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Kenmore Error Codes

Expert reference guide covering all Kenmore appliance diagnostic codes with comprehensive troubleshooting procedures and professional repair guidance

Quickly identify problems with your Kenmore appliances and learn the correct response procedures

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Kenmore Appliance Models

Kenmore is one of America's most trusted appliance brands, offering a comprehensive range of home appliances including washing machines, dryers, refrigerators, and dishwashers. Kenmore appliances are known for their reliability, durability, and innovative features. The brand has been serving American households for over 100 years, providing quality appliances designed for the US market. These diagnostic codes are applicable to the majority of Kenmore appliance models sold in the United States. Error indicators typically manifest as error codes displayed on the appliance control panel, LED status lights, or digital displays, providing comprehensive diagnostic information for homeowners and service technicians.

How to Read Error Codes

• Check appliance control panel for error code display
• Review LED status indicators on appliance
• Look for error messages on digital displays
• Note error code format (e.g., F01, F02, Er FS, 1-1)
• Consult Kenmore owner's manual for your specific model
• Error codes vary by appliance type

Kenmore Product Categories

• Washing Machines - Front load and top load models
• Dryers - Electric and gas models
• Refrigerators - French door, side-by-side, top freezer
• Dishwashers - Built-in and portable models
• Ranges & Ovens - Gas and electric models
• Microwaves - Countertop and over-the-range

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Understanding Diagnostic Codes

Kenmore appliances incorporate sophisticated diagnostic capabilities that automatically detect operational issues. When a problem is identified, the system communicates through error codes displayed on the appliance control panel, LED status indicators, and digital displays. This intelligent diagnostic framework enables rapid problem identification and helps determine the appropriate response. All Kenmore appliance series utilize continuous performance monitoring with real-time error detection. Error codes may vary slightly depending on model and firmware version. Always reference your specific model's owner's manual for precise code definitions and consult with a certified Kenmore service technician for professional diagnosis and repair.

Washer Error Codes

Diagnostic codes for Kenmore washing machines.

