Kenmore gas water heater error codes

Kenmore gas water heater code 6-1-led-flashes-6-ignition-failure

Listed as ignition failure.

The gas control failed to ignite the burner and has gone into locked-out state. Make sure the gas supply is turned on. Make sure the water heater is properly grounded and is operating at 115-120 volts. Shut off the power and then check the igniter for broken or disconnected wires. Make sure the igniter and flame rod ceramic insulator is not cracked or broken. If all conditions are good and the water heater will not light, replace the control. Parts named: gas control, Igniter, Flame rod.

• The gas supply to the water heater is off: The LED flashes 6 times then once every 3 seconds and the burner never lights. Check that the gas supply valve is open before you look at any part
• A supply voltage outside 115-120 volts or a missing ground: The heater locks out at the first attempt to light. Measure the voltage at the heater and confirm it is properly grounded
• A broken or disconnected igniter wire: The wire to the igniter is loose, burnt or has come off its terminal. With the power off, check the igniter for broken or disconnected wires
• A cracked ceramic insulator on the igniter or flame rod: A crack or chip shows in the white insulator around the part. Look at the igniter and flame rod insulators for cracks or breaks
• A gas control that has locked out and will not light the burner: Everything checks out but the burner still will not light. The chart replaces the control if all conditions are good and the heater will not light

The chart says the gas control failed to ignite the burner and locked out, so confirm the gas supply valve is open first.

Measure the supply voltage; the chart asks for proper grounding and 115 to 120 volts before any part is blamed for the 6-1 lockout.

Look for broken or disconnected igniter wires and cracks in the igniter and flame rod ceramic insulators; replace the control only if everything is good and it will not light.

6-1: LED flashes 6 times and then 1 time every 3 seconds (Kenmore gas water heater table).

Gas control, igniter and flame rod.

A multimeter, a screwdriver or nut driver, fine steel wool and a flashlight.

How is it different from 5 flashes? Five flashes is a flame that went out; 6-1 is a burner that never lit and locked out.

Do I reset it? The chart's 6-1 row lists checks and replacement, not a reset.

Shut off the power and let the burner box cool before you reach in for the "LED flashes 6 times and then 1 time every 3 seconds" repair, because the flame rod, igniter and burner all sit in that box

Smell gas at any point while you work on the "6-1 LED flash" fault and you should leave the house and call the gas utility from outside, without touching switches or lighters, since the chart's repairs assume no leak

Kenmore gas water heater code 6-2-led-flashes-6-pressure-switch-high-limit-opened

Listed as pressure switch/high limit opened.

The gas control has sensed a repeated failure in the vent protection switches. Check for any blockages in the blower or venting. Check the air pressure switch tubing for kinks or leaks. See corrective actions for the symptom of the LED flashing 2 and 3 times. If all conditions and blower are good and the heater will not run, replace the control. Parts named: gas control.

• A blockage in the blower or venting system: The LED flashes 6 times then twice every 3 seconds after repeated vent-switch failures. Check for blockages in the blower and vent before anything else
• Kinked or leaking air pressure switch tubing: The tube is pinched, cracked or has come off its fitting. Look along the switch tubing for kinks or leaks
• The same open switch fault that the 2 and 3 flash patterns describe: The 2 or 3 flash pattern appeared earlier and was left. Work the corrective actions for the 2 and 3 flash symptoms, as the chart directs
• A gas control that keeps tripping with the blower and vent good: The blower runs, the vent is clear and the heater still will not run. The chart replaces the control if all conditions and the blower are good and it will not run

The chart says the gas control has sensed a repeated failure in the vent protection switches, so a clear blower and vent come first.

A pinched or leaking tube gives the same repeated switch fault as a blocked vent, so inspect its whole length with the power off.

The chart says to see the corrective actions for the LED flashing 2 and 3 times; if the blower is good and the heater still will not run, replace the gas control.

6-2: LED flashes 6 times and then twice every 3 seconds (Kenmore gas water heater table).

Gas control.

Where are the related fixes? In the 2 flash and 3 flash rows of the same chart.

Do not bypass a vent protection switch to get the 6-2 heater running, because these switches guard against unsafe venting

Kenmore gas water heater code 6-3-led-flashes-6-flame-lost

Listed as flame lost.

