KitchenAid KWED5000HW 7.0 cu. ft. Electric Dryer with Wrinkle Shield Option F26 Error Fix: Drive Motor Failure — Not Starting

The drive motor is not starting despite receiving power. Check for a seized drum (belt or bearing issue preventing rotation). Check the motor start switch/centrifugal switch. If motor hums but doesn't turn, the bearings may be seized or the start winding has failed. Replace the drive motor if defective.

High severity2 fixes available✨ Free fix available

Quick Answer

Error F26 on the KitchenAid KWED5000HW 7.0 cu. ft. Electric Dryer with Wrinkle Shield Option means: Drive Motor Failure — Not Starting. The top-ranked community fix is “Test and Replace the Drive Motor Assembly” (hard difficulty, ~90 min, DIY cost: $15-$25). 2 community-ranked fixes available below.

Published February 2026 · 2 fixes · dryer

Content is based on manufacturer service documentation, community repair experience, and OEM technical bulletins. Always verify with your owner's manual.Learn about our editorial standards.

When to Call a Professional

While many dryer repairs can be done safely at home, consider hiring a qualified technician if:

This is a high severity error — continued use may cause damage or a safety hazard
The repair involves electrical wiring, gas lines, or refrigerant
You've tried the top-ranked fix and the error persists
You smell gas, see sparking, or notice water leaking
The repair requires specialized tools you don't have
Your appliance is still under manufacturer warranty

Average professional repair cost for this issue: $250-$350.

Other KitchenAid KWED5000HW 7.0 cu. ft. Electric Dryer with Wrinkle Shield Option Error Codes

Airflow Restriction Warning

2 fixes

BURNING SMELL

Burning Smell During Operation

2 fixes

F01

Main Control Board EEPROM Error

2 fixes

F02

Keypad / User Interface Error

2 fixes

F22

Exhaust Thermistor Open/Shorted

2 fixes

F23

Exhaust Thermistor Out of Range

2 fixes

F25

Drive Motor Circuit Fault

2 fixes

F28

Moisture Sensor Circuit Failure

2 fixes

People Also Ask About KitchenAid KWED5000HW 7.0 cu. ft. Electric Dryer with Wrinkle Shield Option Error F26

What does error code F26 mean on a KitchenAid KWED5000HW 7.0 cu. ft. Electric Dryer with Wrinkle Shield Option?

Error code F26 on the KitchenAid KWED5000HW 7.0 cu. ft. Electric Dryer with Wrinkle Shield Option means: Drive Motor Failure — Not Starting. The drive motor is not starting despite receiving power. Check for a seized drum (belt or bearing issue preventing rotation). Check the motor start switch/centrifugal switch. If motor hums but doesn't turn, the bearings may be seized or the start winding has failed. Replace the drive motor if defective.

How do I fix error code F26 on my KitchenAid KWED5000HW 7.0 cu. ft. Electric Dryer with Wrinkle Shield Option?

The most successful fix is "Test and Replace the Drive Motor Assembly" (hard difficulty, ~90 minutes). Estimated DIY cost: $15-$25. HomeMD has 2 community-ranked fixes for this error.

Is error code F26 on a KitchenAid KWED5000HW 7.0 cu. ft. Electric Dryer with Wrinkle Shield Option serious?

This error is rated high severity. You should address it promptly — continued use could cause damage or safety concerns.

Can I fix KitchenAid KWED5000HW 7.0 cu. ft. Electric Dryer with Wrinkle Shield Option error F26 myself?

Yes — the top-ranked community fix ("Test and Replace the Drive Motor Assembly") is rated hard difficulty and takes about 90 minutes. Tools needed: T20 Torx screwdriver, Multimeter, Nut driver set, Flashlight.

How much does it cost to repair KitchenAid KWED5000HW 7.0 cu. ft. Electric Dryer with Wrinkle Shield Option error F26?

DIY cost: $15-$25. Professional repair typically costs $250-$350. Many homeowners save money by trying the top-ranked community fix first.

What other error codes does the KitchenAid KWED5000HW 7.0 cu. ft. Electric Dryer with Wrinkle Shield Option have?

The KitchenAid KWED5000HW 7.0 cu. ft. Electric Dryer with Wrinkle Shield Option has 8 other known error codes, including: AF (Airflow Restriction Warning), BURNING SMELL (Burning Smell During Operation), F01 (Main Control Board EEPROM Error), F02 (Keypad / User Interface Error), F22 (Exhaust Thermistor Open/Shorted), and 3 more.

What other error codes does the KitchenAid KWED5000HW 7.0 cu. ft. Electric Dryer with Wrinkle Shield Option have?

The KitchenAid KWED5000HW 7.0 cu. ft. Electric Dryer with Wrinkle Shield Option has 8 other known error codes:

AF — Airflow Restriction Warning (2 fixes)
BURNING SMELL — Burning Smell During Operation (2 fixes)
F01 — Main Control Board EEPROM Error (2 fixes)
F02 — Keypad / User Interface Error (2 fixes)
F22 — Exhaust Thermistor Open/Shorted (2 fixes)
F23 — Exhaust Thermistor Out of Range (2 fixes)
F25 — Drive Motor Circuit Fault (2 fixes)
F28 — Moisture Sensor Circuit Failure (2 fixes)

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