E11
Kenmore
Flame Loss / Unstable Flame
Kenmore gas water heater shows E11 and shuts down after attempting to light
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Safety Warning
This repair may involve working with high voltage components or water connections. Always unplug the appliance before removing any panels.
If you are not confident in your ability to perform this repair safely, we strongly recommend contacting a professional technician.
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Possible Causes
Dirty burner ports, restricted combustion air intake, weak gas pressure, partially clogged gas orifice, faulty flame sensor signal
How to Fix / Troubleshooting
Safety: Turn OFF gas and power before removing burner components. Allow the heater to cool.
- Inspect air intake: On FVIR (flammable vapor ignition resistant) models, check the intake screen at the bottom of the heater for lint and dust. Clean thoroughly with a soft brush and vacuum.
- Clean burner: Remove the burner assembly. Use compressed air or a soft brush to clean burner ports and the main orifice. Do not enlarge the orifice.
- Clean flame sensor: Gently polish the flame sensor rod with fine abrasive pad to remove oxidation.
- Check venting: Ensure the vent pipe is properly connected, not blocked, and has correct slope. Poor draft can cause flame instability.
- Reassemble and test: Reinstall burner and manifold, ensuring a proper seal. Restore gas and power, then observe operation through the sight glass. If the flame lights but drops out and E11 returns, the gas control valve or flame sensing circuit may be faulty and require replacement by a professional.
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Repair Difficulty
Hard
4/5
Required Part
Burner Assembly and Flame Sensor
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