Code	Meaning	Possible Causes	Solutions
F01	EEPROM Error - Error on main control board EEPROM memory	•EEPROM memory fault •Control board corruption •Memory read/write failure •Internal memory error	Unplug washer for 5 minutes and restart If error persists, contact Kenmore service technician Control board may need replacement Professional diagnosis required
LF	Long Fill - Washer taking too long to fill with water	•Low water pressure •Clogged water inlet filter •Faulty water inlet valve •Kinked water supply hose •Water supply valve partially closed	Check water supply valves are fully open Inspect water supply hoses for kinks or damage Clean water inlet filter screens Check water pressure (minimum 20 PSI required) Test water inlet valve operation If error persists, contact Kenmore service
Ld / F02 / F21	Long Drain - Washer taking too long to drain water	•Clogged drain hose •Drain pump obstruction •Kinked drain hose •Drain pump failure •Drain filter blockage	Check drain hose for kinks or clogs Clean drain filter if accessible Inspect drain pump for obstructions Verify drain hose height (maximum 96 inches) Test drain pump operation If error persists, contact Kenmore service
uL	Unbalanced Load - Unbalanced load detected, washer attempting recovery routine	•Unevenly distributed laundry •Heavy items on one side •Small load in large capacity washer •Washer not level	Redistribute laundry evenly in drum Add more items to balance load if load is too small Check that washer is level (adjust leveling feet) Restart cycle If problem persists, check suspension system
oL	Overload - Washer is overloaded	•Too much laundry in drum •Exceeding maximum load capacity •Heavy items exceeding weight limit	Remove some items from washer Check load capacity for your model Redistribute load if possible Restart with appropriate load size
Sd	Sud Error - Too much suds residue in machine	•Excessive detergent use •Wrong type of detergent •Detergent buildup •Hard water conditions	Run rinse cycle to remove excess suds Use less detergent (follow manufacturer guidelines) Use HE (High Efficiency) detergent for HE washers Run cleaning cycle with washer cleaner Reduce detergent amount for future loads
lid	Lid Open - Lid is not closed when START button is pressed	•Lid not fully closed •Faulty lid switch •Lid switch wiring issue •Obstruction preventing lid closure	Ensure lid is fully closed Check for obstructions preventing lid closure Test lid switch operation If lid switch is faulty, contact Kenmore service
dL	Door Lock Error - Door lock is not functioning	•Faulty door lock mechanism •Door lock wiring issue •Control board communication error •Lock actuator failure	Unplug washer for 5 minutes and restart Check door lock mechanism visually If error persists, contact Kenmore service technician Door lock may need replacement
dU / F29	Door Unlock Error - Door lock cannot be unlocked	•Door lock mechanism stuck •Control board error •Lock actuator failure •Power interruption during cycle	Unplug washer for 5 minutes to reset If door remains locked, contact Kenmore service immediately Do not force door open Emergency unlock may be required by technician
FL / F27	High Water Level - Water level too high in washer	•Faulty water level sensor •Clogged drain •Water inlet valve stuck open •Control board error	Stop cycle and drain water manually if possible Check drain for clogs Inspect water level sensor If error persists, contact Kenmore service
Er	Power Failure - Power outage during wash cycle, cycle information not saved	•Power interruption •Circuit breaker tripped •Power surge •Electrical connection issue	Restart cycle after power is restored Check circuit breaker Verify electrical connection If problem persists, contact electrician
CE	Communication Error - Communication error between machine control and motor control	•Wiring harness issue •Control board communication failure •Motor control board error •Loose connections	Unplug washer for 5 minutes and restart Check wiring connections If error persists, contact Kenmore service technician Control board or motor control may need replacement
CA / Cl	Overload Warning - Possible washer overload condition	•Excessive load weight •Heavy items in load •Load distribution issue	Remove some items from washer Redistribute load evenly Check load capacity for your model Restart with appropriate load size
Or	Operating Error - Washer operating error	•General system error •Control board malfunction •Sensor failure •Component failure	Unplug washer for 5 minutes and restart If error persists, contact Kenmore service Professional diagnosis required
LS / F26	Lid Switch Error - Problem with lid or door switch	•Faulty lid switch •Lid switch wiring issue •Switch not making contact •Control board error	Check lid switch operation Ensure lid closes completely Test lid switch continuity If switch is faulty, contact Kenmore service
DE / F22	Door Error - Error in door locking mechanism	•Door lock mechanism failure •Lock actuator problem •Control board communication error •Mechanical obstruction	Unplug washer for 5 minutes and restart Check door lock mechanism If error persists, contact Kenmore service Door lock may need replacement
LE	Locked Error - Washer is locked and cannot be operated	•Door lock stuck •Control board error •Safety interlock failure •Power interruption during lock cycle	Unplug washer for 5 minutes to reset If door remains locked, contact Kenmore service immediately Do not attempt to force door open Emergency service may be required

Dryer Error Codes

Diagnostic codes for Kenmore dryers.

