Kenmore Washing Machine: tripping GFI

Professional Repair Guide

What is this symptom?

Experiencing your Kenmore washing machine tripping the GFI? This issue signals a ground fault, often caused by internal electrical leakage, moisture intrusion, or a faulty outlet. Understanding the cause can help you resolve this frustrating problem quickly.

Urgency: High

Important Tips for Kenmore Models

  • Specific reports indicate that water entering the motor area after an overflow event caused post-leakage ground faults leading to GFCI trips.

Possible Causes

Internal ground fault (electrical leakage) inside the washing machine

How to Identify: GFCI trips immediately upon plug-in or during specific cycles (motor spin or water heating; multimeter testing shows leakage to ground

Part: Wiring harness, motor insulation, heater element, control board

Moisture intrusion into electrical components

How to Identify: Recent leaks or water spill near machine; GFCI trips after water exposure; recorded puddles or humidity near base or under machine

Part: Motor, control board, connections

Faulty or overly sensitive GFCI outlet

How to Identify: Other appliances also trip the same GFCI; swapping to a known good outlet prevents trips

Part: GFCI receptacle or breaker

Circuit wiring or outlet installation issue

How to Identify: GFCI trips even with no load; loose connections or incorrect LINE/LOAD wiring at outlet; test with another GFCI or outlet

Part: House wiring, outlet connections

DIY Solutions

Test with Alternate Outlet or GFCI

Easy 10-20 minutes
Tools Needed: another GFCI outlet or extension cord
  1. Unplug washer and reset GFCI
  2. Plug the washer into a different GFCI outlet or use a properly rated extension cord to a known-good circuit
  3. Observe whether GFCI still trips
⚠️ Safety First: Do not run appliance extensively on temporary extension cords beyond testing

Inspect Power Cord and Plug

Moderate 15-30 minutes
Tools Needed: flashlight
  1. Unplug the washer
  2. Visually inspect the power cord for cuts, frayed insulation, or burn marks
  3. Check that plug prongs are not corroded or bent and that there is no moisture on the plug
⚠️ Safety First: Ensure power is disconnected at breaker before inspection

Dry Out Moisture and Leak Points

Moderate several hours to 24 hours
Tools Needed: fans or dehumidifier
  1. Unplug machine and tilt to allow airflow under and around motor and wiring areas
  2. Use a fan to circulate air and evaporate moisture around electrical components
  3. Wait until fully dry, then test again
⚠️ Safety First: Do not run the washer until fully dry to avoid shock or damage

Professional Repairs

Repair/Replace Internal Faulty Electrical Components

Estimated Cost: $150 - $500+

Replace Faulty GFCI Outlet or Fix Wiring Issues

Estimated Cost: $50 - $200

When to Call a Professional

If the GFCI trips even when washer is unplugged or on a known good GFCI circuit
If internal electrical faults are suspected (motor, control board) after basic checks
If wiring or outlet wiring problems are identified that require electrician-level diagnosis

Preventive Maintenance

  • Ensure proper sealing and hose connections: Moisture intrusion that can cause electrical leakage
    Frequency: annually
  • Test GFCI outlets periodically: Undetected outlet faults from causing unexpected trips
    Frequency: monthly

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my Kenmore Washing Machine tripping GFI?
Common causes include internal electrical leakage, moisture in components, or a faulty GFCI outlet.
How do I fix Kenmore Washing Machine tripping GFI myself?
You can try using a different outlet, inspecting the power cord, or drying out moisture around the electrical parts.
How much does it cost to fix tripping GFI?
Professional repairs typically range from $50 to $500+, depending on the issue severity.
When should I call a technician for tripping GFI?
Call a technician if DIY fixes fail or if the problem persists, as this may indicate a more serious issue.

References & Sources

Community Analytical Insights

Analysis based on real user discussions from appliance repair communities

Can I Fix This Myself?

75%
DIY Success Rate Difficulty: Either

Common Issues Reported by Users

  • Faulty motor or motor wiring causing a short circuit
  • Moisture or water intrusion in electrical components
  • Damaged power cord or plug leading to electrical leakage

User Suggested Solutions

  1. Inspect the motor wiring for any signs of damage or disconnection. Ensure that the motor molex connector is properly seated. If damaged, replace the wiring or connector.

  2. Check for any moisture or water accumulation around the electrical components. Dry any wet areas thoroughly and ensure proper sealing of the washer.

  3. Examine the power cord and plug for any visible damage. If frayed or damaged, replace the power cord with a new one.

Analysis based on 1 community discussions
View Sources

Data compiled from real discussions on r/appliancerepair and r/Appliances:

  1. Rebuilt Kenmore Clothes Washer (110.20922990 serial number C...

Community Discussions

intermittently tripping GFI

Motor molex was slightly out of position and was fixed.

DIY View on Reddit →

Source: Reddit r/appliancerepair

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