Kenmore electric water heater shows E03 and will not heat or overheats briefly then shuts down

Safety: Shut OFF power at the breaker and confirm with a meter that both hot legs are de-energized.

• Access upper element: Remove the upper access panel and insulation to expose the upper heating element terminals.
• Check wiring: Inspect for burned, loose, or discolored wires at the element. Tighten loose screws and replace any overheated connectors.
• Test element resistance: Disconnect both wires from the upper element. Measure resistance across the two element screws. A typical 4500W/240V element reads around 12–13 Ω. Infinite resistance indicates an open element.
• Test for ground fault: Measure from each element screw to the metal tank. Any measurable resistance (other than infinite) indicates a short to ground and the element must be replaced.
• Replace element if faulty: Shut off cold water supply and attach a hose to the drain valve. Drain water below the upper element level. Remove the element with an element wrench and install a new Kenmore-compatible upper heating element with a new gasket. Tighten securely.
• Refill and bleed air: Close drain, open cold supply, and open a hot faucet until water flows steadily with no air. Only then restore power.
• Reset and test: Restore power and verify that E03 clears and the heater begins heating.