Kenmore dryers, like Kenmore washers, are built by different manufacturers depending on the model number prefix — codes are not universal across the brand. For the common 110-series electronic control platform, PF means a power failure interrupted the cycle, E1 and E2 both point to a failed thermistor (temperature sensor), and E3 means a control panel and main board mismatch after a repair.
Check your model prefix first
As with Kenmore washers, the first three digits of the model number determine who actually manufactured your dryer — Whirlpool, LG, and Frigidaire/Electrolux all build Kenmore-branded units, and the on-screen codes differ between them. The codes below are documented specifically for the 110-series electronic control dryers.
| Code | What the documented 110-series list says |
|---|---|
| PF | Power failure — occurred during the cycle; restart it. If frequent, check the power cord and outlet |
| E1 | Thermistor failure — the temperature sensor should read about 10,000 ohms at room temperature |
| E2 | Thermistor failure (same check as E1) |
| E3 | User interface control panel and main electronic control board mismatch |
PF: Power failure
The simplest code on this list — a power failure occurred during the cycle, and restarting it is the documented fix. If this code appears frequently rather than as a one-off, check the power cord and the electrical outlet themselves for a loose connection.
E1 / E2: Thermistor failure
- Unplug the dryer
Always disconnect power before testing any internal component.
- Locate and test the thermistor
It should measure about 10,000 ohms at room temperature with a multimeter — a reading significantly off this figure confirms the sensor itself has failed.
- Replace the thermistor if the reading is off
A documented, relatively straightforward part swap once confirmed.
E3: Control panel and board mismatch
This code specifically appears when a replacement control part does not match — most often seen after a repair where the user interface panel or the main electronic control board was recently replaced with an incorrect part number. Check both part numbers against what the model actually requires; the fix is simply installing the correct matching part.
When to call a technician
Since Kenmore dryer platforms diverge so much between manufacturers, confirm the model prefix before ordering a thermistor, control board, or any other part — the wrong part for your actual platform (Whirlpool vs. LG vs. Frigidaire/Electrolux internals) will not fit or function correctly even though the Kenmore badge looks the same.