Code	Meaning	Possible Causes	Solutions
PF	Power Failure - Power outage during cycle	•Power interruption •Circuit breaker tripped •Power surge •Electrical connection issue	Restart cycle after power is restored Check circuit breaker Verify electrical connection If problem persists, contact electrician
F01	Main Control Board Error - Error in main control board	•Control board malfunction •EEPROM error •Memory corruption •Internal board failure	Unplug dryer for 5 minutes and restart If error persists, contact Kenmore service technician Control board may need replacement Professional diagnosis required
F02	User Interface Error - Error in control panel or user interface	•Control panel malfunction •Touchpad failure •Display error •Interface communication error	Unplug dryer for 5 minutes and restart Check control panel connections If error persists, contact Kenmore service Control panel may need replacement
F20	Heating Relay Error - Error in heating relay	•Faulty heating relay •Relay stuck closed or open •Relay control circuit error •High voltage issue	Unplug dryer for 5 minutes and restart If error persists, contact Kenmore service technician Heating relay may need replacement Professional diagnosis required
F22 / F23	Exhaust Thermistor Error - Error in exhaust thermistor sensor	•Faulty exhaust thermistor •Thermistor wiring issue •Sensor out of range •Open or short circuit	Check exhaust thermistor connections Test thermistor resistance If error persists, contact Kenmore service Thermistor may need replacement
F24 / F25	Inlet Thermistor Error - Error in inlet thermistor sensor	•Faulty inlet thermistor •Thermistor wiring issue •Sensor out of range •Open or short circuit	Check inlet thermistor connections Test thermistor resistance If error persists, contact Kenmore service Thermistor may need replacement
F28 / F29	Moisture Sensor Error - Error in moisture sensor	•Faulty moisture sensor •Sensor wiring issue •Sensor contamination •Sensor calibration error	Clean moisture sensor bars Check sensor connections If error persists, contact Kenmore service Moisture sensor may need replacement
F30	Restricted Airflow - Restricted airflow detected	•Clogged lint filter •Blocked exhaust vent •Vent hose kinked or crushed •Excessive lint buildup •Vent cap obstruction	Clean lint filter Inspect and clean exhaust vent Check vent hose for kinks or damage Remove lint buildup from vent system Verify vent cap is not obstructed If error persists, contact Kenmore service
F31	Low L2 Voltage - Low voltage on L2 line	•Electrical supply issue •Voltage drop •Wiring problem •Circuit overload	Check electrical supply voltage Verify proper electrical connection Contact electrician if voltage is low If error persists, contact Kenmore service
F70 / F71	Communication Error - No communication between control board and user interface	•Wiring harness issue •Control board communication failure •Interface board error •Loose connections	Unplug dryer for 5 minutes and restart Check wiring connections between boards If error persists, contact Kenmore service technician Control board or interface may need replacement
F72 - F78	User Interface Control Assembly Error - Error in user interface control assembly	•Interface board malfunction •Touchpad failure •Display error •Control assembly failure	Unplug dryer for 5 minutes and restart If error persists, contact Kenmore service User interface control assembly may need replacement Professional diagnosis required

Refrigerator Error Codes

Diagnostic codes for Kenmore refrigerators.

Code	Meaning	Possible Causes	Solutions
Er FS	Freezer Sensor Error - Error in freezer temperature sensor	•Faulty freezer sensor •Sensor wiring issue •Sensor out of range •Open or short circuit	Check freezer sensor connections Test sensor resistance If error persists, contact Kenmore service Freezer sensor may need replacement
Er rS	Refrigerator Sensor Error - Error in refrigerator temperature sensor	•Faulty refrigerator sensor •Sensor wiring issue •Sensor out of range •Open or short circuit	Check refrigerator sensor connections Test sensor resistance If error persists, contact Kenmore service Refrigerator sensor may need replacement
F dS	Freezer Defrost Sensor Error - Error in freezer defrost sensor	•Faulty defrost sensor •Sensor wiring issue •Sensor calibration error •Defrost system malfunction	Check defrost sensor connections Test defrost system operation If error persists, contact Kenmore service Defrost sensor may need replacement
r dS	Refrigerator Defrost Sensor Error - Error in refrigerator defrost sensor	•Faulty defrost sensor •Sensor wiring issue •Sensor calibration error •Defrost system malfunction	Check defrost sensor connections Test defrost system operation If error persists, contact Kenmore service Defrost sensor may need replacement
Er HS	Humidity Sensor Error - Error in humidity sensor	•Faulty humidity sensor •Sensor wiring issue •Sensor contamination •Sensor calibration error	Check humidity sensor connections Clean sensor if accessible If error persists, contact Kenmore service Humidity sensor may need replacement
Er IS	Ice Maker Sensor Error - Error in ice maker sensor	•Faulty ice maker sensor •Sensor wiring issue •Sensor out of range •Ice maker malfunction	Check ice maker sensor connections Test ice maker operation If error persists, contact Kenmore service Ice maker sensor may need replacement
Er SS	Pantry Sensor Error - Error in pantry drawer sensor	•Faulty pantry sensor •Sensor wiring issue •Sensor out of range •Pantry drawer malfunction	Check pantry sensor connections Test pantry drawer operation If error persists, contact Kenmore service Pantry sensor may need replacement
Er rt	Room Temperature Sensor Error - Error in room temperature sensor	•Faulty room temperature sensor •Sensor wiring issue •Sensor out of range •Ambient temperature reading error	Check room temperature sensor connections Verify sensor location is not blocked If error persists, contact Kenmore service Room temperature sensor may need replacement
Er It	Ice Maker System Error - System error in ice maker	•Ice maker control failure •Ice maker mechanism error •Water supply issue •Ice maker communication error	Check ice maker water supply Test ice maker operation If error persists, contact Kenmore service Ice maker may need replacement
Er gF	Flow Meter Error - Error in water flow meter	•Faulty flow meter •Flow meter wiring issue •Water flow restriction •Flow meter calibration error	Check water supply and filter Inspect flow meter connections If error persists, contact Kenmore service Flow meter may need replacement
F dH	Defrost Heater Error - Sensor did not reach above 40°F during defrost	•Defrost heater failure •Defrost system malfunction •Excessive frost buildup •Defrost timer error	Check defrost heater operation Inspect for excessive frost buildup Test defrost system If error persists, contact Kenmore service Defrost heater may need replacement
Er IF	Ice Compartment Fan Error - Error in ice compartment fan	•Faulty ice compartment fan •Fan motor failure •Fan obstruction •Fan wiring issue	Check for fan obstructions Test fan operation If error persists, contact Kenmore service Ice compartment fan may need replacement
Er FF	Evaporator Fan Error - Error in evaporator fan	•Faulty evaporator fan •Fan motor failure •Fan obstruction •Fan wiring issue	Check for fan obstructions Test evaporator fan operation If error persists, contact Kenmore service Evaporator fan may need replacement
Er CF	Condenser Fan Error - Defective condenser fan motor	•Faulty condenser fan motor •Fan motor failure •Fan obstruction •Fan wiring issue	Check for fan obstructions Clean condenser coils Test condenser fan operation If error persists, contact Kenmore service Condenser fan motor may need replacement
Er CO	Communication Error - Communication error between components	•Wiring harness issue •Control board communication failure •Component communication error •Loose connections	Unplug refrigerator for 5 minutes and restart Check wiring connections If error persists, contact Kenmore service technician Control board may need replacement

