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Error code reference

Kenmore Refrigerator Error Code AS

Ambient sensor short or open circuit

Kenmore codesKenmore refrigerator codes

Ambient sensor short or open circuit. Secondary error, only visible via Display LED Check mode.

First step from the service manual

Check for a loose connection in CON5 on Main PCB.

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

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What AS means on a Kenmore refrigerator

The AS error code on a Kenmore refrigerator indicates a fault in the ambient temperature sensor circuit. Specifically, the control system has detected either a short circuit or an open circuit condition in the ambient sensor, which is responsible for measuring the temperature of the air surrounding the refrigerator. This sensor provides critical input to the main PCB so the unit can make informed decisions about compressor cycling, fan operation, and overall thermal management. When the circuit is shorted, resistance drops below the expected range; when it is open, the circuit is broken entirely and no signal reaches the control board.

Because the AS code is classified as a secondary error, it does not appear on the standard user-facing display during normal operation. It is only visible when the refrigerator is placed into Display LED Check mode, a diagnostic mode accessed through a specific button sequence on the control panel. This means the fault may be present and affecting refrigerator performance without the owner ever seeing an error code. Technicians should enter the diagnostic mode proactively when troubleshooting unexplained temperature instability or unusual compressor behavior.

The first and most important diagnostic step is to inspect the connector labeled CON5 on the main PCB. A loose, corroded, or partially seated connector at this location is the most frequent cause of the AS fault. If CON5 is secure and undamaged, the next steps involve testing the ambient sensor itself for correct resistance output and inspecting the wiring harness between the sensor and the board for damage, pinching, or corrosion.

Source: manufacturer service documentation.

Common causes of AS

  1. 01

    Loose connection at CON5 on the main PCB

    Wiring / connection

    A loose or partially seated connector at the CON5 port on the main control board is the most frequent cause of this fault. Inspect the connector for proper seating, bent pins, and corrosion, and reseat it firmly before proceeding with further diagnosis.

  2. 02

    Damaged or corroded wiring harness

    Part replacement

    The wiring harness running between the ambient sensor and the main PCB can suffer damage from pinching, rodents, or moisture intrusion, leading to an open or short circuit. Inspect the full length of the harness for visible breaks, chafing, or corrosion at terminals.

  3. 03

    Failed ambient temperature sensor

    Part replacement

    The ambient sensor itself can fail internally, producing either a short or an open circuit reading at the control board. Testing the sensor with a multimeter for correct resistance at a known ambient temperature will confirm or rule out this cause.

  4. 04

    Corrosion at the sensor connector terminals

    Wiring / connection

    Moisture in the area surrounding the sensor can cause oxidation at the connector terminals, increasing resistance to the point where the control board interprets the signal as an open circuit. Cleaning the terminals with electrical contact cleaner may resolve the fault.

  5. 05

    Faulty main PCB

    Part replacement

    If the wiring, connector, and sensor all test within acceptable parameters, the main PCB itself may have a defect in the input circuit for the ambient sensor. Board-level failure is the least likely cause and should only be concluded after all other components are ruled out.

See the test procedure for each cause

Frequently asked questions about AS

What does AS mean on a Kenmore refrigerator?
The AS code on a Kenmore refrigerator indicates a short circuit or open circuit condition in the ambient temperature sensor circuit. This sensor measures the air temperature around the outside of the unit and feeds that data to the main control board. Because it is a secondary error code, it only appears when the refrigerator is placed into Display LED Check diagnostic mode and will not show up on the standard display during normal use.
Can I fix the AS error code on my Kenmore refrigerator myself?
The first diagnostic step, checking and reseating the CON5 connector on the main PCB, is something a confident DIYer can perform. If the connector is secure and the fault persists, further diagnosis involves testing the sensor and wiring harness with a multimeter, which requires some electrical knowledge. Replacing the main PCB is a more advanced repair that many homeowners prefer to leave to a qualified technician.
Is it safe to keep using my refrigerator when the AS error is present?
A faulty ambient sensor can affect how efficiently the refrigerator manages temperature and compressor cycling, which could lead to food safety concerns over time. The unit may continue to run in the short term, but the underlying sensor fault should be diagnosed and repaired promptly to ensure the appliance is operating correctly. Monitor internal temperatures closely with a separate thermometer if you continue using the refrigerator before completing the repair.
Will resetting my Kenmore refrigerator clear the AS error code?
A power reset may temporarily clear the error from the control board's memory, but the code will return if the underlying fault in the ambient sensor circuit is still present. Since the AS code is only visible in diagnostic mode rather than on the main display, a reset does not address the root cause. Proper repair of the sensor, wiring, or connector is required for the fault to be permanently resolved.
How much does it cost to repair the AS error code on a Kenmore refrigerator?
Repair costs vary depending on the root cause. If the fix is simply reseating a loose connector at CON5, there may be no parts cost at all, though a service call from a technician can range from roughly 75 to 150 dollars. Replacing the ambient sensor typically adds a modest parts cost, while replacing the main PCB is the most expensive scenario, with parts and labor potentially ranging from 200 to 400 dollars or more depending on the model.

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