The gas control sensed a repeated failure in the flame sensing circuitry during operation and has shut down the water heater. Control failed to ignite the burner. Make sure gas supply is on. Check igniter for broken or disconnected wires. Make sure heater is properly grounded and operating at 115-120 volts. Make sure the igniter and flame rod or igniter and flame rod ceramic insulator is not cracked or broken. Replace as needed. If all conditions are good and the water heater will not light, replace the gas control. Parts named: gas control.

• The gas supply to the water heater is off: The LED flashes 6 times then 3 times every 3 seconds and the burner will not light. Check that the gas supply is on before you look at any part
• A broken or disconnected igniter wire: A wire to the igniter is loose or burnt. Check the igniter for broken or disconnected wires with the power off
• A supply voltage outside 115-120 volts or a missing ground: The flame sensing circuit fails repeatedly while the heater is running. Confirm the heater is grounded and measure the voltage it receives
• A cracked ceramic insulator on the igniter or flame rod: The insulator shows a crack and the flame sense is unreliable. Look at both insulators for cracks and replace whatever is damaged
• A gas control whose flame sensing circuit has failed: All the conditions are good and the heater will not light. The chart replaces the gas control if everything is good and the heater will not light

The chart says the gas control sensed a repeated flame sensing failure and shut the heater down, so confirm the supply is open first.

Look for broken or disconnected igniter wires and confirm the heater is grounded and operating at 115 to 120 volts.

The chart asks that neither ceramic insulator be cracked or broken, replaces damaged parts, and replaces the gas control if the heater still will not light.

6-3: LED flashes 6 times and then 3 times every 3 seconds (Kenmore gas water heater table).

What voltage does it need? 115 to 120 volts and a proper ground.

Shut off the power and let the burner box cool before you reach in for the "LED flashes 6 times and then 3 times every 3 seconds" repair, because the flame rod, igniter and burner all sit in that box

Kenmore gas water heater code 6-4-led-flashes-6-flame-out-of-sequence-sensed

Listed as flame out of sequence sensed.

The gas control sensed a malfunction in the sequence of operation and has shut down the water heater. Shut off the power and check that the wiring is correct and the heater is properly grounded. Restore power and reset the control. To reset the control, slide the ON/OFF switch to the OFF position. Wait for 10 seconds and move the switch back to the ON position. If all conditions are good and the gas control will not reset, replace the control. Parts named: gas control.

• Wiring that is incorrect at the gas control: The LED flashes 6 times then 4 times every 3 seconds after wiring was disturbed. Shut off the power and check that the wiring is correct against the diagram
• A water heater that is not properly grounded: The ground connection is loose or missing and the sequence is misread. Check that the water heater is properly grounded
• A one-off sequence error that clears when the control is reset: The pattern appeared after a power blip and does not come back. Reset the control with the ON/OFF switch and see whether it returns
• A gas control that will not reset: The reset is done twice and the code returns immediately. The chart replaces the control if it will not reset

The chart says the gas control sensed a malfunction in the sequence of operation, so check the wiring is correct and the heater is properly grounded.

Restore power, then slide the ON/OFF switch to OFF, wait 10 seconds and slide it back to ON, then watch whether the 6-4 pattern comes back.

The chart replaces the control if all conditions are good and the gas control will not reset.

Should I check the ground? Yes, the chart says to check the wiring and that the heater is properly grounded.

Shut off the power before you touch any wiring for the 6-4 fault, since the fault is a sequence error in the control

Kenmore gas water heater code 7-led-flashes-every-flammable-vapor-sensor-fvs

Listed as flammable vapor sensor (FVS).

The gas control has sensed a problem with the flammable vapor sensor. Replace the vapor sensor. If replacing the vapor sensor does not correct the fault, replace the control. Parts named: vapor sensor, Gas control.

• A flammable vapor sensor that has failed: The LED flashes 7 times every 3 seconds and the heater will not run. The chart's first step is to replace the vapor sensor
• A flammable vapor sensor that has actually detected vapor: A solvent, fuel or aerosol was used or spilled near the water heater. Ask whether anything flammable was used or stored near the heater recently
• A gas control that fails to read a good sensor: A new vapor sensor is fitted and the pattern remains. The chart replaces the control if the vapor sensor does not correct the fault

Move gasoline, solvents, paint thinner and aerosol cans out of the area and let it air out before you rely on the sensor for the 7-flash fault.

The chart says the gas control has sensed a problem with the flammable vapor sensor and that replacing the vapor sensor is the first repair.

