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Error code reference

Kenmore Refrigerator Error Code i1

Icemaker sensor in the icemaker room is read as open or shorted, or icemaker heating error.

Kenmore codesKenmore refrigerator codes

Icemaker sensor in the icemaker room is read as open or shorted, or icemaker heating error.

First step from the service manual

Check the wiring connections in each part and at Main PCB.

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

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What i1 means on a Kenmore refrigerator

The i1 error code on a Kenmore refrigerator indicates a fault detected in the icemaker room temperature sensor. Specifically, the control system has read the sensor as either open (infinite resistance, indicating a broken circuit or disconnected wire) or shorted (near-zero resistance, indicating a wiring fault or failed sensor). The code can also trigger when the icemaker heating element fails to bring the ice mold up to the correct temperature during the harvest cycle, which the control board detects through sensor feedback.

The icemaker sensor plays a critical role in the ice-making cycle. It monitors the temperature inside the icemaker compartment to determine when ice has frozen sufficiently and when the heater has warmed the mold enough to release the ice cubes. If the main PCB cannot get a valid signal from this sensor, it cannot safely or accurately control the harvest cycle, so it logs the i1 fault and may suspend ice production entirely.

The first diagnostic step is to inspect wiring connections between the icemaker sensor, the icemaker assembly itself, and the main PCB. Loose connectors, corroded terminals, or pinched wiring harnesses are frequent culprits. If wiring checks out, the sensor itself should be tested for correct resistance values at operating temperature. A failed icemaker heater can also produce this code when the mold temperature does not rise as expected during harvest, so the heater circuit should be evaluated if the sensor and wiring test normal.

Source: manufacturer service documentation.

Common causes of i1

  1. 01

    Loose or disconnected wiring harness

    Wiring / connection

    A loose connector at the icemaker sensor or at the main PCB can break the circuit and cause an open reading. Inspect all connectors along the icemaker wiring harness for signs of looseness, corrosion, or damage.

  2. 02

    Failed icemaker temperature sensor

    Part replacement

    The sensor itself can fail internally, producing either an open or a shorted resistance reading that the main PCB interprets as a fault. Testing the sensor resistance with a multimeter will confirm whether it is within the correct range.

  3. 03

    Icemaker heating element failure

    Part replacement

    If the heater that warms the ice mold during the harvest cycle is broken or has an open circuit, the sensor may never register the expected temperature rise, triggering the heating error portion of the i1 code.

  4. 04

    Damaged or pinched wiring

    Wiring / connection

    Wiring routed through refrigerator panels or door hinges can become pinched or abraded over time, causing intermittent opens or shorts in the sensor circuit. Look for visible wire damage along the full harness path.

  5. 05

    Main PCB fault

    Part replacement

    If the wiring, sensor, and heater all test correctly, the main PCB may have a failed input circuit that is misreading or not reading the sensor signal. This is the least common cause and should be diagnosed after all other components are ruled out.

See the test procedure for each cause

Frequently asked questions about i1

What does i1 mean on a Kenmore refrigerator?
The i1 code means the refrigerator's control board has detected a problem with the icemaker room temperature sensor. The sensor is being read as open or shorted, or the icemaker heating element did not perform correctly during a harvest cycle. The refrigerator will typically suspend ice production when this code is active. Checking the wiring connections at the sensor and main PCB is the recommended first step.
Can I fix the i1 error code on my Kenmore refrigerator myself?
A knowledgeable DIYer can start by inspecting and reseating wiring connectors at the icemaker sensor and main PCB, which sometimes resolves the fault at no cost. Testing the sensor and heater with a multimeter requires basic electrical skills and comfort working inside the refrigerator. If the sensor or heater needs replacement, those parts are generally available, but if the main PCB is suspected, professional diagnosis is recommended.
Is it safe to keep using my refrigerator while the i1 code is showing?
The i1 code specifically affects the icemaker system and does not typically interfere with the refrigerator or freezer cooling functions. Your food should remain safely refrigerated. However, ice production will likely be disrupted or stopped until the fault is resolved, so you should address the issue promptly to restore normal icemaker operation.
How much does it cost to repair a Kenmore refrigerator i1 error?
Repair costs depend on the root cause. If only a wiring connector needs reseating, there may be no parts cost, though a service call fee typically ranges from $75 to $150. A replacement icemaker sensor or heater part generally costs between $20 and $80 for the part alone. If the main PCB requires replacement, expect parts and labor combined to range from $200 to $450 or more.
Will resetting my Kenmore refrigerator clear the i1 error code?
A power reset may temporarily clear the i1 code from the display, but the code will return if the underlying fault is still present. The sensor, heater, or wiring issue needs to be diagnosed and corrected for the code to stay cleared. Resetting without repair is not a substitute for proper diagnosis and may delay finding the actual problem.

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