On the covered Kenmore 796 model front-load washer, including Wi-Fi models, IE (796 model Wi-Fi enabled) means a washer that is not filling, on the Wi-Fi model. First, make sure the valves supplying water to the washer are open. Then: with the washer unplugged and the water off, disconnect the supply hoses and look for deposits on the inlet valve screens.
A clogged screen means the valve is replaced rather than cleaned, because loosened debris can leave the valve stuck open and cause a flood. If the screens are clear, put the hose ends in a bucket and open the faucets briefly to see that water flows, clearing any hose that does not pass water. If water flows, remove the top cover and check the wiring between the control board and the valves, then replace the valves and, if the problem persists, the control board.
Differential
Likely causes of “Kenmore 796 model front-load washer, including Wi-Fi models code IE”, and how to tell them apart
- 1
The valves supplying water to the washer are not open
What separates it IE appears on a Wi-Fi model and no water is entering
How to confirm Make sure that the valves supplying water to the washer are open
- 2
Clogged inlet water valve screens
What separates it The faucets are open and the tub fills slowly or not at all
How to confirm Shut off the water, disconnect the hoses and check the inlet water valve screens for deposits
- 3
Clogged supply hoses
What separates it The screens are clear but no water flows when the faucets are opened briefly with the hose ends in a bucket
How to confirm Check the hoses for clogs if water doesn't flow through them
- 4
Loose wire harness connections between the control board and the inlet water valves
What separates it Water flows through the hoses but the valves do not open
How to confirm Remove the top cover and check the wire harness connections
- 5
Failed inlet water valves, or failing that the control board
What separates it The wiring is okay and the IE code still remains afterwards
How to confirm The chart replaces the inlet water valves, then the control board if the problem continues
Before you touch a setting
Record this first — changing settings destroys the evidence
- Whether the water faucets are fully open
- What the screens look like when removed
- Whether water flows into a bucket from each disconnected hose
Try in this order
0 of 5 completedWhat to do first
ReversibleMake sure the valves supplying water to the washer are open.
Correct only the documented fault domain
ReversibleWith the washer unplugged and the water off, disconnect the supply hoses and look for deposits on the inlet valve screens. A clogged screen means the valve is replaced rather than cleaned, because loosened debris can leave the valve stuck open and cause a flood. If the screens are clear, put the hose ends in a bucket and open the faucets briefly to see that water flows, clearing any hose that does not pass water. If water flows, remove the top cover and check the wiring between the control board and the valves, then replace the valves and, if the problem persists, the control board.
Make sure the valves supplying water are open, then move the washer forward and unplug it
ReversibleShut off the water supply to the faucets and disconnect the water supply hoses from the back of the washer, with towels down.
Check the inlet water valve screens for deposits
ReversibleReplace the valves if you find clogged screens. Don't clean the screens, because debris can get into the valve, causing a leak and a potential flood even when closed.
If the screens are clear, test the hoses with the ends in a bucket, then check the wiring under the top cover
ReversibleBriefly open the faucets to see whether water flows. If it does, remove the top cover and check the wire harness connections between the control board and the valves; if they are okay, replace the valves, and then the control board if the problem continues.
Model-specific
What is true of this model and not of its siblings
- Shown as
- IE, Not filling (796 model Wi-Fi enabled front-load table).
- Parts named by the chart
- Inlet water valve assembly and electronic control board.
Stop boundary
When this stops being a self-service repair
- !Do not clean and reuse a clogged valve screen; the chart replaces the valves because debris can get into the valve and cause a leak, and a flood even when closed
- !Unplug the washer and shut off the water before you disconnect the supply hoses
Evidence ledger
Sources behind this answer
Where the manufacturer's article stops. The screen, bucket flow test and wiring steps are chart text.
Exact questions
Common questions
What does IE (796 model Wi-Fi enabled) mean on a Kenmore 796 model front-load washer, including Wi-Fi models?+
a washer that is not filling, on the Wi-Fi model.
What does IE (Not filling) mean on a Kenmore 796 Wi-Fi front-load washer?+
The washer isn't filling, in the chart's words.
Why replace the valves instead of cleaning the screens?+
The chart says debris can get into the valve, causing a leak and a potential flood even when closed.
How do I test the hoses?+
Put the hose ends in a bucket and briefly open the faucets to see whether water flows.