On the covered Kenmore 417 series laundry center washer, EC6 -- 12 beeps, 6 beeps means Kenmore's service table lists this code as: washer mode actuator failure. Unplug the laundry center before you look at the actuator, and have the model and serial number ready for service.
Differential
Likely causes of “Kenmore 417 series laundry center washer showing EC6 -- 12 beeps, 6 beeps”, and how to tell them apart
- 1
The washer mode actuator has failed
What separates it The laundry center does not switch between washing and drying
How to confirm Unplug and look at the actuator for damage
- 2
A damaged actuator
What separates it The plastic parts of the actuator are cracked
How to confirm Replace the actuator
- 3
A broken harness or loose connections
What separates it The wires to the actuator are loose
How to confirm Check the harness
- 4
An actuator out of range
What separates it It does not read between 2,800 and 3,100 ohms
How to confirm Measure with a multimeter
- 5
A control board that cannot read a good actuator
What separates it Actuator resistance is fine
How to confirm Replace the board
Before you touch a setting
Record this first — changing settings destroys the evidence
- That the code is EC6 and the beeps
- What the laundry center was doing
- Whether the actuator looks damaged
- The full model number
Try in this order
0 of 10 completedCorrect only the documented fault domain
ReversibleUnplug the laundry center and replace the washer mode actuator if damaged. If you see no damage, check the wire harness connections between the mode actuator and the washer electronic control board. or replace the wire harness if damaged. If you find no wiring problems, check the resistance of the washer mode actuator using a multimeter. You should measure between 2,800 and 3,100 ohms. Replace the washer mode actuator if resistance is out of that range. Replace the washer electronic control board if mode actuator resistance is okay. Parts named: wire harness, washer mode actuator, washer electronic control board.
Unplug the laundry center and inspect the washer mode actuator
ReversibleThe chart says to replace the actuator if it is damaged before any other check.
Check the harness, then measure the actuator with a multimeter
ReversibleIf the actuator looks undamaged, check the wire harness, then read its resistance: the chart expects between 2,800 and 3,100 ohms.
Replace the actuator or the board as the reading directs
ReversibleOut of range: replace the mode actuator. In range: replace the washer electronic control board.
Unplug the laundry center
ReversibleDisconnect power at the outlet before you look at the actuator.
Look at the washer mode actuator
ReversibleThe table says to replace the washer mode actuator if it is damaged, so look for cracks or burn marks.
Check the harness
ReversibleLook at the wire harness between the actuator and the washer electronic control board for breaks, chafing and loose plugs, and replace a damaged harness.
Measure the actuator
ReversibleUsing a multimeter, measure its resistance. It should read between 2,800 and 3,100 ohms.
Replace the actuator if the reading is out of range
ReversibleA resistance outside that range means the actuator has failed and is replaced.
Replace the control board if the actuator is good
ReversibleIf the actuator reads correctly and the wiring is sound, the washer electronic control board is the part left.
Model-specific
What is true of this model and not of its siblings
- The code on this page
- EC6, a washer mode actuator failure.
- Parts involved
- The mode actuator, the harness and the control board.
- Twelve beeps and six
- The pattern for this code is a set of beeps in two groups, so listen for the groups. A different pattern on the same machine points to a different part, and acting on the wrong pattern wastes money.
- Meter work needs care
- Measuring resistance is safe with the power off. If you do not own a multimeter, an inexpensive one is enough, and the readings in the table let you decide for yourself whether the actuator is at fault.
Stop boundary
When this stops being a self-service repair
- !Replace the actuator only if it is damaged or out of range, then the board, and quote each before ordering
- !Never measure the actuator with the laundry center plugged in
- !If the actuator and the wiring are good, replace the washer control board
- !Unplug the laundry center before touching any part
- !Do not use the machine if the wash mode will not engage
Evidence ledger
Sources behind this answer
Where the manufacturer's article stops. The inspect, wiring, 2,800 to 3,100 ohm and board steps are chart text.
Exact questions
Common questions
What does EC6 -- 12 beeps, 6 beeps mean on a Kenmore 417 series laundry center washer?+
Kenmore's service table lists this code as: washer mode actuator failure.
What resistance should the actuator read?+
Between 2,800 and 3,100 ohms, per the chart.
What does EC6 mean on a Kenmore 417 laundry center?+
The washer mode actuator has failed, so the machine cannot switch into the right wash mode.
What does the actuator do?+
It switches the machine between its washing modes, and without it the control cannot proceed.
What resistance is normal?+
Between 2,800 and 3,100 ohms, measured with a multimeter.
When do I replace the board?+
Only if the actuator reads correctly and the wiring is sound.