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Error code reference

Kenmore Refrigerator Error Code Er rS

Refrigerator sensor 1 (R1, upper part in refrigerator compartment) short or open circuit detected.

Kenmore codesKenmore refrigerator codes

Refrigerator sensor 1 (R1, upper part in refrigerator compartment) short or open circuit detected.

First step from the service manual

Check for a loose connection between Main PCB and sensor, then check sensor resistance.

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

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What Er rS means on a Kenmore refrigerator

The Er rS code indicates the control board has detected a fault in the refrigerator compartment temperature sensor circuit. Specifically, the board is reading either a short circuit or an open circuit (disconnection) on the refrigerator sensor, meaning the signal it receives is outside the expected resistance range. The first diagnostic step is confirming wire resistance on the white-to-white wire pair in the sensor harness, since this sensor communicates temperature data through that circuit.

For homeowners, the refrigerator sensor is a small thermistor inside the fresh food compartment that constantly reports the interior temperature to the main control board. When the board loses that signal or reads a value that does not make sense, it triggers Er rS to alert you that temperature monitoring is compromised. This does not necessarily mean the sensor itself has failed. A loose connector at the sensor or along the wire harness is a common culprit and is worth checking before purchasing parts.

Left unresolved, the control board cannot regulate cooling accurately in the refrigerator section, which puts stored food at risk. Diagnosing the wiring first is the correct approach because a failed connection is faster and less expensive to fix than a sensor replacement.

Source: manufacturer service documentation.

Common causes of Er rS

  1. 01

    Loose or disconnected wire connector on the refrigerator sensor

    Wiring / connection

    The connector joining the refrigerator sensor to the wire harness can work loose over time due to vibration or during previous service work. A loose connection interrupts the signal the control board needs to read compartment temperature, triggering Er rS.

  2. 02

    Damaged or shorted white-to-white wiring harness

    Part replacement

    The white-to-white wire pair carrying the sensor signal can develop a short or break due to chafing against cabinet edges, ice buildup, or physical damage. A short or open in this circuit produces an out-of-range resistance reading that the board interprets as a sensor fault.

  3. 03

    Failed refrigerator compartment temperature sensor

    Part replacement

    The thermistor itself can fail internally, either shorting or opening its resistance circuit even when the wiring is intact. If wire continuity and resistance check out correctly, the sensor itself is the likely component to replace.

  4. 04

    Faulty main control board

    Part replacement

    If the sensor and all wiring test within normal resistance specifications but Er rS persists, the main control board may be misreading the sensor input due to a failed input circuit on the board. This is the least likely cause and should only be considered after the sensor and wiring are confirmed good.

See the test procedure for each cause

Frequently asked questions about Er rS

What does Er rS mean on a Kenmore refrigerator?
Er rS means the control board has detected a problem with the refrigerator compartment temperature sensor, either a short circuit or a disconnection in that sensor circuit. The board can no longer get a valid temperature reading from the fresh food section. This is not always a failed sensor, since a loose wire connector can produce the same code.
How do I fix Er rS on a Kenmore refrigerator?
Start by locating the refrigerator sensor connector and checking for any loose or disconnected plugs. If the connector is secure, use a multimeter to measure resistance across the white-to-white wires in the sensor circuit and compare the reading to the specification in your service manual, which is typically around 5,000 ohms at room temperature for most Kenmore thermistors. If resistance is out of range, replace the refrigerator sensor. If wiring and the sensor both test good, the main control board may need replacement.
Can I still use my refrigerator with the Er rS code active?
Operating the refrigerator with Er rS active is risky for stored food. Without a working sensor signal, the control board cannot regulate the fresh food compartment temperature accurately, which means the refrigerator may run too warm or too cold without the user realizing it. Perishables should be moved to an alternate refrigerator or monitored closely with a standalone thermometer until the fault is resolved.
How much does it cost to fix Er rS on a Kenmore refrigerator?
If the fix is simply reseating a loose connector, there is no parts cost at all. A replacement refrigerator compartment temperature sensor typically costs between $15 and $40 depending on the model. If the wire harness needs replacement, expect $20 to $60 for the part. A main control board, the least likely cause, can range from $100 to $200 or more. Professional labor adds $80 to $150 per hour on average, so confirming the actual failed component before ordering parts keeps total repair costs down.
How do I test the refrigerator sensor to confirm it is causing Er rS?
Disconnect the sensor connector and set a multimeter to measure resistance (ohms). Probe the two terminals on the sensor side of the connector. At roughly 77 degrees Fahrenheit, a healthy thermistor typically reads around 5,000 ohms, and resistance should decrease as temperature increases. A reading of zero ohms indicates a short, while an open line (OL or infinite resistance) indicates a break in the sensor. Either reading confirms a bad sensor that needs replacement. Also check the white-to-white harness wires for continuity separately to rule out a wiring fault before replacing the sensor.

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