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Error code reference

Kenmore Refrigerator Error Code Er IS

Icing Sensor Error

Kenmore codesKenmore refrigerator codes

Icing Sensor Error - Short or disconnection of the sensor about ice maker (icing sensor, ice maker sensor). When displayed without user input, it is an icing sensor error.

First step from the service manual

Check each sensor and its connector.

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 IS means on a Kenmore refrigerator

The Er IS code indicates the control board has detected a fault in the icing sensor circuit, specifically a short or an open (disconnected) condition in the ice maker sensor wiring. The board monitors resistance values through the Blue to Blue wire loop connected to the icing sensor. When that resistance falls outside the expected range due to a short, or reads as infinite due to a broken or disconnected wire, the board logs Er IS and typically disables ice maker operation. The first diagnostic step is checking resistance across the Blue to Blue wires after inspecting all connectors along the harness.

For homeowners, the icing sensor monitors temperature conditions inside the ice maker compartment to help the control board manage the ice-making cycle correctly. When this sensor loses its connection or develops an internal short, the refrigerator cannot reliably control ice production and throws the Er IS code. You may notice the ice maker has stopped producing ice entirely, though the rest of the refrigerator may continue cooling normally.

This fault is most commonly traced to a loose or corroded connector at the sensor or along the wiring harness rather than an outright component failure. Inspecting and reseating connectors before replacing any parts is always the right first move.

Source: manufacturer service documentation.

Common causes of Er IS

  1. 01

    Loose or disconnected wiring harness connector at the icing sensor

    Wiring / connection

    Vibration and temperature cycling inside the freezer compartment can cause the connector at the icing sensor to work loose over time. A disconnected connector creates an open circuit, which registers as an Er IS fault on the control board.

  2. 02

    Broken or shorted Blue to Blue sensor wire

    Part replacement

    The wire running between the control board and the icing sensor can develop a break or internal short, especially near harness routing clips or sharp edges inside the cabinet. A broken wire causes an open circuit reading while a short causes abnormally low resistance, both triggering Er IS.

  3. 03

    Failed icing sensor (ice maker sensor)

    Part replacement

    The icing sensor itself can fail internally, either shorting out or losing continuity entirely. When the sensor's resistance values fall outside the specification the control board expects, the board logs the Er IS code even if all wiring is intact.

  4. 04

    Corroded or damaged connector pins

    Wiring / connection

    Moisture inside the freezer compartment can corrode the connector pins at the icing sensor harness plug, increasing resistance or causing intermittent loss of contact. This can produce an Er IS fault that appears and clears inconsistently.

See the test procedure for each cause

Frequently asked questions about Er IS

What does Er IS mean on a Kenmore refrigerator?
Er IS stands for icing sensor error. The control board has detected either a short circuit or a disconnection in the ice maker sensor circuit. This prevents the refrigerator from reading temperature conditions inside the ice maker correctly. The fault is in the icing sensor itself or the wiring connected to it.
How do I fix Er IS on a Kenmore refrigerator?
Start by unplugging the refrigerator and locating the icing sensor connector inside the freezer or ice maker compartment. Unplug and firmly reseat the connector, then restore power to see if the code clears. If the code returns, use a multimeter to measure resistance across the Blue to Blue wires at the sensor connector. If resistance is out of range or reads open, the wiring harness or the sensor itself needs to be replaced.
Can I still use my Kenmore refrigerator with the Er IS code active?
The refrigerator section will typically continue cooling normally with an Er IS code active, so food safety is generally not an immediate concern. However, ice maker function will be disabled or unreliable until the fault is resolved. Leaving the fault unaddressed for an extended period is not recommended, as the control board cannot properly manage the ice-making cycle without a functioning icing sensor.
How much does it cost to fix the Er IS error code on a Kenmore refrigerator?
If the fix is simply reseating a loose connector, there is no parts cost. A replacement icing sensor or ice maker sensor typically costs between $20 and $60 depending on the specific Kenmore model. If a section of wiring harness needs replacement, parts costs are similar. A professional appliance technician will add a service call fee, generally $75 to $150, plus labor. DIY repair is feasible for anyone comfortable using a multimeter and working inside a freezer compartment.
How do I check the Blue to Blue wire resistance for the Er IS code?
Unplug the refrigerator before testing. Locate the icing sensor wiring harness connector and disconnect it from the sensor. Set a multimeter to the resistance (ohms) setting and probe both Blue wire terminals in the harness-side connector. Compare the reading to the resistance specification in your model's service manual, which varies by temperature. A reading of zero ohms indicates a short, while an open line (OL) reading indicates a broken wire or disconnected sensor. Either condition is consistent with the Er IS fault.

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