Dishwasher Error Codes

Diagnostic codes for Kenmore dishwashers.

Code	Meaning	Possible Causes	Solutions
1-1 / F1E1	Relay Stuck - Relay stuck on electronic control board	•Stuck relay on control board •Relay failure •Control board malfunction •Electrical issue	Unplug dishwasher for 5 minutes and restart If error persists, contact Kenmore service technician Control board may need replacement Professional diagnosis required
1-2 / F1E2	Memory Error - Damaged or corrupted memory on control board	•EEPROM memory fault •Memory corruption •Control board memory error •Data storage failure	Unplug dishwasher for 5 minutes and restart If error persists, contact Kenmore service technician Control board may need replacement Professional diagnosis required
2-1 / F2E1	Stuck Key - Stuck key on user interface	•Stuck button on control panel •Button mechanism failure •Control panel malfunction •Physical obstruction	Check for stuck buttons on control panel Clean control panel If error persists, contact Kenmore service Control panel may need replacement
2-2 / F2E2	Interface Communication Error - User interface cannot communicate with electronic control board	•Wiring harness issue •Control board communication failure •Interface board error •Loose connections	Unplug dishwasher for 5 minutes and restart Check wiring connections between boards If error persists, contact Kenmore service technician Control board or interface may need replacement
3-1 / F3E1	Thermistor/OWI Sensor Error - Error in thermistor or OWI sensor	•Faulty thermistor •Sensor wiring issue •Sensor out of range •Open or short circuit	Check thermistor connections Test sensor resistance If error persists, contact Kenmore service Thermistor may need replacement
3-2 / F3E2	Thermistor/OWI Short Circuit - Short circuit in thermistor or OWI sensor	•Short circuit in sensor wiring •Damaged sensor •Wiring harness issue •Control board error	Check sensor wiring for shorts Test sensor continuity If error persists, contact Kenmore service Sensor or wiring may need replacement
3-3 / F3E3	OWI Calibration Error - OWI could not be calibrated or dirty water backflow	•OWI sensor calibration failure •Dirty water backflow •Sensor contamination •Water quality issue	Clean dishwasher interior and filters Run cleaning cycle Check water quality If error persists, contact Kenmore service OWI sensor may need replacement
4-1 / F4E1	Circulation Pump Communication Error - Communication error between control board and circulation pump motor	•Wiring harness issue •Pump motor communication failure •Control board error •Loose connections	Check circulation pump connections Test pump motor operation If error persists, contact Kenmore service Circulation pump may need replacement
4-2 / F4E2	Circulation Pump Communication Error - Communication error between control board and circulation pump motor	•Wiring harness issue •Pump motor communication failure •Control board error •Loose connections	Check circulation pump connections Test pump motor operation If error persists, contact Kenmore service Circulation pump may need replacement
5-1 / F5E1	Door Switch Error - Error in door switch	•Faulty door switch •Door switch wiring issue •Switch not making contact •Control board error	Check door switch operation Ensure door closes completely Test door switch continuity If switch is faulty, contact Kenmore service
5-2 / F5E2	Door Not Opening - Control detects that door is not opening	•Door mechanism failure •Door latch problem •Control board error •Mechanical obstruction	Check door mechanism Inspect door latch If error persists, contact Kenmore service Door mechanism may need repair
6-1 / F6E1	No Water Fill - No water entering dishwasher	•Water supply valve closed •Clogged water inlet •Faulty water inlet valve •Low water pressure •Kinked water supply hose	Check water supply valve is open Inspect water supply hose for kinks Check water inlet filter Test water inlet valve Verify water pressure (minimum 20 PSI) If error persists, contact Kenmore service
6-2 / F6E2	Water Inlet Valve Error - Error in water inlet valve	•Faulty water inlet valve •Valve wiring issue •Valve stuck closed •Control board error	Check water inlet valve connections Test valve operation If error persists, contact Kenmore service Water inlet valve may need replacement
