On the covered Kenmore 417 series laundry center washer, E32 -- 3 beeps, 2 beeps means Kenmore's service table lists this code as: unstable water level sensor reading when draining. Look at the house drain and the drain hose for clogs.
Differential
Likely causes of “Kenmore 417 series laundry center washer showing E32 -- 3 beeps, 2 beeps”, and how to tell them apart
- 1
The washer's water level sensor reading is unstable when draining
What separates it The washer drains slowly or not at all and the code shows
How to confirm Look at the house drain and the drain hose for clogs
- 2
A clogged house drain or drain hose
What separates it Water backs up in the standpipe
How to confirm Clear the clog
- 3
A drain pump that is clogged or failed
What separates it The pump hums or is silent
How to confirm Unplug the unit, drain it by hand and check the pump
- 4
A leaking water level sensor air hose
What separates it The washer drains but the code stays
How to confirm Replace the air hose if it leaks
- 5
A failed water level sensor or washer control board
What separates it The air hose is sound
How to confirm Replace the sensor, and then the control board if needed
Before you touch a setting
Record this first — changing settings destroys the evidence
- That the code is E32 and the beep pattern
- Whether the washer drains well
- Whether the air hose looks cracked
- The full model number
Try in this order
0 of 10 completedCorrect only the documented fault domain
ReversibleIf water drains slowly or not at all, check your house's washer drain and the washer's drain hose for clogs. Clear any clogs. Unplug the laundry center, manually drain the washer and check the drain pump for a clog. If the drain path is clear, you'll likely need to replace the drain pump. If the washer drains properly, check the water level sensor air hose for air leaks. Replace the air hose if it leaks. If the hose doesn't leak, replace the water level sensor because it's not detecting the water level in the washer. If the problem continues, replace the washer electronic control board because it isn't detecting water level sensor signals properly. Parts named: drain pump, water level sensor air hose, water level sensor, washer electronic control board.
Check the house drain and the drain hose if the water drains slowly or not at all
ReversibleClear any clogs; then unplug the laundry center, drain the washer manually and check the pump for a clog.
Replace the drain pump if the drain path is clear and it still will not empty
ReversibleThe chart's remedy for a slow or absent drain, before it turns to the level sensor.
If the washer drains properly, check the air hose, then the sensor, then the board
ReversibleReplace a leaking air hose; if it is sound, replace the water level sensor; if the problem continues, replace the washer electronic control board.
Check the house drain and the drain hose
ReversibleIf water drains slowly or not at all, look for clogs in both, and clear any you find.
Unplug and drain the washer by hand
ReversibleDisconnect power, drain the washer manually and check the drain pump for a clog.
Replace the drain pump if the path is clear
ReversibleIf the drain path is clear and the water still does not leave, the pump is likely at fault.
Check the water level sensor air hose
ReversibleIf the washer drains well, look at the small hose from the tub to the sensor for cracks or leaks, and replace it if it leaks.
Replace the water level sensor
ReversibleIf the hose does not leak, the sensor is not detecting the level and is replaced.
Replace the control board last
ReversibleIf the problem continues, the washer electronic control board is not reading the sensor correctly.
Model-specific
What is true of this model and not of its siblings
- The code on this page
- E32, an unstable water level sensor reading when draining.
- Parts involved
- The drain pump, the air hose, the water level sensor and the control board.
- Source
- Sears PartsDirect's table for Kenmore 417 laundry centers.
Stop boundary
When this stops being a self-service repair
- !The ladder ends at the washer electronic control board, a costly part, so quote it before ordering
- !Stop and shut off the laundry center if wastewater is backing up onto the floor
- !If the drain path is clear and the hose is sound, replace the water level sensor and, if needed, the washer control board
- !Unplug the laundry center before checking any part
- !Mop up spills promptly
Evidence ledger
Sources behind this answer
Where the manufacturer's article stops. The drain-first ladder is chart text.
Exact questions
Common questions
What does E32 -- 3 beeps, 2 beeps mean on a Kenmore 417 series laundry center washer?+
Kenmore's service table lists this code as: unstable water level sensor reading when draining.
Why does draining matter for a sensor code?+
The chart starts with the drain because a slow drain makes the reading drift, which looks like a sensor fault.
Is the drain the first thing to check?+
Yes, a clog in the house drain or the hose is the most common cause.
What is the air hose?+
A small tube between the tub and the water level sensor.
Does the beep pattern matter?+
It identifies the code, three beeps and two.