What tE means on your Kenmore washer (kenmore te error)
A kenmore te error is widely reported as a thermistor (temperature sensor) problem on LG-built Kenmore washers (795/796-prefix). This specific code was not pulled from a single LG primary support page in our research and is presented as a typical/pattern code from consistent repair-reference documentation, not an independently verified LG listing.
Symptoms
The signs below help confirm you are dealing with this condition rather than a different problem on your Kenmore washer. You may notice one of them or several together, and they can appear gradually or suddenly after a power event, a wash or cook cycle, a spill, or recent installation or service.
- The cycle pauses or aborts during a heated wash
- Wash temperatures seem inconsistent
- The display shows tE
- The code appears repeatedly on hot-water cycles
Common causes
Several different problems can produce these symptoms. Working through the most likely causes in order separates a quick owner-level check from a problem that needs trained service and the correct Kenmore parts.
- Failed thermistor — the temperature sensor is reading incorrectly or has failed open/short
Troubleshooting steps you can try
Work through these checks in order before calling for service. Stop wherever you are unsure, or where mains voltage, gas, a hot oven cavity, water, or a sealed component is involved, and hand the rest to a qualified technician.
- Power-cycle the washer at the breaker and attempt a restart.
- Run a cold-water cycle to see whether tE still appears.
- Avoid repeated resets if the code returns immediately.
- Book service for sensor-level diagnosis.
Parts a technician may replace
Depending on what the diagnosis shows, a technician may inspect, test, or replace the thermistor and sensor wiring. The correct part for your Kenmore washer is matched from the model and serial number, and genuine OEM components are fitted through trusted parts suppliers rather than generic substitutes so performance, safety, and the appliance long working life are all protected. Confirming the failed part before ordering avoids replacing more than the problem actually requires.
When to call a technician
tE needs an experienced technician to replace the thermistor on this LG-built Kenmore washer. This condition is rated Medium severity, so there is no emergency — but if the same tE keeps returning after the checks above, a technician should confirm the cause before any part is replaced. As an independent repair service we are not affiliated with the manufacturer, and we work only with experienced, skilled technicians and genuine OEM parts from trusted parts suppliers, with our workmanship backed by a 30-day labor warranty. When you book, have your Kenmore washer model and serial number ready so the right part for your exact build can be matched before the visit and the tE condition resolved in as few trips as possible.
Related help and Kenmore resources
If the tE condition keeps returning after these checks, book Kenmore washer repair, browse our washer error-code guides and step-by-step repair guides, or schedule service in your area on our locations page. See also the related FE overfill problem. For full manufacturer specifications and model lookup, visit kenmore.com.
