Repair help > Refrigerator repair > Refrigerator error codes

Kenmore 111 model top-freezer refrigerator error codes

These error code explanations help troubleshoot a problem with your Kenmore top-freezer refrigerator with a model number that starts with 111. The LED light on the main control board flickers a number of times then pauses to indicate an error code. Remove the main control board cover to view the LED light and count the flickers. To avoid getting shocked, don't touch anything inside the refrigerator while you have the control board cover removed because the main control board is connected to electricity when the refrigerator is plugged in. Unplug the refrigerator to disconnect power and reinstall the control board cover after counting the LED flickers. Find the error code in the chart below and repair the failure.

For repair how-to help, visit the PartsDirect repair help section, which includes repair help for refrigerators, other 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 refrigerator.

Error Code

Condition

DIY advice

Main control board LED flickers 1 time

Refrigerator temperature sensor failure

Check/Repair

The refrigerator temperature sensor attaches to the back wall inside the refrigerator compartment. Unplug the refrigerator and check the temperature sensor wiring connected to the control board for damage and repair any broken wires. Measure the resistance through the refrigerator temperature sensor circuit from the control board. Replace the refrigerator temperature sensor if resistance isn't between 5,000 and 40,000 ohms.

Possible parts

Refrigerator temperature sensor

Main control board LED flickers 2 times

Ambient temperature sensor failure

Check/Repair

The ambient temperature sensor (also called RT-sensor) attaches to the top of the refrigerator. Unplug the refrigerator and check the temperature sensor wiring connected to the control board for damage and repair any broken wires. Measure the resistance through the ambient temperature sensor circuit from the control board. Replace the ambient temperature sensor if resistance isn't between 5,000 and 40,000 ohms.

Possible parts

Ambient temperature sensor (RT-sensor)

Main control board LED flickers 3 times

Defrost temperature sensor failure

Check/Repair

The defrost temperature sensor monitors evaporator temperature. Unplug the refrigerator and check the temperature sensor wiring connected to the control board for damage and repair any broken wires. Measure the resistance through the defrost temperature sensor circuit from the control board. Replace the defrost temperature sensor if the resistance isn't between 5,000 and 40,000 ohms.

Possible parts

Defrost temperature sensor

Main control board LED flickers 4 times

Control senses refrigerator door open for more than 1 hour

Check/Repair

Unplug the refrigerator and check the wiring between the door switch and the control board. Reconnect any loose wires and repair any broken wires. If the wiring is okay, unplug the door switch wire harness from the control board. Check for continuity through the door switch with the plunger pushed in. If you don't measure continuity, replace the door switch.

How-to help

How to replace the light switch in a top-freezer refrigerator

Possible parts

Door switch

Main control board LED flickers 6 times

Defrost heater failure

Check/Repair

Measure the resistance through the defrost heater circuit from the control board. Replace the defrost heater if resistance isn't between 50 and 70 ohms.

How-to help

How to replace the defrost heater in a top-freezer refrigerator

Possible parts

Defrost heater

Symptoms common to all refrigerators

Choose a symptom to see related refrigerator repairs.

Water dripping on floor

Main causes: water valve leaking, frozen or broken defrost drain tube, overflowing drain pan, cracked water system tubing, leaking door seal

Frost buildup in freezer

Main causes: damaged door seal, faulty defrost sensor or bi-metal thermostat, broken defrost heater, bad defrost timer or control board

Not cooling well

Main causes: blocked vents, defrost system problems, evaporator fan failure, dirty condenser coils, bad sensors, condenser fan not working

Ice maker not making ice

Main causes: jammed ice cubes, broken ice maker assembly, dirty water filter, kinked water line, bad water valve, freezer not cold enough

Freezer not cold enough

Main causes: leaky door gasket, defrost system failure, evaporator fan not running, dirty condenser coils, condenser fan not running

Needs routine maintenance

Things to do: clean condenser coils, replace the water filter, clean the interior, adjust doors to prevent air leaks, clean the drain pan

Not running

Main causes: control board or cold control failure, broken compressor start relay, compressor motor failure, defrost timer problems

Not cooling at all

Main causes: blocked air vents, compressor problems, condenser or evaporator fan not working, control system failure, sensor problems

Repair guides common to all refrigerators

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

July 20, 2015

How to replace a refrigerator temperature control board

By Lyle Weischwill

If the temperature in your refrigerator doesn't match the temperature you set, the problem could be the temperature control board—a service technician can give you a definite diagnosis. If the board is at fault, follow these steps to replace it yourself.

Repair difficulty

Time required

30 minutes or less

July 20, 2015