mypros+
Error code reference

Kenmore Refrigerator Error Code Er rF

Abnormality of BLDC fan motor for refrigerator

Avg. service call
$285
National average. Trip fee plus diagnostic plus labor. Before parts.
MyPros+ 3-day pass
$9.95
Same diagnostic steps, on your phone. Start now.
You keep in your pocket
~$275
Even before you buy the part.
Skip the service call. Fix it yourself.
Full procedure unlocks instantly.
Get Started

What the Er rF error code actually means

The Er rF error code means your refrigerator's control board lost communication with the fan motor that circulates cold air through the fridge. The board waited 65 seconds for a signal confirming the fan was spinning properly, and that signal never arrived. This typically points to a wiring problem between the fan and the board, or a fan motor that has failed and needs to be replaced.

Diagnostic procedure

The full Er rF procedure

Step 1 is visible so you can confirm you are on the right page. The remaining steps, the ones that tell you whether to actually replace a part, unlock with any pass.

MyPros+ · DiagnosticsStep 1 preview
1
First diagnostic step
Check BLDC motor connection, drive IC, and TR.
More steps, wiring diagram references, and verified part numbers
Includes expected resistance and voltage values, connector pinouts, and supersession notes for replacement parts.
Unlock Er rF procedure $9.95

Or subscribe: $29/month for unlimited access to all codes plus Max AI diagnostics.

Most common causes of Er rF

Ranked by how often they cause this code
  1. 1Loose or damaged BLDC motor wiring connection
  2. 2Failed BLDC fan motor
  3. 3Faulty drive IC in the motor control circuit
  4. 4Failed transistor (TR) in the motor drive circuit

Most DIYers save hundreds by diagnosing before ordering parts.

Get Started

$29/month · Cancel anytime · Or $9.95 3-day pass

Questions people ask about Er rF

What does Er rF mean on a Kenmore refrigerator?
Er rF means the control board did not receive a feedback signal from the BLDC fan motor within 65 seconds during operation. The BLDC motor is the brushless DC fan motor that circulates air through the refrigerator compartment. The fault points to a problem with the motor connection, the drive IC, or the transistor in the motor drive circuit.
Can I still use my Kenmore refrigerator with the Er rF code active?
Using the refrigerator with Er rF active is not advisable for extended periods. If the BLDC fan motor is not running, cold air will not circulate properly through the compartment, and food temperatures will rise to unsafe levels. You can briefly check for spoilage risk, but the unit should be repaired before relying on it for food storage.
Will unplugging my Kenmore refrigerator reset the Er rF code?
A power reset may temporarily clear the display, but Er rF will return within 65 seconds of the fan motor failing to send a feedback signal if the underlying hardware fault is still present. A reset alone does not fix the motor connection, drive IC, or transistor issue causing the code.
How do I fix Er rF on a Kenmore refrigerator?
Start by unplugging the refrigerator and inspecting the wiring harness connector at the BLDC fan motor for loose pins, corrosion, or broken wires. Reconnect or repair the connector and power the unit back on to see if the code clears. If the connection is intact, the fault is likely inside the drive circuit, meaning the drive IC or transistor on the control board has failed and the board will need to be replaced or repaired by a technician.
How much does it cost to fix Er rF on a Kenmore refrigerator?
If the fix is simply reseating a loose wiring connector, there is no parts cost and only your time is involved. Replacing a failed BLDC fan motor typically costs between $40 and $120 for the part, plus one to two hours of labor if you hire a technician. If the control board's drive IC or transistor has failed and the entire board needs replacement, expect parts costs between $100 and $300 depending on the model, with additional labor on top.

78,000+ service manuals · 160,000+ error codes · 55+ brands

Get Started

$29/month · Cancel anytime · Or $9.95 3-day pass