On the covered Kenmore 796 model front-load washer, including Wi-Fi models, EE (796 model Wi-Fi enabled) means a failure of the electronic control board, on the Wi-Fi model. First, unplug the washer for five minutes. Then: restore power and see whether the code clears. If it does not, replace the electronic control board.
Differential
Likely causes of “Kenmore 796 model front-load washer, including Wi-Fi models code EE”, and how to tell them apart
- 1
The electronic control board of the Wi-Fi enabled front-load washer has failed (EE)
What separates it The display shows EE and the washer will not run
How to confirm Unplug the washer for five minutes and restart it
- 2
A one-off fault after a power event
What separates it The code appeared after a storm or outage
How to confirm Run a short cycle after the reset
- 3
A Wi-Fi module or board connector that has loosened
What separates it The code came after the washer was moved
How to confirm With the washer unplugged, check the board connectors
- 4
Moisture on the board
What separates it A leak reached the console
How to confirm Dry and inspect
- 5
A board that has failed
What separates it EE returns after every reset
How to confirm Replace the electronic control board
Before you touch a setting
Record this first — changing settings destroys the evidence
- That the display shows EE
- Whether the washer is a Wi-Fi model
- Whether a reset cleared it
Try in this order
0 of 11 completedWhat to do first
ReversibleUnplug the washer for five minutes.
Correct only the documented fault domain
ReversibleRestore power and see whether the code clears. If it does not, replace the electronic control board.
Try to clear the code by unplugging the washer for 5 minutes
ReversibleThe Wi-Fi model's chart gives this as the first and only check, so leave the washer fully unplugged for the whole five minutes.
Restore power and see whether the code clears
ReversibleRun a short cycle to be sure that the code does not come back during the cycle.
If not, replace the electronic control board
ReversibleThe chart names the electronic control board as the only part for EE on the Wi-Fi model.
Unplug the washer for five minutes
ReversiblePull the plug and wait the full time so that the control board discharges and restarts.
Plug it in and look at the display
ReversibleA normal display means the fault was a one-off, perhaps after a power event.
Run a short cycle
ReversibleStart a quick wash and check that the washer fills, washes and drains, and that EE does not return.
Check the connectors
ReversibleWith the washer unplugged, make sure that each plug on the control board is fully seated and that none is burnt or discolored.
Look for moisture
ReversibleCheck the console area and the board for water or damp, since a leak can cause a control fault.
Replace the board if EE returns
ReversibleThe electronic control board is the part named for this code, and on a Wi-Fi model the board includes the connectivity module.
Model-specific
What is true of this model and not of its siblings
- The code on this page
- EE, an electronic control board failure on the 796 Wi-Fi model.
- Parts involved
- The electronic control board and its connectors.
- Source
- Sears PartsDirect's table for Kenmore 796 front-load washers.
- Wi-Fi models and boards
- The 796 series was sold with and without Wi-Fi, and the control boards differ between the two. If you order a board, give the full model number so that the supplier can match the right version.
- A one-off is possible
- Boards can throw a code after a power surge and then run for years without another. A five-minute reset and a clean cycle are worth trying before you spend money on a part.
Stop boundary
When this stops being a self-service repair
- !Unplug the washer before you open the cabinet
- !The board is a costly part, so price it against the age of the washer
- !If EE returns after the reset, replace the electronic control board or call Kenmore service
- !Unplug the washer before touching the control
- !Do not run a washer with an unpredictable control
Evidence ledger
Sources behind this answer
Where the manufacturer's article stops. The 5 minute reset then board replacement is chart text.
Exact questions
Common questions
What does EE (796 model Wi-Fi enabled) mean on a Kenmore 796 model front-load washer, including Wi-Fi models?+
a failure of the electronic control board, on the Wi-Fi model.
How is the standard model's EE different?+
The standard chart words it as an EEPROM error with the same reset and replacement.
Does the Wi-Fi make the board different?+
Yes, the Wi-Fi models use a board of their own, so order the part for your exact model number.
Can a reset help?+
It can clear a one-off, so unplug the washer for five minutes first.
Is the board costly?+
It is one of the dearer parts of a front-loader, so weigh the cost against the age of the washer.
Is it safe to keep using the washer?+
Not if the control behaves unpredictably, since it may not drain or lock the door correctly.