Kenmore Washer Error Code rL

The rL code on a Kenmore washer means the machine detected items inside the drum when a Cleaning cycle was started. The Cleaning cycle requires an empty drum to work correctly, so the washer interrupts the cycle and displays rL as a prompt to unload the machine. Removing all items from the drum and restarting the cycle will clear the code under normal circumstances.

Yes, the rL code is not a safety hazard or a sign of a mechanical failure. It is simply a functional interrupt telling you the Cleaning cycle cannot proceed with items in the drum. The washer is safe to use for normal laundry cycles, and the Cleaning cycle can be run successfully once the drum is emptied.

In most cases there is no repair cost at all, since rL simply requires removing laundry from the drum before running the Cleaning cycle. If the code persists with a confirmed empty drum and a sensor or control board fault is diagnosed, repair costs can range from roughly $75 to $300 or more depending on the faulty component and whether professional service is needed.

Open the washer door and remove everything from inside the drum, including small items that may be hidden near the door gasket or drum baffles. Once the drum is completely empty, close the door and restart the Cleaning cycle. The rL code should not reappear as long as the drum is empty when the cycle begins.

Resetting the washer may clear the code temporarily, but it will reappear as soon as the Cleaning cycle is started again with items still in the drum. The only reliable way to clear rL is to remove the contents from the drum before running the Cleaning cycle, as the code is triggered by load detection rather than a stored fault.