Kenmore Washer Filter Replacement Guide — Cost, Signs & DIY Tips

Not all Kenmore washers have a user-accessible filter, and this catches many homeowners off guard. LG-built Kenmore Elite front-load washers (796-prefix) have a coin trap filter behind a small access door at the bottom-front of the machine — this filter catches coins, buttons, hair ties, and other debris before they reach the drain pump. Whirlpool-built top-load Kenmore washers (110-prefix) may have a self-cleaning lint filter inside the agitator or no user-serviceable filter at all. The filter type (or absence) depends entirely on which OEM built your machine.

Decode Your Model Number

• 110 (top-load with agitator) — Whirlpool: May have a lint filter inside the agitator cap. Pull the cap off to check. Newer HE top-loaders often have no user-accessible filter.
• 110 (HE top-load, no agitator) — Whirlpool: No user-accessible filter. Lint is captured by the pump and flushed with drain water.
• 796 (front-load) — LG Kenmore Elite: Coin trap filter at bottom-front. Must be cleaned monthly.

Signs the Filter Needs Cleaning or Replacement

LG-based coin trap (796-prefix):

• Slow drainage or drain error codes (OE)
• Unpleasant odor from the washer — trapped debris decomposes
• Visible water remaining after cycle completes
• Small items (socks, coins) disappearing during wash

Whirlpool agitator lint filter (110-prefix, if equipped):

• Lint redepositing on clothes
• Filter mesh is torn or deteriorated

Filter Cost

How to Clean/Replace

LG coin trap (796-prefix):

1. No need to unplug
2. Place towels and a shallow pan under the access door at the bottom-front
3. Open the door (it may snap or screw open)
4. Slowly turn the filter cap counterclockwise — water will drain. Go slowly to control the flow.
5. Pull the filter out. Remove debris (coins, lint, hair ties).
6. Clean the filter and housing with warm water
7. Reinstall the filter (clockwise until snug). Close the door.
8. Time: 5 minutes. Do this monthly.

Whirlpool agitator lint filter (110-prefix):

1. Pull the fabric softener dispenser/agitator cap off the top of the agitator
2. Remove the lint filter (mesh cone or screen inside)
3. Clean under running water. Replace if torn.
4. Reinstall. Time: 2 minutes.

Tools: None.

How Often to Clean

• LG coin trap: Monthly. More often if you wash items with heavy debris (pet blankets, work clothes).
• Whirlpool agitator filter: Monthly cleaning, replacement every 1–2 years if mesh degrades.

The Kenmore Washer Model Number Decode Strategy

Every Kenmore washer repair begins with the model number prefix — it reveals the OEM manufacturer and determines the entire repair approach:

• 110 — Whirlpool (most common, top-load and some front-load models)
• 796 — LG (Kenmore Elite front-load washers with inverter direct-drive motor)
• 417 — Frigidaire/Electrolux (less common)

Whirlpool 110-prefix models span decades of production and include multiple platforms:

• Older direct-drive top-loaders: Motor connects to transmission via a motor coupling. The coupling ($10 rubber/plastic part) fails far more often than the motor itself — always check the coupling first.
• Newer VMW (Vertical Modular Washer) top-loaders: More electronic, separate drain pump, different access patterns.
• Some front-load models are also 110-prefix.

LG 796-prefix Kenmore Elite front-loaders use an inverter direct-drive motor mounted directly on the rear of the tub — no belt, no transmission. This design is efficient but repairs require different procedures than the belt-driven Whirlpool platform.

The cross-reference savings strategy applies: order the Whirlpool or LG OEM part number directly rather than the Kenmore-branded equivalent for 30–40% savings on the identical part.

Common Kenmore Washer Error Codes by Platform

Whirlpool-based (110-prefix): F5 E1/E2 (lid lock), F8 E1 (water level), F9 E1 (drain), F02 (drain timeout)

LG-based (796-prefix): OE (drain), PE (pressure sensor), LE (motor), dE (door lock), UE (unbalanced load)

Knowing your platform's error codes helps diagnose the failing component before ordering parts.

Decode Your Kenmore Washer Model Number

Every Kenmore washer repair starts with the model number prefix:

• 110 — Whirlpool (most common, top-load and some front-load). Includes older direct-drive and newer VMW (Vertical Modular Washer) platforms.
• 796 — LG (Kenmore Elite front-load). Inverter direct-drive motor, no belt or transmission.
• 417 — Frigidaire/Electrolux (some front-load models).

Critical platform differences:

• Whirlpool 110-prefix direct-drive top-loaders use a motor coupling (-5) between the motor and transmission — this coupling fails far more often than the motor itself and is the first thing to check when the drum won't turn.
• Whirlpool 110-prefix VMW top-loaders have electronic controls, a separate drain pump, and a suspension system with rods rather than springs.
• LG 796-prefix Kenmore Elite front-loaders use an inverter direct-drive motor mounted on the tub — no belt, no transmission. Repairs require different procedures than Whirlpool platform.

The cross-reference savings strategy: order the Whirlpool or LG OEM part number directly rather than the Kenmore-branded equivalent for 30-40% savings.

Lifespan and Maintenance

The typical lifespan of a filter in a Kenmore washer varies by OEM platform. Whirlpool-built components generally last 8-12 years with proper maintenance. LG-built components in Kenmore Elite models may have different longevity profiles depending on the specific technology used.

Regular maintenance extends component life regardless of OEM platform: follow the recommended cleaning schedules in your owner's manual, address unusual noises or behaviors promptly before they escalate to full failures, and verify that supporting systems (ventilation for dryers, water supply for dishwashers and washers, condenser cleaning for refrigerators) are functioning properly.

When to DIY vs. Call a Professional

The repair difficulty varies by OEM platform:

• Whirlpool-based models use standardized fasteners and well-documented disassembly sequences. A large library of Whirlpool service videos applies directly.
• LG-based Kenmore Elite models often have tighter component packaging and more fragile ribbon cables. Repairs require more care and may take longer.
• Under warranty or protection plan — Kenmore protection plans are serviced through the Sears Home Services network. DIY repairs void remaining coverage.

If you cannot determine the correct OEM part number from your model prefix, a professional can cross-reference it accurately and avoid the cost of ordering the wrong part.

FAQ

Does my Kenmore washer have a filter?

LG-built front-load (796-prefix): yes, coin trap at bottom-front. Whirlpool top-load with agitator: possibly, check inside agitator cap. Whirlpool HE top-load without agitator: no user-accessible filter.

How do I clean the coin trap on my Kenmore Elite washer?

Open the small door at the bottom-front, place towels, slowly unscrew the filter cap, clean debris, reinstall. Takes 5 minutes.

Why does my Kenmore washer smell bad?

Trapped debris in the coin trap filter (796-prefix) or mold in the door boot seal. Clean the filter monthly and leave the door ajar between loads.

My Kenmore washer eats socks — where do they go?

Small items slip between the drum and the outer tub, then get caught in the coin trap filter (front-load) or pump (top-load). Check the coin trap regularly.

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