Kenmore Elite LG Dryer — Issues & Fixes

This Elite line is an LG-built platform sold under a 796 prefix, so it carries LG features like TrueSteam and FlowSense duct-blockage sensing. Below are the covered models, the recurring problems, the codes, the parts, and a repair-or-replace line.

Models covered#

Four model numbers built from 2013 to 2022 share the same LG-made platform:

Common problems for this model#

Error codes#

The panel shows LG-style codes: d80, d90, and d95 are FlowSense duct-restriction warnings, while tE, HE, and PS point at temperature, heater, and sensor faults. For anything else, unplug or trip the breaker for 60 seconds and restore power; a returning code needs a diagnosis.

Wear parts#

Verify the part number against your exact model before ordering:

Before you call#

Rule out airflow first — it is at the root of several faults here. A dryer that tumbles without heat points to the heating element, while a persistent vent warning after you have cleaned the duct is the FlowSense false alarm. A motor that runs with a still drum is a snapped belt, weak or uneven drying is oxidized moisture-sensor bars, and no steam is a mineral-clogged TrueSteam generator. Clean the lint path end to end before replacing any part.

Recall status#

There are no active recalls on the Kenmore Elite (LG Dryer) series as of 2026-05-28. Check your model against the Consumer Product Safety Commission list at cpsc.gov periodically.

Repair or replace?#

For this Elite line: under 10 years old with a fix below 50% of a comparable new dryer, repair. After 10 years, weigh recent costs — once repairs over the last 2-3 years exceed 40% of replacement, replace. The common failures here are all cost-effective, stocked repairs.

Maintenance#

Clean the lint filter before every load and the exhaust vent once a year — when the duct is genuinely dirty, the FlowSense d80, d90, and d95 warnings are real restriction alerts, not false alarms. If you have hard water, descale the TrueSteam generator every 6 months with vinegar, and wipe the moisture-sensor bars monthly with rubbing alcohol so drying stays accurate.

FAQ#

What are the most common Kenmore Elite dryer problems?#

Heating-element burnout and FlowSense false alarms together are roughly 32% of calls, followed by drum-belt snapping and TrueSteam clogging. Watch for the d80, d90, and d95 codes, which flag duct restriction.

FlowSense keeps alarming even though my duct is clean — why?#

A false FlowSense alarm is the second-most-common issue on this dryer; the FlowSense sensor (MEA30002P) can misread. Confirm the entire vent run to the exterior is genuinely clear first, and if it truly is, the sensor is the part to replace.

How reliable is the Kenmore Elite dryer?#

Expect 12-15 years of service under normal use. The most frequent failure, heating-element burnout, is a known and repairable issue rather than a design flaw, and the LG-built platform benefits from steady improvements across the model years.

Book a Kenmore Elite dryer repair#

We service Kenmore dryers across Sacramento and the Bay Area, and our techs carry the common LG-built parts, so most repairs finish in a single visit. Book your repair for same-day or next-day service, upfront pricing, and a 90-day parts-and-labor warranty.