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Error code reference

Kenmore Refrigerator Error Code Er IM

Ice maker kit malfunction

Kenmore codesKenmore refrigerator codes

Ice maker kit malfunction - ejector blades do not reach park position within 18 minutes since Harvest Mode starts.

First step from the service manual

Check HALL IC, MOTOR, HEATER, and RELAY for defects.

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

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  • Step-by-step tests with expected resistance, voltage, and continuity values
  • Wiring diagram references and connector pinouts from the OEM service manual
  • Verified part numbers when replacement is required
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What Er IM means on a Kenmore refrigerator

The Er IM error code on a Kenmore refrigerator indicates a malfunction in the ice maker kit, specifically a failure of the ejector blades to reach their park position within 18 minutes after Harvest Mode begins. Harvest Mode is the cycle during which the ice maker heats the ice mold to release formed ice cubes and then drives the ejector blades through a full rotation to sweep the cubes into the ice bin. If the ejector blades cannot complete that rotation and return to the home (park) position within the 18-minute window, the control board logs Er IM and halts the cycle to prevent motor damage or a continuous run condition.

The four primary components to evaluate are the Hall IC sensor, the ejector motor, the harvest heater, and the relay that controls power to these components. The Hall IC is a magnetic sensor that tells the control board where the ejector blades are in their rotation. If the Hall IC fails, the board loses positional feedback and cannot confirm the blades have reached park. The harvest heater must adequately warm the mold to release ice; if it is open or has degraded output, the blades can bind against ice that has not fully released, stalling the motor. The ejector motor itself may have worn brushes, a seized gear, or an open winding preventing it from completing the rotation.

The relay responsible for switching power to the motor or heater is also a known failure point. A relay with pitted contacts or a failed coil will prevent the correct component from receiving power at the right phase of the harvest cycle. Diagnosis should proceed by checking each of these components in sequence, starting with voltage confirmation at the relay output, then motor winding continuity, heater continuity, and finally Hall IC signal integrity during a forced harvest cycle.

Source: manufacturer service documentation.

Common causes of Er IM

  1. 01

    Faulty Hall IC Sensor

    Part replacement

    The Hall IC sensor monitors the position of the ejector blades and reports back to the control board. If it fails or sends no signal, the board cannot confirm the blades reached park, triggering Er IM even if the motor is running correctly.

  2. 02

    Defective Ejector Motor

    Part replacement

    The ejector motor drives the blades through the harvest rotation. A motor with worn gears, a seized bearing, or an open winding will stall before the blades reach the park position. Check for continuity across the motor windings and listen for abnormal sounds or no movement during a forced harvest.

  3. 03

    Failed Harvest Heater

    Part replacement

    The harvest heater warms the ice mold to free the cubes before the ejector blades sweep through. An open heater leaves ice bonded to the mold, causing the blades to bind and the motor to stall. Check the heater for continuity to confirm it is intact.

  4. 04

    Relay Failure

    Part replacement

    The relay switches power to the motor and heater at the correct points in the harvest cycle. Pitted contacts or a failed coil will cut power to the wrong component at the wrong time, preventing cycle completion. Inspect the relay for visible burn marks and test for proper switching action.

  5. 05

    Ice Buildup Jamming the Ejector Blades

    Wiring / connection

    Excessive ice accumulation around the ejector mechanism can physically block blade rotation. This is often secondary to a heater issue but can also result from a door seal problem allowing warm, moist air into the freezer compartment. Manually clearing the ice and identifying the root moisture source may resolve the jam.

See the test procedure for each cause

Frequently asked questions about Er IM

What does Er IM mean on a Kenmore refrigerator?
Er IM indicates an ice maker malfunction where the ejector blades failed to reach their park position within 18 minutes after Harvest Mode started. Harvest Mode is the cycle that heats the ice mold and sweeps finished cubes into the bin. The error points to a problem with one or more of these components: the Hall IC sensor, the ejector motor, the harvest heater, or the control relay. The ice maker will stop producing ice until the fault is corrected.
Can I fix the Er IM error code myself?
Some steps are within reach for a knowledgeable DIYer, such as clearing an ice jam from around the ejector blades or testing component continuity with a multimeter. However, replacing the Hall IC sensor, ejector motor, or harvest heater requires safely disconnecting power, accessing the ice maker assembly, and correctly identifying the failed part. If you are not comfortable working with appliance wiring, a qualified technician should perform the repair.
Is it safe to use my refrigerator while Er IM is displayed?
The refrigerator's cooling system will generally continue to operate normally with Er IM active, so food stored in the refrigerator and freezer compartments should remain safe. However, the ice maker is disabled and should not be forced to run manually until the fault is diagnosed and corrected. Continuing to ignore the code without repair could lead to further damage to the ice maker assembly.
How much does it cost to repair the Er IM error on a Kenmore refrigerator?
Repair costs depend on which component has failed. Replacement parts such as a harvest heater, Hall IC sensor, or ejector motor typically range from around 20 dollars to 120 dollars each for the part alone. If a technician is needed, labor charges can add 80 dollars to 200 dollars or more depending on your location and the complexity of the repair. Getting a diagnosis before ordering parts helps avoid unnecessary expense.
Will resetting the refrigerator clear the Er IM error code?
A power reset by unplugging the refrigerator for a few minutes may temporarily clear the Er IM code, but it will return if the underlying component fault is not repaired. The code is generated because the ice maker failed to complete its cycle within the allowed time, and that failure will repeat on the next harvest attempt if the motor, heater, Hall IC, or relay is still defective. A reset alone is not a fix and should only be used as part of a broader diagnostic process.

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