The chart names the gas control as the second part when a new vapor sensor does not correct the fault.

7 LED flashes every 3 seconds (Kenmore gas water heater table).

Vapor sensor and gas control.

Could there really be vapor? Possibly, so keep flammable liquids away from the heater and air out the room.

A flammable vapor sensor fault may mean real vapor near the burner, so move flammable liquids and sprays away from the water heater before you restore power to it

Smell gas at any point while you work on the "7-flash" fault and you should leave the house and call the gas utility from outside, without touching switches or lighters, since the chart's repairs assume no leak

Kenmore gas water heater code 8-1-led-flashes-8-flammable-vapor-sensor-fvs

Listed as flammable Vapor Sensor (FVS).

The gas control has sensed a problem with the flammable vapor sensor. Replace the vapor sensor. If replacing the vapor sensor does not correct the fault, replace the control. Parts named: vapor sensor, Gas control.

• A flammable vapor sensor that has failed: The LED flashes 8 times then once every 3 seconds and the heater will not run. The chart's first step is to replace the vapor sensor
• A flammable vapor sensor triggered by vapor near the heater: A solvent, fuel or aerosol is stored or was used close to the water heater. Check the area around the heater for flammable liquids and sprays
• A gas control that fails to read a good sensor: The sensor is new and the 8-1 pattern continues. The chart replaces the control if the vapor sensor does not correct the fault

Air out the area and clear anything flammable before you restore power, because the 8-1 sensor fault may reflect vapor that is really there.

The chart gives the same first repair for 8-1 as for the 7-flash pattern: the gas control sensed a vapor sensor problem, so replace the vapor sensor.

If a new vapor sensor does not correct the 8-1 fault, the chart says to replace the control.

8-1: LED flashes 8 times and then once every 3 seconds (Kenmore gas water heater table).

Vapor sensor and gas control.

Is 8-1 the same as 7 flashes? The chart gives both the same repair; only the flash count differs.

Should I move flammables away? Yes, as a general precaution, before restoring power.

Take flammable liquids and sprays away from the heater before you restore power after an 8-1 flash, since the sensor may be reporting real vapor

Kenmore gas water heater code 8-2-led-flashes-8-temperature-sensor-fault

Listed as temperature sensor fault.

Control has sensed an error in the temperature sensing circuit and has shut down the water heater. If resetting the control does not clear the fault code, replace it., To reset the control, slide the ON/OFF switch to the OFF position. Wait for 10 seconds and move the switch back to the ON position. Parts named: gas control.

• A temperature sensing circuit error in the gas control: The LED flashes 8 times then twice every 3 seconds and the heater shuts down. The chart says the control sensed an error in the temperature sensing circuit
• A one-off sensing error that clears with a reset: The fault showed once after a power blip and has not returned. Slide the ON/OFF switch to OFF for 10 seconds and see whether the pattern returns
• A gas control that keeps reporting the fault after a reset: The reset is done and the 8-2 pattern comes straight back. The chart replaces the control if resetting does not clear the fault code

The chart resets this fault with the ON/OFF switch: slide it to OFF, wait 10 seconds and slide it back to ON, then watch whether the pattern returns.

If the heater runs and the LED stays quiet after the reset, the temperature sensing error was a one-off and needs no part.

The chart says to replace the control if resetting does not clear the 8-2 fault code.

8-2: LED flashes 8 times and then twice every 3 seconds (Kenmore gas water heater table).

A screwdriver or nut driver.

Is the sensor a separate part? The chart names only the gas control for 8-2.

Do not run the heater unattended with a repeating 8-2 sensor fault, since the control cannot regulate water temperature without its sensing circuit

Kenmore gas water heater code 8-3-led-flashes-8-gas-control-failure

Listed as gas control failure.

Control has sensed an error in the electronics of the valve and has shut down the water heater. If resetting the control does not clear the fault code, replace it. To reset the control, slide the ON/OFF switch to the OFF position. Wait for 10 seconds and move the switch back to the ON position. Parts named: gas control.

• An error in the electronics of the gas control valve: The LED flashes 8 times then 3 times every 3 seconds and the heater shuts down. The chart says the control sensed an error in the electronics of the valve
• A one-off electronics error that clears with a reset: The fault appeared once after a power interruption and has not come back. Slide the ON/OFF switch to OFF for 10 seconds and see whether the pattern returns
• A gas control that keeps reporting the fault after a reset: The 8-3 pattern comes straight back after the reset. The chart replaces the control if resetting does not clear the fault code

Slide the ON/OFF switch to OFF, wait 10 seconds and slide it back to ON, as the chart directs for the 8-3 electronics fault.

