Kenmore Washer Model Identification and Parts Diagrams
Quick Answer
To find your Kenmore washer parts diagram, locate the model number sticker under the lid or inside the door. The first three digits (like 110 for Whirlpool or 796 for LG) identify the actual manufacturer and are essential for finding the correct technical drawings.
Here's what actually happens when people skip this step: they order the wrong parts. I've seen it a hundred times. Someone orders a lid switch for their 'Kenmore top loader' without checking the prefix, gets a Whirlpool part, and it doesn't fit the LG-built machine they actually have. Then they're stuck waiting for a return, another week without a washer, and usually a restocking fee.
KenmoreWasherSeverity: low
Time to Fix
5–10 min
Difficulty
beginner
Parts Cost
$0 (no parts needed)
Tools Needed
Flashlight or headlamp (hands-free is better), Phone camera with flash
Kenmore Washer Model Identification and Parts Diagrams
Kenmore isn't a manufacturer, it's a brand name that Sears slapped on appliances built by other companies. Whirlpool, LG, Frigidaire, Samsung, they've all built Kenmore washers at different points. The 110 series is what I see most often in the field, followed closely by the 796 LG units. Getting this wrong means ordering parts for a completely different machine, and parts aren't cheap.
Common Causes
- The model number sticker has faded or started peeling after years of humidity and steam in the laundry room, leaving only partial digits visible or nothing at all.
- Someone already ordered parts using just a marketing series name like '80 Series' or 'Elite HE4' without the full model number, and the parts showed up completely wrong.
- The machine was bought secondhand or moved from another home and all the original documentation is gone.
- The Kenmore branding on the front panel is so prominent that people search for 'Kenmore drain pump' instead of the manufacturer-specific OEM part, pulling up results for totally different machines.
- Multiple stickers exist on older models and someone found an energy rating label or compliance sticker and mistook it for the model number.
Symptoms You May Notice
- You ordered a replacement part and it showed up looking completely wrong, with mounting tabs in different spots or a connector that doesn't match anything on your machine.
- The parts diagram you found online doesn't match what you're actually seeing inside your machine, like the drum configuration or agitator assembly look totally different.
- A parts website or appliance store keeps asking for a full model number and you realize you only know it's a 'Kenmore Elite' or '600 Series' or something equally vague.
- You're trying to find a service manual or wiring diagram and every result looks like it's for a different machine than what you have.
Tools Required for Diagnosis
Flashlight or headlamp (hands-free is better)Phone camera with flashNotepad or phone Notes app to write down the full model number
Diagnostic Checklist
Follow these steps in order. We start with the easiest external fixes before opening up the machine.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the model number on a Kenmore top load washer?
Flip the lid open and look at the back of the top frame right where the lid rests. That's the most common spot on probably 8 out of 10 machines I look at. If it's not there, check the left side panel near the bottom of the cabinet, or the back of the machine near the power cord. On older models from the 80s and 90s, sometimes it's stamped right into the metal on the back panel itself. I've also found them inside the dispenser drawer on some HE models, though that's less common. The front panel is basically never where it lives, just so you know.
What do the first three digits of a Kenmore model number mean?
Those first three digits are everything. They tell you who actually built the machine. 110 is Whirlpool, 796 is LG, 417 is Frigidaire (same as Electrolux parts), 592 is Samsung, 562 is also Frigidaire. Knowing this is the difference between finding the right drain pump and wasting 30 bucks on a part that won't fit. Seriously, I see this mistake constantly. Someone searches 'Kenmore 80 Series lid switch' and ends up with a Whirlpool part when they actually have the LG-built version. Five minutes finding the right prefix saves hours of frustration later.
Can I use the model number from the owner's manual?
Honestly, no. Don't bother. Manuals are printed to cover a whole range of machines in a product series, so the model number in there is often just representative of the series, not your specific unit. I've had customers call me frustrated because they ordered parts using the manual number and got completely the wrong thing. The sticker on the actual machine is the only reliable source. It's where Sears and the manufacturer both agreed on exactly what got built and shipped to your house. Go straight to the machine, not the manual.
Why is a parts diagram necessary for Kenmore washers specifically?
Because without it you're basically guessing. Kenmore is badge-engineered, meaning the internal design is totally different depending on who built it and what year. A parts diagram shows you every component in your specific machine with the OEM part number right next to it. That part number is what you actually need to order the correct version of a common part. It also shows you how everything fits together before you start taking things apart, which saves a lot of 'wait, how does this go back together' moments at 10pm on a Sunday when the hardware store is closed.
My sticker is completely unreadable. How do I find my Kenmore model number?
A few options here. First, check any paperwork in a junk drawer, the original receipt or warranty registration card will have it. Second, log into your Sears or Kmart account online if you bought it there, they keep purchase records going back years. Third, pull the back panel off or open the control console housing, some models have a second sticker inside. If all else fails, call Sears Parts Direct with any partial number you can make out and they can sometimes identify it. You can also compare the overall machine design to the parts diagrams for each prefix series and narrow it down visually.
Does it matter if I use an aftermarket parts diagram instead of the official one?
More than people think. Aftermarket diagrams can be wrong or outdated, especially for older Kenmore models where part numbers changed during production runs. I always tell people to start with an official source, either Sears Parts Direct or the actual manufacturer's parts portal like Whirlpool's or LG's website. Those pull from the real engineering database. Once you have the correct OEM part number from the official diagram, you can absolutely buy an aftermarket version of that part to save money. But get the right number from the official source first, then shop around for price.
Models Known to Experience MODEL-KENMORE-WASHER-LOOKUP Errors
This repair applies to most Kenmore washers with this error code. Common model numbers include:
110.25132411, 796.41162410, 417.41122310, 592.41072, 110.20222510, 796.29002000, 110.28002011, 796.31523900
MS
Last verified for technical accuracy on May 1, 2025