Kenmore electric water heater displays E04 and water is only lukewarm or cold

Safety: Turn OFF power at the breaker and verify with a meter before touching any wiring.

• Access lower element: Remove the lower access panel and insulation to expose the lower element terminals.
• Inspect wiring: Look for loose screws, burned insulation, or corrosion. Repair or replace damaged connectors.
• Test element: Disconnect both wires from the lower element. Measure resistance across the terminals (typically ~12–13 Ω for 4500W). Infinite resistance means the element is open.
• Check for ground fault: Measure from each terminal to the tank. Any continuity indicates a short to ground; replace the element.
• Replace element: Shut off cold water, connect a hose to the drain valve, and drain water below the lower element. Remove the element with an element wrench and install a new Kenmore-compatible lower heating element with a fresh gasket.
• Refill tank: Close drain, open cold supply, and open a hot faucet until all air is purged and water flows steadily. Only then restore power to avoid dry-firing the element.
• Control board check: If the element tests good and wiring is sound, the electronic control’s lower element relay may be defective and the main control board may need replacement.