April 19, 2023

Kenmore gas water heater error codes

Kenmore

These error code explanations can help you diagnose a problem with your Kenmore gas water heater. For repair how-to help, visit the PartsDirect repair help section, which includes repair help for water heaters, major appliances, lawn and garden equipment, garage door openers, vacuum cleaners and more. Search for your model number to find a complete list of replacement parts for your water heater.

Error Code
Condition
DIY advice
LED flashes once every 4 seconds

Water heater is at idle (no call for heat, no fault condition)

Check/Repair

Normal operation

Possible parts
LED alternates bright/dim

Water heater is heating (no fault condition)

Check/Repair

Normal operation

Possible parts
LED flashes once every 3 seconds

Low flame signal

Check/Repair

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.

Possible parts
Flame rod
LED flashes 2 times every 3 seconds

Air pressure switch closed

Check/Repair

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.

Possible parts
Air pressure switch, Gas control
LED flashes 3 times every 3 seconds

Air pressure switch open

Check/Repair

Make sure there are no blockages in the blower or venting system. Check for proper venting according to the installation instructions. A long vent or blocked vent can prevent the pressure switch from closing when blower is running. NOTE: The blower high-limit switch is wired in series with the air pressure switch. Ensure blower high-limit switch is not open. Check for electrical continuity across high-limit switch and replace switch if contacts remain open.

Possible parts
Air pressure switch, High-limit switch, Gas control
LED flashes 4 times every 3 seconds

Exceeded temperature limit

Check/Repair

Gas control failure, replace the gas control valve assembly.

Possible parts
Gas control
LED flashes 5 times every 3 seconds

Flame out

Check/Repair

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.

Possible parts
Gas control, Igniter, Flame rod
6-1: LED flashes 6 times and then 1 time every 3 seconds

Ignition failure

Check/Repair

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.

Possible parts
Gas control, Igniter, Flame rod
6-2: LED flashes 6 times and then twice every 3 seconds

Pressure switch/high limit opened

Check/Repair

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.

Possible parts
Gas control
6-3: LED flashes 6 times and then 3 times every 3 seconds

Flame lost

Check/Repair

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.

Possible parts
Gas control
6-4: LED flashes 6 times and then 4 times every 3 seconds

Flame out of sequence sensed

Check/Repair

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.

Possible parts
Gas control
7 LED flashes every 3 seconds

Flammable vapor sensor (FVS)

Check/Repair

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.

Possible parts
Vapor sensor, Gas control
8-1: LED flashes 8 times and then once every 3 seconds

Flammable Vapor Sensor (FVS)

Check/Repair

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.

Possible parts
Vapor sensor, Gas control
8-2: LED flashes 8 times and then twice every 3 seconds

Temperature sensor fault

Check/Repair

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.

Possible parts
Gas control
8-3: LED flashes 8 times and then 3 times every 3 seconds

Gas control failure

Check/Repair

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.

Possible parts
Gas control
8-4: LED flashes 8 times and then 4 times every 3 seconds

Gas control failure

Check/Repair

Control has sensed an error in the control circuits 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.

Possible parts
Gas control
LED is constantly on

Gas control failure

Check/Repair

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.

Possible parts
Gas control

Most common symptoms to help you fix your water heaters

Choose a symptom to see related water heater repairs.

Main causes: lack of power, no gas supply, thermostat limit switch tripped, bad element, bad thermostat, gas valve failu…

Main causes: thermostats need adjustment, water heater capacity too low, bad heating element, thermostat failure, excess…

Main causes: loose water pipe fittings, leaky drain valve, bad temperature-pressure relief valve, leaky heating element,…

Main causes: water supply needs chlorine treatment, anode rod too reactive…

Main causes: broken heating element, thermostat failure, excessive tank sediment, tank size too small, burner valve asse…

Main causes: thermostat temperature set too high, thermostats need adjustment, faulty thermostat, shorted heating elemen…

Main causes: faulty pressure relief valve, water is overheating…

Most common repair guides to help fix your water heaters

Effective articles & videos to help repair your water heaters

Use the advice and tips in these articles and videos to get the most out of your water heater.

Wiring schematic symbols explained video

Wiring schematic symbols explained video

Learn some of the most common symbols found in a wiring diagram and what they mean.…

Using a wiring schematic to trace a current video

Using a wiring schematic to trace a current video

Find out what’s wrong with your appliance by following a circuit.…

Easy DIY water heater repairs

Easy DIY water heater repairs

Read about some water heater repairs that you can easily do yourself.…