If the burner lights and the LED stays quiet through a heating cycle, the 8-3 error was a one-off.

The chart says to replace the control if resetting does not clear the fault; the gas control is a gas appliance part best fitted by a qualified technician.

Do not keep resetting a heater that returns 8-3 at once, since the fault is in the electronics of the gas valve itself

Kenmore gas water heater code led-alternates-water-heater-is-heating-no-fault

Listed as water heater is heating (no fault condition).

Normal operation.

• The gas water heater is heating water with no fault present: The LED alternates between bright and dim while the burner runs. Watch the LED for a few seconds; the chart's heating pattern is bright and dim in turn
• A normal heating cycle after hot water was drawn: Someone ran a shower or the dishwasher and the tank is refilling with cold water. Note whether hot water was used shortly before the LED started alternating
• A heater that runs a long time because the demand is high: The LED alternates for a long stretch while the family uses a lot of hot water. Compare how long it alternates with how much hot water was drawn

The chart's heating pattern is a light that alternates bright and dim, unlike a fault, which repeats a counted number of flashes every 3 seconds.

Let the heater finish, then run a hot tap; if it gets hot, the alternating LED was only reporting an ordinary heating cycle.

A counted pattern such as 2 or 3 flashes every 3 seconds is a fault with its own chart row; the alternating pattern has no part and no repair.

LED alternates bright/dim (Kenmore gas water heater table).

Heating, no fault.

Nothing needed.

What does an alternating bright and dim LED mean on a Kenmore gas water heater? The water heater is heating and there is no fault condition, in the chart's words.

Is that an error? No, the chart lists it as normal operation with no part to replace.

How long should it alternate? Until the tank reaches temperature; the chart gives no time, so judge by whether hot water arrives.

What if the pattern changes? Then count the flashes and look up the matching fault row.

Do not shut down or take apart a heater whose LED alternates bright and dim, since the chart says it is heating with no fault condition

If you smell gas near the water heater, leave the house and call the gas utility from outside without touching any switch

Kenmore gas water heater code led-flashes-2-times-air-pressure-switch-closed

Listed as air pressure switch closed.

Check that blower operates and does not have any blockages in the venting.

Turn off power to the water heater and check that all wiring is correct. Check for twisted, damaged or obstructed air pressure switch tubing. To check the switch, turn off the power to the water heater, disconnect the wires on the air pressure switch and check for electrical continuity. If the switch contacts show continuity, or a closed circuit, replace the air pressure switch. If the switch contacts show open and all wiring is correct, replace the gas control. Parts named: air pressure switch, Gas control.

• A blower that is not running or a blocked vent on the water heater: The LED flashes twice every 3 seconds and the blower is silent or the vent is obstructed. Listen for the blower and look along the vent for a blockage, as the chart starts here
• Twisted, damaged or obstructed air pressure switch tubing: The blower runs but the fault remains and the tube is kinked, cracked or plugged. With the power off, look the whole tube over for twists, damage or an obstruction
• Wiring at the air pressure switch that is not correct: A wire is loose or on the wrong terminal after earlier work on the heater. With the power off, check that all wiring at the switch is correct
• An air pressure switch that is stuck closed: The disconnected switch shows a closed circuit even though the blower is off. Turn off power, disconnect the switch wires and check for continuity across its contacts
• A gas control that misreads a good switch: The switch contacts are open, the wiring is correct and the LED still flashes twice. The chart replaces the gas control when the contacts read open and the wiring is right

The chart starts with the blower and the vent, so listen for the blower and look for any blockage before you touch the switch.

Confirm all wiring is correct, then look for twisted, damaged or obstructed air pressure switch tubing on the 2-flash fault.

Disconnect the wires on the air pressure switch and check the contacts: continuity, a closed circuit, means the chart replaces the air pressure switch; open contacts with correct wiring mean it replaces the gas control.

LED flashes 2 times every 3 seconds (Kenmore gas water heater table).

Air pressure switch and gas control.

How do I test the switch? Power off, wires disconnected, then check for continuity across the contacts.

How is 3 flashes different? Three flashes is the switch open; two flashes is the switch closed.

