On the covered Kenmore 796 model steam dryer, tE4 means Kenmore's service table lists this code as: steam generator thermistor failure. Unplug the dryer and check the wiring to the steam generator. Repair or replace the harness. Descale if the manual allows.
Differential
Likely causes of “Kenmore 796 model steam dryer code tE4”, and how to tell them apart
- 1
The steam generator thermistor has failed
What separates it The display shows tE4 and the steam cycle does not run
How to confirm Unplug the dryer and check the wiring to the steam generator
- 2
Loose or damaged wiring to the steam generator
What separates it The harness between the steam generator and the main board is damaged
How to confirm Repair or replace the harness
- 3
A steam generator assembly with a failed thermistor
What separates it The wiring is sound
How to confirm Replace the steam generator
- 4
Mineral scale in the steam generator
What separates it The home has hard water
How to confirm Descale if the manual allows
- 5
A control board fault
What separates it Wiring and generator are fine
How to confirm Replace the board last
Before you touch a setting
Record this first — changing settings destroys the evidence
- Whether tE4 appears only when you pick a steam option or on every cycle
- Whether the steam water supply or reservoir was empty when it appeared
- Whether the home has hard water, which scales the generator
- The model number beginning 796, from the label inside the door opening
Try in this order
0 of 8 completedCorrect only the documented fault domain
ReversibleUnplug the dryer and check the wire harness connections between the steam generator and the main control board. or replace the wire harness if damaged. If the wire connections are okay, replace the steam generator because it houses the steam generator thermistor. The steam generator thermistor isn't sold as a separate component. Parts named: steam generator assembly.
Unplug the dryer
ReversibleDisconnect power before you touch any part of the steam system, since the dryer has mains voltage and hot components.
Check the harness to the steam generator
ReversibleLook at the wires between the steam generator and the main control board for breaks, chafing or loose plugs, and replace the harness if it is damaged.
Reseat the connectors
ReversiblePush each connector fully home at the generator and at the board, since a poor connection can read as a failed thermistor.
Replace the steam generator assembly
ReversibleIf the wiring is sound, the steam generator houses the thermistor and is replaced as a whole, because the thermistor is not sold as a separate component.
Descale if the manual allows
ReversibleOn a hard-water home, scale in the generator can affect it, so follow the manual's guidance on descaling or on using filtered water.
Run a steam cycle
ReversiblePlug the dryer in and run a short steam cycle to confirm that tE4 does not return.
Shut off the steam water supply
ReversibleIf your dryer has its own water connection for steam, close the valve before you work, and open it again only once the repair is complete.
Model-specific
What is true of this model and not of its siblings
- The code on this page
- tE4, a steam generator thermistor failure.
- Parts involved
- The steam generator assembly, the harness and the main control board.
- Source
- Sears PartsDirect's table for Kenmore 796 steam dryers.
- What the steam generator does
- A steam dryer boils a small amount of water in a generator and feeds the steam into the drum to relax wrinkles and refresh clothes. The thermistor watches the generator's temperature, so that the control can stop heating if it runs dry or too hot.
- A fault that rarely stops drying
- Because the steam system is separate from the main heater, a steam fault often leaves normal drying working. You may be able to carry on with ordinary cycles while you arrange the repair, but avoid the steam options.
- The steam generator in a Kenmore 796 dryer
- The steam generator is a small boiler fed with water from a supply connection. A heater warms it and a thermistor watches its temperature, and the thermistor is molded into the generator so that the two cannot be separated. When the control reads the thermistor as open or out of range, it stops steam cycles and shows tE4.
- Water quality and the generator
- Hard water leaves scale inside the generator and shortens its life. If your supply is hard, a softener or a filter on the steam water line helps, and keeping the supply hose free of kinks protects the fill. The part is moderate in price, but the labor is short.
Stop boundary
When this stops being a self-service repair
- !Because the thermistor is not sold apart from the generator, ask the parts counter to quote the whole steam generator assembly for your model
- !Switch the steam option off and use the normal cycles in the meantime if they still run
- !Do not run a steam cycle if you see water leaking from the generator area
Evidence ledger
Sources behind this answer
Exact questions
Common questions
What does tE4 mean on a Kenmore 796 model steam dryer?+
Kenmore's service table lists this code as: steam generator thermistor failure.
Can I replace just the thermistor?+
No, the table says it is not sold as a separate component, and the steam generator is replaced instead.
Is the steam generator expensive?+
It is a moderate to dear part, so compare the cost with the age of the dryer.
Can I still dry clothes without steam?+
Often yes, on the normal cycles, but check the manual for your model.
Does hard water matter?+
Scale can shorten the life of a steam generator, so filtered or softened water helps.
Can I keep drying with tE4?+
Often yes, using the normal cycles, since the steam system is separate from the main heater.
Is the steam generator a user-replaceable part?+
It is accessible from the back or the front on many models, but unplug the dryer and shut off the steam water first.