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Error code reference

Kenmore Range Error Code SAb

Sabbath feature is active on the oven control, indicating the oven is operating in Sabbath mode with no…

Sabbath feature is active on the oven control, indicating the oven is operating in Sabbath mode with no audible tones or visible display changes.

First step from the service manual

To turn OFF, press and hold both COOK TIME and DELAY START pads simultaneously for at least 3 seconds.

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

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What SAb means on a Kenmore range

The SAb display on a Kenmore range indicates that Sabbath mode is currently active on the oven control board. This is not a fault code or error condition. It is a deliberate operating mode designed to comply with Jewish Sabbath and holiday observance requirements. When Sabbath mode is engaged, the oven continues to hold a set temperature, but all audible tones are suppressed and the control panel does not respond visually to door openings or other normal triggers. The oven operates in a passive, steady-state heat-hold condition until the mode is manually deactivated.

Sabbath mode is controlled entirely through the oven's electronic control board firmware. No sensors, heating elements, or mechanical components are involved in triggering or maintaining this mode. The control board simply enters a locked operational state that disables user feedback systems while keeping the bake element energized at the last set temperature. The SAb indicator persists on the display as the only visible sign that this mode is running.

This mode is almost always activated by a deliberate key combination rather than by malfunction. It can sometimes be engaged accidentally if a user presses the COOK TIME and DELAY START pads simultaneously while cleaning the control panel or navigating other settings. Deactivating the mode requires pressing and holding both the COOK TIME and DELAY START pads at the same time for a minimum of 3 seconds, after which the oven will return to normal standby operation.

Source: manufacturer service documentation.

Common causes of SAb

  1. 01

    Intentional Sabbath mode activation

    Wiring / connection

    A household member deliberately activated Sabbath mode for religious observance using the COOK TIME and DELAY START pad combination. This is the most common reason SAb appears on the display.

  2. 02

    Accidental key combination press

    Wiring / connection

    The COOK TIME and DELAY START pads were pressed simultaneously by accident during cleaning, cooking, or while pressing other controls nearby. The mode activates with a 3-second hold, so incidental contact with a cloth or other object can trigger it.

  3. 03

    Child or guest interaction with controls

    Wiring / connection

    Children or unfamiliar users pressing multiple buttons at once on the control panel can inadvertently activate Sabbath mode. The display change is subtle and may go unnoticed until the oven behaves unexpectedly.

  4. 04

    Control board retaining mode after power interruption

    Wiring / connection

    In some cases, the electronic control board retains Sabbath mode settings in memory through a brief power interruption. If SAb reappears after a power outage or circuit reset, the board's non-volatile memory has preserved the mode state.

See the test procedure for each cause

Frequently asked questions about SAb

What does SAb mean on a Kenmore range?
SAb on a Kenmore range means Sabbath mode is active on the oven control. This mode suppresses all audible tones and prevents the display from reacting to door openings or other normal inputs, while the oven continues to hold its set temperature. It is not a fault or error code. It requires a specific button combination to deactivate.
How do I turn off Sabbath mode on my Kenmore range?
To deactivate Sabbath mode, press and hold both the COOK TIME pad and the DELAY START pad at the same time for at least 3 seconds. The SAb indicator should disappear from the display and the oven will return to normal standby operation. No tools or service call are needed.
Is it safe to use my Kenmore range while SAb is displayed?
Yes, the oven is safe to use while SAb is displayed. Sabbath mode does not affect the heating elements, temperature regulation, or any safety systems. The only differences are that audible alerts are silenced and the display does not update in response to door activity. If you did not intend to use Sabbath mode, simply deactivate it using the COOK TIME and DELAY START pad combination.
Will resetting the power clear the SAb code on a Kenmore range?
Cutting power to the range may not reliably clear Sabbath mode because the electronic control board can retain mode settings in memory through a power interruption. The correct way to exit Sabbath mode is to press and hold the COOK TIME and DELAY START pads simultaneously for at least 3 seconds. Using the proper key combination is the only guaranteed method to deactivate the mode.
Does fixing the SAb display on a Kenmore range cost anything?
Deactivating Sabbath mode costs nothing because it is resolved entirely through the control panel with no parts or service required. If for some reason the control panel does not respond to the COOK TIME and DELAY START pad combination after multiple attempts, there may be an underlying issue with the control board, which could cost anywhere from $150 to $400 or more to diagnose and repair depending on parts and labor in your area.

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