Turn off the power to the water heater before you disconnect any wire on the air pressure switch for the 2-flash fault

Smell gas at any point while you work on the "LED flashes 2 times every 3 seconds" fault and you should leave the house and call the gas utility from outside, without touching switches or lighters, since the chart's repairs assume no leak

Kenmore gas water heater code led-flashes-4-times-exceeded-temperature-limit

Listed as exceeded temperature limit.

Gas control failure, replace the gas control valve assembly. Parts named: gas control.

• A gas control that has failed after sensing an over-temperature: The LED flashes 4 times every 3 seconds and the heater shuts down. The chart names the gas control valve assembly as the failure for this pattern
• A gas control whose temperature circuit reads above its limit: The water is not actually scalding but the control reports the limit exceeded. Check the water at a faucet with care to see whether it is really too hot
• A one-off fault that clears when the control is reset: The pattern shows once after a power interruption and does not return. Power the heater off for 10 seconds and see whether the pattern comes back

Run a hot tap into a container and check it by careful touch or a thermometer, since the 4-flash pattern reports an exceeded temperature limit.

The chart lists no reset for this pattern, so treat a power cycle only as a way to see whether the fault returns before you replace anything.

The chart's fix for the 4-flash pattern is gas control failure, so replace the gas control valve assembly, which is a gas appliance part best fitted by a qualified technician.

A thermometer and a screwdriver or nut driver.

Is this safe to ignore? No, an exceeded temperature limit means the tank may have overheated, so stop using hot water until it is checked.

Can a reset fix it? The chart lists no reset for this pattern; only the gas control replacement.

Treat 4 flashes as a possible over-temperature: keep hot faucets clear and do not use scalding water while you wait for the heater to be looked at

Kenmore gas water heater code led-flashes-5-times-flame-out

Listed as flame out.

Check that the gas supply to the water heater is on.

Ensure the water heater is properly grounded and operating at 115-120 volts. Check the flame rod position and make sure it's not oxidized, broken or disconnected. Ensure the igniter and flame rod ceramic insulator is not cracked or broken. If all conditions are good and will not light, replace the control. Parts named: gas control, Igniter, Flame rod.

• The gas supply to the water heater is turned off: The LED flashes 5 times every 3 seconds and the burner never stays lit. Check that the gas supply valve to the water heater is open
• A supply voltage outside 115-120 volts or a heater that is not grounded: The lights in the house dim or the outlet reads low or the ground is missing. Measure the voltage the water heater is receiving and confirm it is grounded
• A flame rod that is out of position, oxidized, broken or disconnected: The rod looks dull, bent or has a loose wire. Inspect the flame rod for position, oxidation, breakage and a secure connection
• A cracked or broken ceramic insulator on the igniter or flame rod: The white ceramic around the igniter or rod shows a crack. Look at the insulators with a flashlight for a crack or chip
• A gas control that will not light with everything else in good order: The gas is on, power is right and parts look fine but it will not light. The chart replaces the control if all conditions are good and it still will not light

The chart starts with the gas supply, since a closed valve or an empty supply gives the 5-flash flame out pattern with nothing else wrong.

The chart requires proper grounding and a supply of 115 to 120 volts; measure at the outlet and correct the supply first.

Look for oxidation, breakage, a disconnected wire or a cracked insulator, replace what is damaged, and replace the control only if everything is good and the heater still will not light.

Gas control, igniter and flame rod.

What voltage should it have? 115-120 volts, and the water heater must be properly grounded.

Shut off the power and let the burner box cool before you reach in for the "LED flashes 5 times every 3 seconds" repair, because the flame rod, igniter and burner all sit in that box

Kenmore gas water heater code led-flashes-once-low-flame-signal

Listed as low flame signal.

Shut off the power and allow time for the burner box to cool. Properly position the flame rod. Clean the flame rod of oxidation (rust or residue) with fine steel wool or replace the flame rod. Parts named: flame rod.

• A flame rod that is out of position: The LED flashes once every 3 seconds and the burner lights but drops out. Look at the flame rod once the burner box has cooled to see whether it sits in the flame path
• A flame rod coated with oxidation, rust or residue: The rod looks dull or crusty and the flame signal is weak. Inspect the rod after power is off for a rust or residue coating
• A worn flame rod that cleaning does not fix: The rod is clean and positioned right and the low flame signal remains. The chart replaces the flame rod when cleaning does not help

The flame rod is inside the burner box, so wait until it is cool to the touch before you open the access cover for the once-every-3-seconds fault.

