Kenmore
Sears house brand; built by outside makers (Whirlpool, Electrolux/Frigidaire, LG, Samsung, GE, Panasonic and others)
5 field manuals · 0 error codes · 5 guides
Kenmore refrigerators
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Kenmore washers
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Guide · WasherWhirlpool/Maytag VMW top-load: F7E5 / shifter or drive fault
The control did not see the shifter or basket move as expected. Check mechanics and wiring first; the shifter (with its internal position sensor) is the most common replacement.
Guide · WasherClassic Whirlpool/Kenmore direct-drive: agitates but won't spin
Check the lid switch first, then watch the clutch drum in spin to split the problem between the coupler/gearcase and the clutch/drive block.
Guide · WasherTop-load not agitating (fills and drains OK)
On older Whirlpool/Kenmore direct-drive top-loads, fill-and-drain-OK but no agitate/spin is the classic broken motor coupler. On newer models, look at the shift actuator/clutch, lid lock and motor.
Kenmore dryers
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Kenmore trash compactors
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Identify a Kenmore
Where's the rating plate?
- all: Usually the same spot the real maker uses for the same appliance type.
Reading the model number
Kenmore model numbers look like 3 digits, a dot, then more digits (e.g. 110.xxxxxxxx). The 3-digit prefix (Sears 'source code') identifies the real manufacturer; decode the serial with THAT maker's rule. Whirlpool-made prefixes reported: 106, 110, 665, 880 (106 confirmed by two sources). Frigidaire-made washers: 417 (one source).
Manufacture date from the serial number
Cross-checkedNo single Kenmore rule. Find the maker from the model prefix, then use that maker's serial rule (e.g. Whirlpool-made: character 2 = year, 3-4 = week; Frigidaire-made: character 3 = year digit, 4-5 = week).
EXAMPLE ONLY: model 106.xxxxxxx -> Whirlpool-made -> use Whirlpool serial rule.
Full prefix-to-maker chart was only available as an image; only the prefixes above were found in text.
Product lines by era
| Line / series | Appliance | Years | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kenmore washers (first) | Washer | 1927– | First Kenmore washing machine in 1927. |
| Kenmore refrigerators/freezers/AC/dehumidifiers | Refrigerator | 1976– | Name extended to refrigerators, freezers, air conditioners and dehumidifiers in 1976. |
| Elite | Refrigerator | not sourced | Kenmore's upscale line across several appliance types; built by different OEMs depending on product and year. |
| Kenmore Pro | Range / Oven | not sourced | Professional-style Kenmore line. |
| Kenmore built by Whirlpool (106) | Refrigerator | decades (end not sourced) | Model pattern: 106.*. Prefix 106 is Whirlpool; one guide ties it to refrigeration. |
| Kenmore built by Whirlpool (665) | Dishwasher | decades (end not sourced) | Model pattern: 665.*. Prefix 665 is Whirlpool; guides tie it to dishwashers. |
| Kenmore built by Whirlpool (880) | not sourced | Model pattern: 880.*. Listed by Wikipedia among Whirlpool-built Kenmore prefixes. | |
| Kenmore built by Frigidaire/Gibson (253) | Refrigerator | not sourced | Model pattern: 253.*. Prefix 253 = Frigidaire family (one chart says Gibson); refrigeration and room AC. |
| Kenmore built by Frigidaire/Kelvinator (417) | Washer | not sourced | Model pattern: 417.*. Charts disagree: Frigidaire laundry vs Kelvinator; another lists Electrolux as 336. |
| Kenmore built by LG (796) | Washer | not sourced | Model pattern: 796.*. One guide assigns 796 to LG laundry; another lists LG as 795/721. |
| Kenmore built by LG (795) | Refrigerator | not sourced | Model pattern: 795.*. LG-built Kenmore prefix per one chart. |
| Kenmore built by Samsung (401) | not sourced | Model pattern: 401.*. Listed as Samsung in one chart; not corroborated. | |
| Kenmore TVs | TV | 2016– | Kenmore expanded into televisions in 2016. |
Official Kenmore manuals & support
Brand names identify appliances only. OnCall Tech is not affiliated with or endorsed by Kenmore.