April 19, 2023

Kenmore 385 model sewing machine error codes

Kenmore

These error code explanations can help you diagnose a problem with your 385 Source Kenmore sewing machine. For repair how-to help, visit the PartsDirect repair help section, which includes repair help for sewing machines, major appliances, lawn and garden equipment, garage door openers, vacuum cleaners and more. Search for your model number to find a complete list of replacement parts for your sewing machine.

Error Code
Condition
DIY advice
E1 Error

Zigzag motor error

Check/Repair

The E1 Error code appears when the needle bar is up and the sewing machine can't prepare the zigzag motor to start. Unplug the sewing machine and check the wiring connections on the zigzag motor and circuit board A. Replace the fuse on circuit board A if the fuse is blown. Replace circuit board A if it has a burned spot. Replace the zigzag motor if the fuse blows and circuit board A is okay.

Possible parts
Fuse, circuit board A, zigzag motor
E2 Error

Feed motor error

Check/Repair

The E2 Error code appears when the needle bar is down and sewing machine can't prepare the feed motor to start. Unplug the sewing machine and check the wiring connections on the feed motor and circuit board A. Replace the fuse on circuit board A if the fuse is blown. Replace circuit board A if it has a burned spot. Replace the feed motor if the fuse blows and circuit board A is okay.

Possible parts
Fuse, circuit board A, feed motor
E3 Error

Thread jam or circuit board A failure

Check/Repair

Remove any thread jam in the sewing machine. Unplug the sewing machine and check the wiring connections on circuit board A. Replace circuit board A if it has a burned spot.

Possible parts
Circuit board A
E4 Error or E5 Error

Thread jam or upper shaft sensor failure

Check/Repair

Remove any thread jam in the sewing machine. Unplug the sewing machine and check the wiring on the upper shaft sensor and circuit board A. Reconnect any loose wires on the sensor and circuit board A. Replace the upper shaft sensor if defective. Replace circuit board A if it has a burned spot.

Possible parts
Upper shaft sensor, circuit board A
STOP FOR SAFETY PURPOSES

Blown fuse on circuit board A

Check/Repair

Unplug the sewing machine and replace circuit board A if it has a burned spot on the board. Reconnect any loose wires on circuit board A. Replace the fuse on circuit board A. Have the sewing machine serviced if the fuse continues to blow.

Possible parts
Fuse, circuit board A

Most common symptoms to help you fix your sewing machines

Choose a symptom to see related sewing machine repairs.

Main causes: faulty foot pedal, locked drive gears, wiring failure, bad drive motor…

Main causes: machine needs lubrication, internal gear failure…

Main causes: dirty shuttle race, improper thread routing, incorrect thread tension…

Main causes: dirty shuttle race, wrong thread tension, bad needle timing, damaged needle, using the wrong type of needle…

Main causes: problems with the feed dogs, setting stitch length to 0…

Main causes: disengaged clutch, broken drive belt, internal drive gear failure…

Main causes: lack of lubrication, lint buildup, worn drive belt, faulty drive motor…

Main causes: thread bunched up in the shuttle race, bad needle timing, internal drive gear failures…

Main causes: power supply failure, bad power cord, faulty On/Off switch…

Most common repair guides to help fix your sewing machines

These step-by-step repair guides will help you safely fix what’s broken on your sewing machine.

How to replace a sewing machine on/off switch

How to replace a sewing machine on/off switch

If the sewing machine is completely dead, replace the On/Off switch using these 6 steps.…

Repair difficulty
Time required
 30 minutes or less
How to replace a sewing machine drive belt

How to replace a sewing machine drive belt

You can replace a broken sewing machine drive belt in about 15 minutes. …

Repair difficulty
Time required
 15 minutes or less
How to replace a sewing machine drive motor

How to replace a sewing machine drive motor

If the drive motor on your sewing machine runs roughly or doesn't run at all, you can replace it in about 30 minutes usi…

Repair difficulty
Time required
 15 minutes or less

Effective articles & videos to help repair your sewing machines

Use the advice and tips in these articles and videos to get the most out of your sewing machine.

How to enjoy all the online benefits we offer on our Sears PartsDirect website

How to enjoy all the online benefits we offer on our Sears PartsDirect website

Learn about all the convenient features on our Sears PartsDirect website that make your parts purchases easier.…

Top questions about Sears and Sears PartsDirect

Top questions about Sears and Sears PartsDirect

Get answers to frequently asked questions about Sears and Sears PartsDirect.…

How to use a multimeter to test electrical parts video

How to use a multimeter to test electrical parts video

Learn how to use a multimeter to check for wiring problems in an appliance that's not working…