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ErrBase

Kenmore Dryer Error Codes: LG vs Whirlpool Models

Quick Answer

Kenmore dryers are manufactured by either LG (model prefix 796) or Whirlpool (model prefix 110). The error codes, parts, and repair procedures are completely different.

Kenmore doesn't make dryers. Never has. They're either LG machines or Whirlpool machines with a Kenmore badge, and if you grab the wrong diagnostic guide you'll waste money on parts that won't even fit. Check your model prefix first, every single time. The 796 prefix is LG, 110 is Whirlpool, and the repair logic is completely different between the two platforms.

KenmoreDryer

About These Kenmore Dryer Error Codes

OK so the first thing I do when someone calls me about a Kenmore dryer is ask for the model number before I even load my truck. That 796 or 110 prefix tells me everything. LG-built units run digital airflow sensors and more complex diagnostics. Whirlpool-built ones are more mechanical but they've got their own quirks, especially around thermal fuses. Get the prefix wrong and you're basically chasing ghosts with the wrong map.

Most Common Error Codes

Vent restriction (d80/d90/d95 on LG-made)40%
Thermistor failure24%
Heating element burned out14%
Thermal fuse blown12%
Control board fault10%

Symptoms You May Notice

  • Dryer runs a full cycle but clothes come out cold and damp, no heat at all even though it tumbled the whole time.
  • Error codes flashing on the display, specifically d80, d90, or d95 on LG-built 796 units, or just a dead no-heat situation with no code on older Whirlpool-built models.
  • Cabinet gets extremely hot on the outside, especially around the back panel near the vent connection, which tells you air isn't moving properly.
  • Dryer shuts itself off partway through a cycle, sometimes after just 10 or 15 minutes, instead of running to completion.
  • You can smell something burning, or there are scorch marks visible around the vent area or near the back access panel.

Tools Required for Diagnosis

Phillips #2 screwdriverFlathead screwdriverDigital multimeterFlashlight or headlampNut driver set (1/4 inch and 5/16 inch)Vent brush cleaning kitWork gloves (sheet metal edges are sharp)Needle-nose pliers

How to Identify Your Error Code

ComponentComponent Under Test
Expected Range10000–11000 ohms
ConditionIf Open (OL) or infinite, replace component.

Replacement Parts

If your diagnostic testing proves the component has failed, you will need a replacement. We recommend OEM parts over aftermarket for water-handling components.

Part Name
Dryer Thermal FuseModel-specific · $5–$15
Heating ElementModel-specific · $25–$60

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Kenmore dryer repair typically cost?
Most Kenmore dryer repairs run $150 to $350 depending on what failed. A thermal fuse on a Whirlpool-built 110 unit is maybe $8-12 in parts plus an hour of labor. An LG main control board on a 796 unit can hit $200-250 just for the part before labor. I always factor in the machine's age. If the total repair bill is pushing more than half the cost of a comparable new dryer, I'll tell you straight up to start shopping instead.
Is my Kenmore dryer worth repairing?
If it's under eight years old, usually yes. But honestly I've fixed 14-year-old Kenmores that had plenty of life left, and I've also told people to replace six-year-olds when the drum rollers, belt, and heating element all needed doing at once. It's about total repair cost vs. replacement cost. Don't just look at the one failing part. Have whoever's fixing it give you a quick overall assessment of the machine's condition before you commit money to it.
Can I fix this myself without a repair background?
Yeah, most of it you can handle if you're reasonably handy. Thermal fuse, heating element, belt, thermistor, those are all pretty approachable with basic tools and a multimeter. Where I'd say call a pro is if you suspect a gas valve issue or if you need to probe live voltages on a control board. Gas stuff and live circuit testing require knowing exactly what you're doing. Everything else, honestly, YouTube the specific part swap for your model number and you'll be fine.
How do I figure out which company actually built my Kenmore?
Open the dryer door and look for the model number sticker on the door frame or the inside lip. First three digits are what matter. 796 means LG built it. 110 means Whirlpool. Write down the full model number because you'll need it for part searches too. When you search for parts, use the full Kenmore model number and the parts sites will cross-reference to the actual OEM LG or Whirlpool part numbers automatically.
What does d80 or d90 mean on my Kenmore dryer?
Those are LG-specific airflow codes and they mean your vent is partially clogged. d80 is roughly 80% blocked, d95 is almost completely blocked. Your dryer's not broken, your vent is. Disconnect the hose at both ends, run a vent brush kit through the whole duct length, and clean the exterior cap flap too. Those caps get packed with lint and sometimes bird nests way more than you'd think. I cleaned one last week that was solid all the way through. Code should clear after you reconnect and run a test cycle.
Why won't my Kenmore dryer heat even after I replaced the thermal fuse?
Two possibilities. First, if you've got a 110 Whirlpool-built unit and the fuse blew again fast, you've got an underlying cause, usually a restricted vent or a bad high-limit thermostat. The fuse is a symptom, not the disease. Second, make sure you bought the right fuse for your platform. The Kenmore 110 thermal fuse and the 796 LG thermal fuse are not the same part and they're not interchangeable. Double-check the part number against your full model number before assuming the replacement is correct.

Models Known to Experience HUB Errors

This repair applies to most Kenmore dryers with this error code. Common model numbers include:

796.81182310, 796.81392510, 796.31412410, 796.91482900, 796.61272010, 110.67032600, 110.67422600, 110.87563600

MS

Written by

Mike Sullivan

Lead Appliance Repair Technician · 20 years experience

Last verified for technical accuracy on March 14, 2026