Kenmore Washer Error Code E55

E55 on a Kenmore washer indicates that the drive motor has overheated and the thermal protection system has shut it down. The fault is designed to prevent permanent damage to the motor windings. The root cause can be a seized motor, an overloaded drive system, or a worn belt. A physical inspection of the motor and belt assembly is required to diagnose the specific cause.

No, you should not continue running the washer while E55 is active. Operating a motor that is overheating can permanently damage the motor windings, melt insulation, or cause failure in related electrical components. Allow the machine to cool fully and resolve the underlying cause before attempting another wash cycle.

Repair costs depend on which component has failed. A replacement drive belt is typically a lower-cost fix, generally in the range of $15 to $40 for the part. If the motor itself has seized and needs replacement, parts and labor can range from $150 to $400 or more depending on the specific model and local labor rates. Inspecting the belt and driven components first can help avoid replacing the motor unnecessarily.

Start by allowing the washer to cool completely, then remove the drive belt from the motor and spin the motor pulley by hand to check for free rotation. If the pulley is stiff or locked, the motor likely needs replacement. If the pulley spins freely, inspect the drum bearings, transmission, pump, and belt for signs of binding or wear. Repair or replace whichever component is creating the excessive load.

A reset may temporarily clear the E55 code after the motor cools down, but the fault will return if the underlying mechanical or electrical problem has not been fixed. Simply resetting the machine without addressing the cause risks repeated overheating and can accelerate wear or permanent failure of the motor. A proper diagnosis of the belt, motor, and driven components is necessary for a lasting repair.