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Error code reference

Jenn-Air Refrigerator Error Code CC

Closed Circuit (short) sensed on the ClimateZone temperature thermistor during CZT test mode.

Closed Circuit (short) sensed on the ClimateZone temperature thermistor during CZT test mode.

First step from the service manual

Check thermistor wiring and connections.

The complete diagnostic procedure includes additional test steps, resistance specifications, wiring diagram references, and component test points.

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What CC means on a Jenn-Air refrigerator

The CC error code on a Jenn-Air refrigerator indicates that a closed circuit condition, commonly called a short circuit, has been detected on the ClimateZone temperature thermistor during the CZT (ClimateZone Test) mode. The ClimateZone system is a controlled-atmosphere drawer or compartment designed to maintain precise temperature and humidity levels for food preservation. The thermistor in this system is a negative temperature coefficient (NTC) resistive sensor that reports temperature data to the control board by varying its resistance output. A short circuit on this thermistor circuit means the resistance has dropped to near zero ohms, causing the control board to read an implausibly low resistance value that does not correspond to any valid temperature reading.

The most common cause of a CC code is a fault in the thermistor wiring harness rather than the thermistor component itself. Pinched wires, chafed insulation, or a connector where two conductors are making unintended contact can all create the low-resistance condition the control board interprets as a short. The thermistor probe itself can also fail internally, developing a short between its leads. Because the fault is detected specifically during the CZT test mode, technicians should begin diagnostics by unplugging the thermistor connector and measuring resistance across the thermistor leads as well as checking for continuity between each conductor and ground.

If the wiring and connectors check out normal, the thermistor itself should be replaced. If a replacement thermistor also reads as a short, the fault may lie in the main control board's thermistor input circuit, which can develop internal shorts that pull the sensor line low regardless of the external component condition. Resolving the CC code requires restoring the proper resistance range to the ClimateZone thermistor circuit so the CZT test mode can confirm accurate temperature sensing.

Source: manufacturer service documentation.

Common causes of CC

  1. 01

    Pinched or chafed thermistor wiring

    Wiring / connection

    The wiring harness running to the ClimateZone thermistor can become pinched against a drawer rail or have its insulation worn through, causing two conductors to touch and create a short. Inspect the full length of the harness for visible damage or areas where the wire is compressed.

  2. 02

    Faulty thermistor connector

    Wiring / connection

    Moisture or physical damage can cause the thermistor connector pins to bridge together, producing a closed circuit reading. Disconnect the connector and inspect the terminals for corrosion, bent pins, or debris that could be creating unintended contact.

  3. 03

    Failed ClimateZone thermistor

    Part replacement

    The thermistor sensor itself can develop an internal short between its leads, causing it to read near zero ohms regardless of temperature. Disconnect the thermistor and measure resistance across its leads; a shorted thermistor will show near-zero resistance rather than the expected value for the ambient temperature.

  4. 04

    Water or ice intrusion on thermistor circuit

    Wiring / connection

    Condensation or ice buildup around the ClimateZone compartment can introduce moisture into the wiring or connector, creating a conductive path that mimics a short circuit. Check for ice accumulation or moisture in the area surrounding the thermistor and its connections.

  5. 05

    Defective main control board thermistor input

    Part replacement

    If the wiring and thermistor both test normal, the control board's input circuit for the ClimateZone thermistor may have failed internally and is pulling the sensor line to a near-zero resistance state. This is the least common cause and should be investigated only after all external wiring and components are confirmed good.

See the test procedure for each cause

Frequently asked questions about CC

What does CC mean on a Jenn-Air refrigerator?
The CC code stands for Closed Circuit and means the refrigerator detected a short circuit on the ClimateZone temperature thermistor during its CZT self-test. The control board reads near-zero resistance from the thermistor circuit, which falls outside the valid range for any real temperature reading. The fault points to a problem in the thermistor wiring, connector, or the sensor itself.
Can I fix the CC error code myself, or do I need a technician?
A knowledgeable DIYer can perform the initial diagnostics by inspecting the thermistor wiring and connectors for visible damage, pinching, or moisture. If the thermistor itself needs replacement, that is generally a straightforward repair involving disconnecting the old sensor and plugging in a new one. However, if the fault is traced to the main control board, board replacement is more complex and may be better handled by a qualified technician.
Is it safe to keep using my refrigerator when the CC code is active?
The CC code specifically affects the ClimateZone compartment's temperature monitoring, which means that section may not maintain its intended temperature range reliably. The main refrigerator and freezer compartments typically continue operating, but you should avoid storing temperature-sensitive items in the ClimateZone drawer until the fault is resolved. Addressing the code promptly prevents potential food safety issues in that compartment.
Will resetting the refrigerator clear the CC error code?
Unplugging the refrigerator or cycling the power may temporarily clear the code from the display, but the CC code will return when the control board runs the CZT test mode again if the underlying short circuit is still present. A reset does not repair the faulty wiring, connector, or thermistor, so the root cause must be corrected for the code to stay cleared.
How much does it cost to repair the CC error code on a Jenn-Air refrigerator?
If the repair requires only a new ClimateZone thermistor, parts and labor typically range from around $100 to $250 depending on your location and the service provider. If the main control board is at fault, the total cost including parts and labor can range from roughly $300 to $600 or more. Getting a diagnostic visit from a certified technician first can help narrow down the cause before committing to a larger repair expense.

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