6-3 / F6E3	Foam or Air in Water Pump - Foam or air in water pump	•Excessive detergent •Wrong type of detergent •Air in water line •Pump priming issue	Use less detergent Use proper dishwasher detergent Run cycle to clear air If error persists, contact Kenmore service
6-4 / F6E4	Float Switch Open - Float switch is open	•High water level •Faulty float switch •Float switch obstruction •Water not draining	Check for high water level Inspect float switch Check drain for clogs If error persists, contact Kenmore service
6-6 / F6E6	Incoming Water Too Cold - Incoming water is too cold	•Cold water supply •Water heater not working •Low water temperature •Temperature sensor reading	Check water heater temperature Run hot water at sink before starting cycle Verify water temperature is adequate If error persists, contact Kenmore service
6-7 / F6E7	Flow Meter Disconnected or Damaged - Flow meter is disconnected or damaged	•Flow meter wiring disconnected •Damaged flow meter •Flow meter failure •Wiring harness issue	Check flow meter connections Inspect flow meter for damage If error persists, contact Kenmore service Flow meter may need replacement
6-8 / F6E8	Water Softener Regeneration Valve Problem - Problem with water softener regeneration valve (water softener models only)	•Water softener valve malfunction •Valve wiring issue •Regeneration cycle error •Water softener system error	Check water softener valve connections Test regeneration cycle If error persists, contact Kenmore service Water softener valve may need replacement
7-1 / F7E1	Heating Element Not Working - Heating element is not working	•Faulty heating element •Heating element wiring issue •Open circuit in element •Control board error	Check heating element connections Test heating element continuity If error persists, contact Kenmore service Heating element may need replacement
7-2 / F7E2	Heating Element Not Shutting Off - Heating element is not shutting off	•Heating element relay stuck •Control board error •Temperature sensor failure •Safety system malfunction	Unplug dishwasher immediately Contact Kenmore service immediately This is a safety issue requiring immediate attention Do not use dishwasher until repaired
8-1 / F8E1	Slow Drain - Slow draining	•Clogged drain •Drain pump obstruction •Drain hose kinked •Drain filter blockage	Check drain for clogs Clean drain filter Inspect drain hose for kinks Test drain pump operation If error persists, contact Kenmore service
8-2 / F8E2	Drain Pump Electrical Error - Electrical problem with drain pump	•Faulty drain pump motor •Pump wiring issue •Pump motor failure •Control board error	Check drain pump connections Test drain pump operation If error persists, contact Kenmore service Drain pump may need replacement
9-1 / F9E1	Diverter Position Error - Control board cannot detect diverter position	•Diverter mechanism failure •Diverter position sensor error •Mechanical obstruction •Control board error	Check diverter mechanism Test diverter operation If error persists, contact Kenmore service Diverter may need replacement
9-2 / F9E2	Diverter Motor Stuck - Diverter motor is stuck	•Diverter motor failure •Mechanical obstruction •Motor wiring issue •Control board error	Check for obstructions in diverter Test diverter motor operation If error persists, contact Kenmore service Diverter motor may need replacement
10-1 / FAE1	Detergent Dispenser Error - Error in detergent dispenser	•Detergent dispenser mechanism failure •Dispenser motor error •Dispenser obstruction •Control board error	Check detergent dispenser Remove any obstructions Test dispenser operation If error persists, contact Kenmore service Detergent dispenser may need replacement
10-2 / FAE2	Vent Wax Motor Electrical Error - Electrical problem with vent wax motor	•Faulty vent wax motor •Motor wiring issue •Motor failure •Control board error	Check vent wax motor connections Test motor operation If error persists, contact Kenmore service Vent wax motor may need replacement
10-3 / FAE3	Drying Fan Error - Error in drying fan	•Faulty drying fan •Fan motor failure •Fan obstruction •Fan wiring issue	Check for fan obstructions Test drying fan operation If error persists, contact Kenmore service Drying fan may need replacement

