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Kenmore Washer LE Error Code (796-Prefix LG-Built, Motor Locked)

LE on 796-prefix LG-built Kenmore washers means the drive motor has been commanded to turn and has not. The published causes run from a drum simply packed too tight, through a restriction in the drive system, to the hall sensor…

What LE (796 / LG-built) Means

LE on 796-prefix LG-built Kenmore washers means the drive motor has been commanded to turn and has not. The published causes run from a drum simply packed too tight, through a restriction in the drive system, to the hall sensor that reports rotation.

Common Causes of LE (796 / LG-built)

  • A drum loaded past the point where the motor can start it
  • A hall sensor or its wiring no longer reporting rotation
  • A drive system restriction, including a seized bearing

🔧 One Safe Check You Can Try

If the drum is heavily loaded, take out about a third and try again — an overpacked drum is listed first for a reason and costs nothing to rule out.

⚠ Why You Shouldn't Go Further Than That

  • Motor and hall sensor connections carry mains voltage; the machine is isolated at the breaker before they are touched.
  • Repeated start attempts against a genuinely locked motor are what cook the windings.
  • A grinding noise alongside LE points at bearings, which is a very different job from a sensor.

Opening a panel to inspect or repair something yourself doesn't automatically cancel your manufacturer's warranty — but it can risk accidental damage, and some manufacturers do have specific service conditions. Check your product's warranty terms, or ask us, before deciding.

Other Washer Error Codes

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FAQ

LE (796 / LG-built) FAQ

It tells the control how fast the rotor is turning; without that report the machine treats the motor as stalled.

Not always. On an overloaded drum it is a loading message; on an empty one it is a genuine drive fault.

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