Clothes dryer with its vent duct in a small laundry closet
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Field manual · Washer

Kenmore appliances: identifying the real manufacturer

Covers: All Kenmore and Kenmore Elite appliances (washers, dryers, refrigerators, dishwashers, ranges) whose model number has the 3-digit source prefix before the dot (e.g. 110.xxxxxxxx). Newer Kenmore products sold outside Sears (e.g. some warehouse-club models) may not follow this format.

Cross-checkedBrands: Kenmore0 components

Kenmore never built appliances; Sears had them made by other manufacturers under license. The first three digits of the Kenmore model number (before the dot) identify the source manufacturer. Once you know the OEM, you service the unit with that manufacturer's platform knowledge, codes and parts. The prefix is a strong lead, not a guarantee: some prefixes appear for more than one maker, so confirm with a parts lookup of the full model number before ordering parts.

Safety first

  • Follow the safety rules of the OEM platform manual you map the unit to.

How it works

Find the model/serial tag: on top-load washers usually under the lid or on the rear of the console; on front-loaders and dryers inside the door opening; on refrigerators inside the fresh-food compartment wall or ceiling; on dishwashers on the tub edge or door edge.

Read the model number as PPP.MMMMMMMM: the three-digit PPP is the source (manufacturer) code; the rest identifies the specific model and often the year/color.

Map the prefix with the table in specs, then open the matching OnCall Tech platform manual (see the 'OnCall Tech manual' notes).

Confirm: run the full Kenmore model number through a parts-diagram lookup; the parts list will show the OEM part numbers (e.g. Whirlpool W-, LG/Samsung part formats).

Codes: Kenmore units built by LG, Samsung, Whirlpool or Electrolux generally show the same fault codes as the OEM's equivalent platform, but the console and button names can differ, so check the tech sheet before using an OEM service-mode sequence.

Components & tests

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OnCall Tech is a reference tool for trained technicians and can make mistakes. Always disconnect power and confirm with the manufacturer's documentation before you work. © 2026 OnCall Tech. Original content; not a reproduction of any manufacturer document.Generic part photos (not of this brand): Clothes dryer with its vent duct in a small laundry closet by Introspectivedsgn, Pexels License

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Kenmore appliances: identifying the real manufacturer · OnCall Tech