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Error code reference

Kenmore Refrigerator Error Code id

Icemaker room defrost sensor is read as open or shorted.

Kenmore codesKenmore refrigerator codes

Icemaker room defrost sensor is read as open or shorted.

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 id means on a Kenmore refrigerator

The error code "id" on a Kenmore refrigerator indicates that the icemaker room defrost sensor has been detected as either open or shorted. This sensor is a thermistor responsible for monitoring the temperature inside the icemaker compartment, allowing the control board to manage defrost cycles in that zone. When the main PCB reads a resistance value outside the expected range for the sensor, it interprets the circuit as either broken (open) or fused together (shorted) and triggers this fault code.

An open circuit condition occurs when the sensor circuit has a break, preventing any signal from reaching the PCB. A shorted condition occurs when the sensor or wiring collapses to near-zero resistance, sending an out-of-range signal. Both conditions cause the main PCB to lose reliable temperature data for the icemaker room, which can disrupt defrost timing and ice production. Because the sensor is located in a cold, humid environment, the wiring harness and connectors in this area are particularly vulnerable to moisture intrusion, corrosion, and physical damage from ice buildup.

Diagnosis begins with a thorough inspection of the wiring connections at the sensor itself and at the main PCB connector. Corroded or loose pins at either end can produce both open and shorted readings depending on the failure mode. If the wiring checks out, the thermistor itself should be tested with a multimeter to verify its resistance falls within the specification expected at a given temperature. A defective sensor will need to be replaced to clear the fault.

Source: manufacturer service documentation.

Common causes of id

  1. 01

    Loose or corroded wiring connections

    Wiring / connection

    Moisture in the icemaker compartment can corrode connector pins at the sensor or at the main PCB, causing intermittent or complete signal loss. Inspect all connectors in the harness path for discoloration, corrosion, or loose terminal seats.

  2. 02

    Faulty icemaker room defrost sensor

    Part replacement

    The thermistor itself can fail, producing a resistance value that reads as open or shorted on the PCB. Testing the sensor with a multimeter will reveal whether its resistance is out of the expected range for the ambient temperature.

  3. 03

    Damaged wiring harness

    Part replacement

    The wire routing in the icemaker area can be pinched by ice formation or physical contact with moving parts, breaking or shorting the conductors internally. A visual inspection and continuity test of each wire in the circuit can confirm this.

  4. 04

    Ice buildup interfering with the sensor or wiring

    Wiring / connection

    Excessive ice accumulation in the icemaker compartment can press against or encase the sensor and harness, causing mechanical stress or a temporary short. Manually defrosting the compartment and re-testing can help isolate this cause.

  5. 05

    Defective main PCB

    Part replacement

    If the sensor and all wiring test within specification, the main PCB may be misreading the sensor circuit due to a failed input circuit on the board. This is the least common cause and should only be considered after all other components are confirmed good.

See the test procedure for each cause

Frequently asked questions about id

What does id mean on a Kenmore refrigerator?
The id error code indicates that the icemaker room defrost sensor is reading as either open or shorted at the main PCB. This thermistor monitors temperature inside the icemaker compartment to control defrost cycles in that zone. When the board cannot get a valid resistance reading, it sets this fault. The issue may be in the sensor itself, the wiring, or the connector terminals.
Can I fix the id error code myself?
A knowledgeable DIYer can perform the initial diagnostic steps, which include checking wiring connections at the sensor and at the main PCB for looseness or corrosion. If the connections look clean and secure, testing the thermistor with a multimeter is the next step. Replacing the sensor is a manageable repair if you are comfortable working in the icemaker compartment and handling wire connectors.
Is the id error code on a Kenmore refrigerator a safety concern?
This fault does not present an immediate safety hazard in most cases. However, if the defrost cycle in the icemaker compartment is disrupted, ice buildup can worsen over time and potentially affect overall refrigerator performance. It is worth addressing promptly to prevent secondary issues like reduced cooling or water leaks from excessive ice melt.
How much does it cost to fix the id error code on a Kenmore refrigerator?
If only the wiring connections need to be cleaned or reseated, the repair cost can be minimal. Replacing the icemaker room defrost sensor typically costs between $15 and $60 for the part, depending on the model. If the main PCB is at fault, board replacement can range from $100 to $300 or more including labor if a technician is involved.
Will resetting my Kenmore refrigerator clear the id error code?
A reset may temporarily clear the code from the display, but if the underlying sensor or wiring fault is still present, the code will return. The fault must be diagnosed and the defective component repaired or replaced for the error to clear permanently. Resetting without fixing the root cause can delay the repair and allow ice buildup or defrost issues to continue.

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