# How to Fix Kenmore Error Ld (Long Drain)
If your Kenmore washing machine displays the “Ld” error code, don’t worry—it’s one of the most common issues and usually fixable without calling a technician. The error indicates a blockage in the drain system or a pump failure.
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## 1. Explanation: What “Ld” Means in Plain English
The “Ld” code stands for **Long Drain**.
Your washer’s control board has a built-in timer for draining water. When the machine attempts to drain, the control board expects the water level to drop significantly within a specified period (usually 8 minutes).
If the machine fails to remove the water within that time limit, the **Ld** error is triggered, meaning the water is draining too slowly or not at all.
**The likely culprit for this failure is almost always the Drain Pump or a blockage directly impeding the pump.**
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## 2. Step-by-Step Fix: Diagnosing and Clearing the Drain System
The goal of troubleshooting is to verify if the problem is a blockage (debris) or a mechanical failure (a broken pump).
**⚠️ Safety First:** Always unplug the washing machine from the power outlet before performing any inspections or maintenance.
### Step 1: Check the Drain Hose and Standpipe
Start with the simplest potential issues first:
1. **Hose Kink:** Inspect the ribbed drain hose behind the washer. Ensure it is not kinked, crushed against the wall, or bent sharply.
2. **Standpipe Depth:** If the hose drains into a standpipe, ensure the end of the hose is not pushed too far down. If it is submerged, it can create a siphon effect that slows down or prevents efficient draining. The hose should enter the standpipe without touching the water when the machine is empty.
### Step 2: Access and Clear the Drain Pump Filter (The Debris Trap)
This is the most frequent cause of the Ld error. Most Kenmore front-load and some top-load models have an accessible coin trap or filter located near the bottom of the machine.
1. **Locate Access:** Open the small access panel at the very bottom front of the washer (you may need a flat-head screwdriver to pry it open gently).
2. **Drain Water:** Before unscrewing the filter cap, place shallow containers and towels down. There will be residual water inside the pump housing. Slowly turn the drain plug (often a small black hose or a large cap) counterclockwise to drain all remaining water.
3. **Remove Debris:** Fully unscrew the large circular drain filter cap. Check for foreign objects:
* Coins, buttons, paperclips, hair ties, and small socks are common culprits.
* Remove all debris and rinse the filter thoroughly.
4. **Check the Impeller:** Shine a flashlight into the pump housing (where the filter cap screws in). You should see a small fan blade (the impeller).
* Use your finger or a slim, blunt tool to gently try and rotate the impeller. It should turn freely. If it feels stuck or crunchy, there is still debris caught deeper inside the pump motor housing.
5. **Reassemble:** Screw the clean filter cap back in firmly. Close the access panel.
### Step 3: Check the Internal Drain Hose (Between Tub and Pump)
If the pump filter was clear, the blockage might be in the large drain hose that connects the main wash tub to the pump assembly.
1. **Access Pump:** Depending on your model, you may need to lay the machine on its side or remove the back panel to access the pump assembly fully.
2. **Inspect Tub-to-Pump Hose:** Remove the clamps holding the large hose (sump hose) onto the pump. Check inside the hose. Large objects like washcloths or small articles of clothing often get trapped here just before reaching the pump.
3. **Clear and Reassemble:** Clear the hose, reattach it securely, and ensure all clamps are tight.
### Step 4: Test the Drain Pump Motor (If No Blockage is Found)
If you have completed Steps 1 through 3 and found no debris, the pump motor itself is likely failing mechanically or electrically.
* **Mechanical Failure:** The pump motor is burned out or the impeller shaft is broken.
* **Electrical Failure:** The pump is not receiving power (less common, usually indicates a control board issue).
If the path is clear but the machine still throws the “Ld” code, the pump needs replacement. A fully functional pump should spin freely when checked in Step 2, and should make a clear whirring sound when attempting to drain. If it just hums, clicks, or remains silent, the motor has failed.
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## 3. Replacement Parts
If diagnosis confirms that the drain pump has failed, replacement is necessary to resolve the “Ld” error.
Check the price for a replacement Drain Pump here: https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Kenmore+Drain+Pump&tag=trivian-20