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Kenmore Refrigerator Error Code Icemaking Sensor malfunction

Icemaking sensor has open or short-circuited wire.

Kenmore codesKenmore refrigerator codes

Icemaking sensor has open or short-circuited wire.

First step from the service manual

Make sure that the wire on each sensor is connected.

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

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  • Wiring diagram references and connector pinouts from the OEM service manual
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What Icemaking Sensor malfunction means on a Kenmore refrigerator

The Icemaking Sensor malfunction error on a Kenmore refrigerator indicates that the control board has detected either an open circuit or a short circuit in the wiring connected to the icemaking sensor. This sensor monitors temperature conditions within the ice maker assembly, allowing the refrigerator's control system to regulate the ice production cycle. When the circuit is broken or shorted, the control board loses its ability to read accurate temperature data from the sensor, triggering this fault code.

An open circuit typically means the electrical path between the sensor and the control board has been interrupted, which can occur due to a disconnected wire harness connector, a broken wire, or a failed sensor itself. A short circuit occurs when wiring insulation is damaged and two conductors make unintended contact, causing abnormal resistance readings. The control board interprets both conditions as sensor failure because neither condition produces a valid signal within the expected range.

The first step in diagnosing this error is to physically inspect the wire connectors on the icemaking sensor and trace the harness back toward the control board, checking for loose, corroded, or disconnected plugs. If all connectors are secure and the wiring appears intact, the sensor itself may need to be tested for proper resistance output. A damaged wire harness caused by freezing, ice buildup, or physical contact with moving components inside the freezer compartment is also a common contributor to this fault.

Source: manufacturer service documentation.

Common causes of Icemaking Sensor malfunction

  1. 01

    Disconnected wire harness connector

    Wiring / connection

    The connector linking the icemaking sensor to the wiring harness may have come loose over time or during a previous service. Inspect each connector on the sensor and press them firmly into place to restore the circuit.

  2. 02

    Broken or damaged wire

    Part replacement

    A wire in the sensor harness can crack or break due to repeated exposure to freezing temperatures or contact with ice buildup inside the compartment. Visually trace the full length of the harness and flex the wire gently to locate any breaks.

  3. 03

    Failed icemaking sensor

    Part replacement

    The sensor itself can fail internally, producing either no signal or an out-of-range resistance reading that the control board interprets as an open or short circuit. If wiring and connectors check out, the sensor component will need to be replaced.

  4. 04

    Corroded or damaged connector terminals

    Part replacement

    Moisture inside the freezer compartment can cause corrosion on the sensor connector terminals, increasing resistance or breaking continuity entirely. Look for green or white oxidation on the pins and clean or replace the affected connector.

  5. 05

    Ice buildup causing wire damage

    Wiring / connection

    Excessive frost or ice accumulation around the ice maker can encase and stress the sensor wiring over time, eventually causing a short or open condition. Defrosting the compartment fully before inspection can reveal wire damage that is otherwise hidden.

See the test procedure for each cause

Frequently asked questions about Icemaking Sensor malfunction

What does Icemaking Sensor malfunction mean on a Kenmore refrigerator?
This error means the refrigerator's control board has detected an open or short circuit in the wiring connected to the icemaking sensor. The sensor monitors temperature conditions in the ice maker assembly, and when its circuit is broken or shorted, the control board cannot get valid readings. This causes the ice maker to stop operating normally until the fault is resolved.
How do I fix the Icemaking Sensor malfunction error on my Kenmore refrigerator?
Start by checking that all wire connectors on the icemaking sensor are fully seated and secure. If connectors are intact, inspect the wire harness for breaks, pinched sections, or corrosion. If the wiring is in good condition, the sensor itself may need to be tested and replaced. Clearing any ice buildup around the sensor and harness before inspection is also recommended.
Will resetting my Kenmore refrigerator clear the Icemaking Sensor malfunction error?
A reset may temporarily clear the error code from the display, but the fault will return if the underlying wiring or sensor problem has not been corrected. Resetting without addressing the open or short circuit condition does not repair the sensor circuit. The error should only clear permanently once the root cause is identified and fixed.
Is it safe to use my Kenmore refrigerator while the Icemaking Sensor malfunction error is active?
The refrigerator's main cooling function typically continues to operate even when this error is present, so food storage is generally not immediately at risk. However, ice production will be affected or halted entirely. It is still a good idea to address the fault promptly to prevent any secondary issues with the ice maker system.
How much does it cost to repair the Icemaking Sensor malfunction error on a Kenmore refrigerator?
If the repair only requires reseating a loose connector, there may be no parts cost involved, just the time to diagnose and fix it. Replacing a damaged wire harness or sensor component typically runs between 20 and 80 dollars in parts, depending on the specific model. Adding professional labor, total repair costs commonly fall in the range of 100 to 250 dollars.

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