to clear the active cycle, then cook your food manually by entering a time and power level. To address the root cause, clean the humidity sensor inside the cavity to remove any grease or residue. If the error continues to appear across multiple sensor cooking attempts, inspect the sensor wiring connections and consider replacing the humidity sensor itself.
Will pressing STOP or resetting the microwave clear this error code?
Pressing STOP will exit the sensor cooking cycle and allow you to cook manually, which effectively clears the active error state. However, resetting the microwave will not fix the underlying problem if the humidity sensor is dirty, faulty, or wired incorrectly. The error will return the next time you attempt sensor cooking if the cause has not been addressed.

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