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Error code reference

Kenmore Refrigerator Error Code Er gF

Flow meter (sensor) defect caused by error of flow meter, water input, low water pressure, or flow meter…

Kenmore codesKenmore refrigerator codes

Flow meter (sensor) defect caused by error of flow meter, water input, low water pressure, or flow meter connection issue.

First step from the service manual

Check flow meter connection, water input, and water pressure.

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

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What Er gF means on a Kenmore refrigerator

The Er gF code indicates the control board has detected a fault in the flow meter circuit. The flow meter measures water volume passing through the inlet system during ice maker and dispenser fill cycles. This fault can be triggered by a defective flow meter sensor, an interrupted or loose wiring connection to the flow meter, insufficient incoming water pressure, or a complete loss of water supply to the unit. Technicians should start by checking the flow meter harness for continuity and confirming line pressure is at least 20 PSI before condemning the sensor itself.

For homeowners, the flow meter is a small sensor in the water supply path that counts how much water enters the refrigerator during each fill cycle. When the refrigerator's control board cannot get a reliable signal from this sensor, it throws the Er gF code and typically stops the ice maker and water dispenser from operating. The problem could be as simple as a kinked water supply line or a partially closed shutoff valve reducing pressure, or it could mean the flow meter sensor itself has failed and needs replacement.

This error does not affect the refrigerator or freezer cooling functions, so food safety is not immediately compromised. However, water dispensing and ice production will be suspended until the fault is resolved.

Source: manufacturer service documentation.

Common causes of Er gF

  1. 01

    Loose or disconnected flow meter wiring harness

    Wiring / connection

    The flow meter relies on a wiring harness connection to send pulse signals to the control board. A loose, corroded, or disconnected connector at the flow meter will cause the board to read no signal and trigger Er gF.

  2. 02

    Low or insufficient incoming water pressure

    Wiring / connection

    The flow meter requires adequate line pressure, typically a minimum of 20 PSI, to operate correctly. If household water pressure is too low or the supply line shutoff valve is partially closed, the flow meter will produce an erratic or absent signal.

  3. 03

    Defective flow meter sensor

    Part replacement

    The flow meter sensor itself can fail due to a stuck or broken impeller, internal electrical failure, or buildup of mineral deposits that prevent the impeller from spinning. A failed sensor will not produce the expected pulse signal even with normal water pressure and good wiring.

  4. 04

    Kinked or blocked water supply line

    Wiring / connection

    A kinked inlet water line or a clogged inlet screen can restrict water flow to the point where the flow meter registers no movement. This mimics a sensor or pressure fault and will trigger the Er gF code.

See the test procedure for each cause

Frequently asked questions about Er gF

What does Er gF mean on a Kenmore refrigerator?
Er gF means the control board has detected a problem with the flow meter, which is the sensor that monitors how much water enters the refrigerator during fill cycles. The fault can come from the flow meter sensor itself, a wiring connection problem, low incoming water pressure, or a restricted water supply line. Checking water pressure at the shutoff valve and inspecting the flow meter harness connection are the first steps to narrow down the cause.
How do I fix Er gF on a Kenmore refrigerator?
Start by confirming your household water supply valve behind the refrigerator is fully open and that line pressure is at least 20 PSI. Next, pull the refrigerator out and inspect the water supply line for kinks or blockages. Locate the flow meter, typically along the water inlet path near the back of the unit, and check that its wiring harness is firmly seated and free of corrosion. If pressure and connections are good but the code persists, the flow meter sensor itself likely needs to be replaced.
Can I still use my Kenmore refrigerator with the Er gF code active?
Yes, the refrigerator and freezer compartments will continue cooling normally with Er gF active, so your food is not at risk. The code specifically affects the water dispensing and ice maker functions, which the control board suspends when this fault is detected. You can use the refrigerator while you troubleshoot, but ice production and water dispensing will not work until the fault is cleared.
How much does it cost to fix the Er gF error code on a Kenmore refrigerator?
If the fix is a wiring harness reconnection, a kinked water line, or a shutoff valve adjustment, there is no parts cost at all. A replacement flow meter sensor for a Kenmore refrigerator typically costs between $15 and $50 depending on the model. If you hire a technician, expect a service call fee of $80 to $150 plus labor, making professional repair for a sensor replacement roughly $150 to $250 total. This is a repair many homeowners can handle themselves since the flow meter is accessible and replacement requires only basic tools.
Will clearing the Er gF code on my Kenmore refrigerator fix the problem?
Clearing the code without addressing the underlying cause will result in the code returning once the refrigerator attempts another water fill cycle. The Er gF code will reset itself after the control board detects a successful flow meter signal, which only happens when the actual fault, whether it is a loose connection, low pressure, or a bad sensor, has been corrected. Diagnose and repair the root cause first, and the code will clear on its own.

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