If a Kenmore 796 washer will not turn on, Kenmore's table gives three causes and fixes: the power cord is not properly plugged in (plug it securely into a grounded 3-prong, 120-volt, 60-hertz outlet), a house fuse is blown, a breaker tripped or there was a power outage (reset the breaker or replace the fuse and do not increase the fuse capacity; a circuit overload needs a qualified electrician), and a breaker tripped because multiple appliances are on one outlet (call an electrician to install an additional circuit). If power was interrupted during a cycle the PF code shows the next time the washer is turned on; select any cycle to clear it. A Control error is cleared by unplugging the washer, waiting 60 seconds and reconnecting.
Differential
Likely causes of “Kenmore 796-series front-load washer has no power or a blank control panel”, and how to tell them apart
- 1
A loose plug
What separates it There is no display because the plug is loose
How to confirm Plug securely into a grounded 120 V outlet
- 2
A blown fuse, tripped breaker or outage
What separates it The outlet is dead because of a blown fuse, a tripped breaker or an outage
How to confirm Reset the breaker or replace the fuse, and try again
- 3
Too many appliances on one outlet
What separates it The breaker trips because too many appliances are on one outlet
How to confirm Have an electrician add a circuit, for the washer
- 4
A control error
What separates it A control error code shows because of a control error
How to confirm Unplug for 60 seconds and reconnect, then try again
- 5
Top-loader (796.3143): the control panel powered off from inactivity
What separates it The display is dark although the washer is plugged in and worked earlier
How to confirm Press the POWER button to turn the washer back on; this is normal after a period of inactivity
- 6
Top-loader (796.3143): the washer was exposed to freezing temperatures
What separates it The display will not come on in a cold basement or garage
How to confirm Let the washer warm up before pressing POWER, because Kenmore says otherwise the display will not come on
Before you touch a setting
Record this first — changing settings destroys the evidence
- Whether the display lights up at all
- Whether the outlet works for other appliances
- Whether PF or a control error shows
Try in this order
0 of 7 completedCheck the plug
ReversibleCheck the plug, which needs a grounded 3 prong, 120 VAC, 60 Hz outlet, and then test again to see whether it helped.
Check the breaker or fuse
ReversibleCheck the breaker or fuse, and reset it, and do not increase the fuse capacity.
Check the circuit
ReversibleCheck the circuit, since one appliance per outlet is needed, so add a circuit if it is shared.
Clear PF
ReversibleClear PF, by selecting any cycle after a power failure, and then test again to see whether it helped.
Reset a control error
ReversibleReset a control error, by unplugging the washer, waiting 60 seconds and reconnecting, and then test again to see whether it helped.
Check the outlet and breaker
ReversibleThe washer needs a grounded, 3-prong, 120-volt, 60-hertz outlet on its own circuit. Make sure the plug is fully seated, reset the breaker or replace a blown fuse, and do not increase the fuse size.
Reset the control
ReversibleIf the washer is powered but will not start, press POWER, choose the cycle again, close the lid and press START/PAUSE. Kenmore says the washer resumes the cycle where it stopped if power was lost mid-cycle.
Model-specific
What is true of this model and not of its siblings
- Warranty on the drive motor
- Kenmore Elite's warranty gives one year on the appliance and, for as long as it is used, a free replacement for a defective washer drive motor; if the defect appears after the first year the motor is supplied but not installed, so you pay for labor. Defects must be verified by a Sears authorized service technician. A washer that will not start because of a motor error is therefore worth checking against the warranty.
- Motor error
- The LE motor error means a motor error has occurred. Kenmore's remedy is to allow the washer to stand for 30 minutes and then restart the cycle; if the LE error code persists, call for service. It is the one code where waiting, not unplugging, is the first step, so a dead-looking washer that shows LE should be left alone for half an hour.
- Startup conditions
- Kenmore lists these checks for a 796.3143 that will not operate: plug and outlet, water supply faucets fully on, lid closed, controls set properly, and a control that needs resetting. If START/PAUSE is not pressed within four minutes after selecting a cycle, the control shuts off and the settings are lost.
- Parts for this problem on the FRONT (RepairClinic, 2026-09-21)
- door lock assembly, part number EBF61315802, at $135.40.
- Other models this page answers
- These steps also fit the 796-series top-load washer.
Stop boundary
When this stops being a self-service repair
- !If the error reappears after the reset, call Kenmore Customer Care on 1-844-553-6667
Evidence ledger
Sources behind this answer
Kenmore's own manual for the 796 top-loader.
LG's own list for the maker of the 796 platform: IE inlet, OE drain, dE door, UE unbalance, LE motor rotation and PF power failure to confirm the display letters the Kenmore guide's scan could not show.
LG's own top-load list, which carries the same IE, OE, UE, dE, LE and PF letters used by the 796.3143 top-loader.
Kenmore's own manual lookup, where the model number identifies the original platform.
Parts and list prices as shown on RepairClinic's parts search for this model number on 2026-09-21.
Exact questions
Common questions
Why won't my Kenmore Elite turn on?+
The plug, the breaker or fuse, a shared circuit or a control error.
What outlet does it need?+
A grounded 3-prong, 120-volt, 60-hertz outlet.
How do I clear a control error?+
Unplug for 60 seconds and reconnect; call for service if it returns.
Will the top-loader resume after a power cut?+
Yes, it resumes the cycle where it stopped when power returns.
Why is the display dark?+
The panel powers off after inactivity; press POWER.