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Error code reference

Kenmore Refrigerator Error Code Er 6

Abnormal Room Temperature Sensor

Kenmore codesKenmore refrigerator codes

Abnormal Room Temperature Sensor - cut or short circuit wire (secondary error, shown in display check mode).

First step from the service manual

Check for a loose connection in CON5.

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

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What Er 6 means on a Kenmore refrigerator

The Er 6 error code on a Kenmore refrigerator indicates an abnormal condition detected in the room temperature sensor circuit. This sensor monitors the ambient temperature surrounding the refrigerator, and the control board uses that data to adjust compressor and fan operation accordingly. Er 6 is classified as a secondary error, meaning it appears during display check mode rather than as a primary fault that immediately disrupts operation. The fault is triggered when the control board detects either a broken (open/cut) wire or a short circuit in the sensor wiring.

The room temperature sensor connects to the main control board through a wiring harness, and the first point of inspection is the CON5 connector. A loose, corroded, or partially unseated connector at CON5 is the most frequent cause of this code, because an intermittent connection can register as either an open or shorted circuit depending on the position of the connector pins. Beyond the connector, a physically damaged wire, a pinched harness, or a failed sensor element itself can each produce the same Er 6 fault.

Diagnosing Er 6 requires checking the CON5 connector first for proper seating and any visible corrosion or pin damage. If the connector is secure, continuity testing along the sensor wiring harness will identify any open circuits, while a resistance check at the sensor terminals will confirm whether the sensor element itself has failed. A shorted sensor will typically read near zero ohms, while an open or cut wire will show infinite resistance. Replacing the sensor or the wiring harness segment resolves the fault in most cases after the connector has been ruled out.

Source: manufacturer service documentation.

Common causes of Er 6

  1. 01

    Loose or unseated CON5 connector

    Wiring / connection

    The wiring harness connector at CON5 may have worked loose over time, creating an intermittent or lost connection that the control board reads as an open or shorted circuit. Reseating the connector firmly is the first step in diagnosis.

  2. 02

    Corroded or damaged connector pins

    Wiring / connection

    Moisture or oxidation on the CON5 connector pins can cause high resistance or a short between terminals, triggering the Er 6 fault. Inspect the pins closely for discoloration, bent contacts, or buildup.

  3. 03

    Cut or pinched wiring harness

    Part replacement

    The wire running from the room temperature sensor to the control board may be pinched against a cabinet edge, cut during previous service work, or damaged by rodents. A continuity test along the full length of the harness will reveal a break.

  4. 04

    Failed room temperature sensor

    Part replacement

    The sensor element itself can fail internally, producing a shorted reading near zero ohms or an open reading of infinite resistance. If the wiring and connectors check out, measuring resistance directly at the sensor terminals will confirm sensor failure.

  5. 05

    Control board fault

    Part replacement

    In rare cases, the main control board's sensor input circuit can fail, causing it to misread a functioning sensor as abnormal. This is considered only after the wiring, connector, and sensor have all been tested and confirmed good.

See the test procedure for each cause

Frequently asked questions about Er 6

What does Er 6 mean on a Kenmore refrigerator?
Er 6 indicates an abnormal room temperature sensor condition, specifically a cut wire or short circuit in the sensor circuit. It is a secondary error code that appears during the refrigerator's display check mode rather than as a primary operational fault. The control board cannot correctly read the ambient room temperature when this fault is active. The first diagnostic step is inspecting the CON5 connector for a loose or faulty connection.
How do I fix the Er 6 error code on my Kenmore refrigerator?
Start by locating and firmly reseating the CON5 connector in the wiring harness, as a loose connection is the most common cause. If the error persists, inspect the full length of the room temperature sensor wiring for any cuts, pinches, or corrosion. Use a multimeter to test continuity in the wiring and resistance at the sensor terminals to determine whether the sensor element itself needs replacement. If all wiring and the sensor test correctly, the control board may need professional evaluation.
Is it safe to keep using my refrigerator while Er 6 is displayed?
Er 6 is a secondary error that appears in display check mode and is related to the room temperature sensor rather than the core refrigeration circuit. In many cases the refrigerator will continue cooling while this fault is present, but the control system may not be able to optimize performance based on the surrounding environment. It is best to address the fault promptly to avoid any related control issues. If food temperatures appear inconsistent, stop using the appliance and schedule a repair.
Will resetting my Kenmore refrigerator clear the Er 6 code?
A power reset may temporarily clear the Er 6 code from the display, but it will return if the underlying wiring or sensor fault is still present. The code reflects an actual electrical fault in the sensor circuit, so resetting the unit does not repair the problem. A proper fix requires diagnosing and correcting the issue at the CON5 connector, wiring harness, or sensor itself. After the repair is made, the code should clear and not return.
How much does it cost to repair an Er 6 error on a Kenmore refrigerator?
If the fix is simply reseating the CON5 connector, there may be no parts cost at all, only the time to access and inspect the connection. Replacing a room temperature sensor typically costs between $15 and $60 for the part, depending on the specific model. If a section of wiring harness needs replacement, parts and labor can range from $80 to $200 or more at a service center. Control board replacement, if needed, is the most expensive outcome and can range from $150 to $400 or higher.

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