Kenmore electric water heater displays E02 and water temperature is erratic or no hot water

Safety: Turn OFF the water heater breaker and verify power is off at the unit before removing any covers.

• Access lower compartment: Remove the lower access panel, insulation, and plastic shield to expose the lower element and sensor wiring.
• Visual inspection: Check the lower thermistor and harness for signs of water damage, scale buildup, or melted insulation. Ensure the sensor is firmly attached to the tank or seated in its well.
• Test the thermistor: Disconnect the sensor from the harness. Measure resistance with a multimeter and compare to the temperature/resistance chart for your Kenmore model. Replace if reading is open, shorted, or far out of range.
• Replace sensor: Install a new Kenmore lower tank temperature sensor/thermistor, route wires away from the element terminals, and secure connectors.
• Check harness and board: If the sensor is good, inspect the harness from the sensor to the control board for pinched or broken wires. If wiring is intact, the main control board may be defective and require replacement.
• Reassemble and test: Reinstall insulation and cover, restore power, and confirm that E02 clears and the heater cycles normally.