Kenmore Washer Error Code E49

E49 means the motor drive system is operating above its design limits, indicating an overload condition. The washer has detected more mechanical or electrical resistance than the motor drive circuit is designed to handle and has stopped to protect the components. The most common reason this happens on a new or recently moved washer is that the 4 shipping bolts were not removed from the rear panel.

No, you should not continue operating the washer while this error is active. Running the motor against an excessive load can cause permanent damage to the motor, motor control board, or drivetrain components. Stop using the washer until the cause of the overload has been identified and corrected.

If shipping bolts are the cause, there is no parts cost involved. If a bearing replacement is needed, repair costs typically range from $150 to $350 depending on labor rates and parts. A drive motor replacement generally falls in the $200 to $450 range, while a motor control board can cost between $100 and $300 for the part alone, plus labor.

Start by checking the rear of the washer for 4 shipping bolts and removing them if present. Once removed, try running a cycle to see if the error clears. If the bolts were already removed, manually rotate the drum by hand to check for stiffness or grinding, which could point to bearing failure, an obstruction, or a motor issue requiring further diagnosis.

A reset may temporarily clear the fault display, but the error will return immediately if the underlying cause has not been resolved. Simply unplugging the washer and plugging it back in does not fix the mechanical or electrical condition causing the overload. Address the root cause first, then reset the machine.