Kenmore Refrigerator Error Code Er r1

Er r1 indicates that Refrigerator Sensor 1, the temperature sensor in the upper portion of the fresh food compartment, is reading either a short circuit or an open circuit. The control board cannot get a valid temperature reading from this sensor. This fault can disrupt normal cooling and should be diagnosed promptly to avoid food spoilage.

A failed upper compartment sensor means the refrigerator may not regulate temperature correctly in that zone, which could allow temperatures to rise into an unsafe range for perishable food. It is best to check actual compartment temperatures with a standalone thermometer and address the fault as soon as possible. If temperatures are not being maintained below 40 degrees Fahrenheit, move perishables to another unit until the repair is complete.

If the repair only requires reseating the connector at CON9, there is no parts cost involved. If the thermistor sensor itself needs to be replaced, parts typically range from $15 to $60 depending on the specific model. Adding professional labor, total repair costs commonly fall in the range of $75 to $200, though pricing varies by region and service provider.

Start by locating connector CON9 and checking that it is firmly seated. If the connection is secure, unplug the connector and use a multimeter to measure resistance between the two White wires on the sensor side. A reading of near zero ohms indicates a short, and no continuity indicates an open circuit. In either case, the sensor will need to be replaced if the wiring harness itself is undamaged.

Unplugging the refrigerator and restoring power may temporarily clear the error display, but if the underlying sensor fault still exists, the code will return. A reset does not repair a failed thermistor or a damaged wiring connection. The fault must be diagnosed and corrected at the component level for the code to stay clear.