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Critical Safety Notice

Do not attempt DIY repairs on your Kenmore appliances without proper knowledge and safety precautions. Many diagnostic codes relate to electrical systems, water systems, or critical safety features. Specific codes requiring immediate professional intervention include: F7E2 (Heating Element Not Shutting Off), F20 (Heating Relay Error), and any codes related to electrical or water system failures. Upon encountering these codes, immediately shut down the appliance if safe to do so and contact a certified Kenmore service technician without delay.

Professional service is recommended for most repairs—contact a licensed appliance repair technician or reach out to Kenmore customer service for expert assistance.

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Maintenance Guidelines

Scheduled Service Requirements

✓Professional inspection and service annually by certified technician
✓Monthly visual inspection of appliances for damage or wear
✓Clean appliance filters and components as recommended
✓Monitor appliance performance and operation
✓Check for error codes and status messages regularly
✓Follow manufacturer's maintenance schedule

Proactive Maintenance Strategies

✓Keep appliances clean to maximize efficiency and lifespan
✓Use proper detergents and cleaning products
✓Inspect hoses and connections for damage or leaks
✓Monitor performance trends for early problem detection
✓Ensure adequate ventilation around appliances
✓Review system alerts and error codes promptly
✓Replace filters and consumables as recommended

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Frequently Asked Questions

What does error code F01 mean on my Kenmore washer?

F01 indicates an EEPROM error on the main control board. Try unplugging the washer for 5 minutes and restarting. If the error persists, contact a Kenmore service technician as the control board may need replacement.

What should I do if I see error code LF (Long Fill) on my washer?

LF indicates the washer is taking too long to fill. Check that water supply valves are fully open, inspect water supply hoses for kinks, clean water inlet filter screens, and verify water pressure (minimum 20 PSI required). If the error persists, contact Kenmore service.

What does error code F20 mean on my Kenmore dryer?

F20 indicates a heating relay error. Unplug the dryer for 5 minutes and restart. If the error persists, contact a Kenmore service technician as the heating relay may need replacement.

What should I do if my refrigerator shows error code Er FS?

Er FS indicates a freezer sensor error. Check freezer sensor connections and test sensor resistance. If the error persists, contact Kenmore service as the freezer sensor may need replacement.

What does error code 7-2 / F7E2 mean on my dishwasher?

F7E2 indicates the heating element is not shutting off. This is a serious safety issue. Unplug the dishwasher immediately and contact Kenmore service immediately. Do not use the dishwasher until it is repaired.

How do I check error codes on my Kenmore appliance?

Error codes can be viewed on the appliance control panel, through LED status indicators, or on digital displays. Check the control panel for error messages, observe LED status lights, and consult your owner's manual for your specific model's error code format.

Can I reset error codes by unplugging my appliance?

Some error codes (like F01, F02, communication errors) may be resolved by unplugging the appliance for 5 minutes and restarting, but many codes indicate conditions that require professional diagnosis. Safety-related codes (heating element issues, electrical faults) should never be reset without professional inspection. Always follow the recommended solutions for each specific error code and contact a certified technician if the error persists.