Check that the rod sits where the flame reaches it, since a rod that has shifted cannot sense the flame and reports a low signal.

The chart says to remove oxidation, rust or residue with fine steel wool; if the low flame signal continues after cleaning, replace the flame rod.

LED flashes once every 3 seconds (Kenmore gas water heater table).

Flame rod.

What does one LED flash every 3 seconds mean on a Kenmore gas water heater? A low flame signal: the control is getting a weak reading from the flame rod.

What cleans a flame rod? Fine steel wool, per the chart, to remove oxidation, rust or residue.

Is the power off for this? Yes, shut off the power and let the burner box cool before you touch the rod.

Shut off the power and let the burner box cool before you reach in for the "LED flashes once every 3 seconds" repair, because the flame rod, igniter and burner all sit in that box

Smell gas at any point while you work on the "LED flashes once every 3 seconds" fault and you should leave the house and call the gas utility from outside, without touching switches or lighters, since the chart's repairs assume no leak

Kenmore gas water heater code led-flashes-once-water-heater-is-at-idle-no-call-for

Listed as water heater is at idle (no call for heat, no fault condition).

Normal operation.

• The gas water heater is at idle with no call for heat: The LED blinks once every 4 seconds and there is hot water on demand. Time the blink with a watch; once every 4 seconds is the chart's idle pattern
• The tank has just finished a heating cycle and is holding temperature: The burner is off, the LED blinks slowly and nothing else is wrong. Check that the burner is not lit and that hot water comes out at the faucet
• A slower blink that is being confused with the low flame signal: The LED seems to blink about once every 3 seconds instead of every 4. Count the seconds between blinks over a full minute before you decide it is a fault

Count the blinks: the chart's idle pattern is a single flash every 4 seconds, which is slower than the once-every-3-seconds low flame signal.

Run a hot faucet for a minute; a heater that supplies hot water while blinking once every 4 seconds is simply idling between calls for heat.

The chart lists this pattern as normal operation with no part and no repair, so no reset or replacement is warranted for the idle LED.

LED flashes once every 4 seconds (Kenmore gas water heater table).

Idle, no call for heat, no fault.

A watch or phone timer.

What does one LED flash every 4 seconds mean on a Kenmore gas water heater? Idle: the chart says the water heater is waiting with no call for heat and no fault condition.

Is this an error code? No. The chart lists it as normal operation, with no part to replace.

How is it different from a low flame signal? Low flame signal flashes once every 3 seconds; the idle pattern is once every 4 seconds.

Should I reset the gas control? No, there is nothing to clear on an idle pattern.

Do not open the burner box for a once-every-4-seconds LED, because the chart calls it normal operation and there is nothing to repair

If you smell gas near the water heater, leave the house and call the gas utility from outside without touching any switch

Kenmore gas water heater code led-is-constantly-on-gas-control-failure

Listed as gas control failure.

Control has failed. If resetting the control does not clear the fault code, replace it. To reset the control, slide the ON/OFF switch to the OFF position. Wait for 10 seconds and move the switch back to the ON position. Parts named: gas control.

• A gas control that has failed and holds the LED on: The LED stays on steadily instead of blinking or flashing counts. The chart says the control has failed when the LED is constantly on
• A one-off failure that clears with a reset: The steady light began right after a power interruption in the house. Slide the ON/OFF switch to OFF for 10 seconds and see whether the LED returns to a blink
• A control that stays on after the reset: The LED is still constantly on after the reset and the heater is not heating. The chart replaces the control if resetting does not clear the fault code

Slide the ON/OFF switch to OFF, wait 10 seconds and slide it back to ON, then see whether the LED goes back to blinking.

Run a hot faucet after the reset; a steady LED with no hot water confirms the control is not working.

The chart says to replace the control if resetting does not clear the fault; the gas control is a gas appliance part best fitted by a qualified technician.

LED is constantly on (Kenmore gas water heater table).

What does a constantly on LED mean on a Kenmore gas water heater? Gas control failure: the chart says the control has failed.

How is it different from an alternating LED? An alternating bright and dim LED is normal heating; a steady LED is the failure.

A steady LED means the control has failed, so do not rely on the heater to regulate temperature until it is checked

Smell gas at any point while you work on the "constantly-on LED" fault and you should leave the house and call the gas utility from outside, without touching switches or lighters, since the chart's repairs assume no leak