Dcs Refrigerator Error Code R-DEFROST SENSOR

The R-DEFROST SENSOR code means the refrigerator's control board has detected a fault in the R-Room defrost sensor circuit. This fault is triggered when the sensor reports a temperature above 149°F or below -58°F, indicating the sensor signal is out of range. Common causes include the sensor housing slipping off the evaporator, a wiring issue, or a failed sensor. The defrost system may not operate correctly until the fault is resolved.

This error is not an immediate safety hazard, but it does indicate that the defrost system is not receiving reliable sensor data. Over time, a faulty defrost sensor can allow frost to build up on the evaporator coil, which reduces cooling efficiency and can eventually cause the refrigerator to stop cooling properly. Addressing the fault promptly helps prevent food spoilage and further component stress.

Repair costs depend on what is causing the fault. If the sensor housing simply needs to be reseated or a connector reattached, the fix may involve little to no parts cost, with only a service call fee if a technician is needed. If the sensor itself has failed and requires replacement, parts and labor combined typically range from around $100 to $300 or more depending on local labor rates and parts availability.

Start by inspecting the defrost sensor housing on the R-Room evaporator to confirm it is properly seated against the evaporator surface. Next, check all wiring connectors for secure contact, and trace the sensor wiring for any cuts, breaks, or shorts. If the wiring and connections are intact and the sensor housing is properly positioned but the code persists, the sensor itself likely needs to be replaced.

A power reset may temporarily clear the code, but the error will return if the underlying fault is still present. Because the code is triggered by a specific out-of-range temperature reading from the defrost sensor circuit, the root cause, whether a displaced housing, wiring problem, or faulty sensor, must be corrected before the fault will stay cleared.