mypros+
Error code reference

KitchenAid Refrigerator Error Code F

FC or RC fan error (second instance).

KitchenAid codesKitchenAid refrigerator codes
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 F error code actually means

Your KitchenAid refrigerator is showing that one of its internal fans, either in the freezer section or the fresh food section, has stopped working properly for the second time. These fans keep cold air moving throughout the refrigerator, and without them, temperatures become uneven and food may not stay properly chilled or frozen. This issue needs to be diagnosed and repaired rather than just reset, since the problem has now appeared more than once.

Diagnostic procedure

The full F 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
Confirm the fault
Power cycle the unit: switch off the breaker for 60 seconds, then restore power. If the code returns, the fault is persistent and the procedure below isolates the cause.
Unlock with pass
Unlock with pass
Unlock with pass
More steps, wiring diagram references, and verified part numbers
Includes expected resistance and voltage values, connector pinouts, and supersession notes for replacement parts.
Unlock F procedure $9.95

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

Most common causes of F

Ranked by how often they cause this code
  1. 1Ice buildup blocking fan blades
  2. 2Failed fan motor
  3. 3Wiring harness damage or loose connection
  4. 4Foreign object obstructing the fan
  5. 5Control board fault

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 F

What does F mean on a KitchenAid refrigerator?
The F error code on a KitchenAid refrigerator indicates a fan error involving either the freezer compartment fan or the refrigerator compartment fan. It is specifically a second-instance fault, meaning the control board has detected this fan malfunction more than once. These fans circulate cold air through the unit, so this fault can lead to temperature problems if not addressed.
Is it safe to keep using my refrigerator when the F error code is showing?
Continued use is risky because a non-functioning fan will cause uneven temperatures, potentially allowing food to enter unsafe temperature ranges. The freezer may not maintain proper freeze temperatures, and the fresh food section may warm up. It is best to address the fault promptly and monitor temperatures closely until the repair is completed.
Will resetting my KitchenAid refrigerator clear the F error code?
A reset may temporarily clear the F error code from the display, but because this is a second-instance fault, the underlying problem is unlikely to be resolved by a reset alone. The error will typically return if the fan motor, wiring, or ice obstruction issue is not corrected. Resetting is useful for confirming the fault recurs, but it should not be treated as a fix.
Can I fix the F error code on my KitchenAid refrigerator myself?
Some causes of this error are DIY-accessible, such as removing ice buildup from around the fan blades or checking for obstructions near the fan cover. However, replacing a fan motor or diagnosing wiring harness issues requires comfort with appliance disassembly and basic electrical testing. If the motor needs replacement, having some technical experience with refrigerator repair is recommended before attempting the repair.
How much does it cost to repair the F fan error on a KitchenAid refrigerator?
Repair costs vary depending on the root cause. A fan motor replacement typically involves parts costs in the range of $30 to $100 and labor costs of $100 to $200 if a technician is hired. If the control board is at fault, parts alone can range from $150 to $350 or more. Clearing an ice obstruction yourself has no parts cost.

Related KitchenAid refrigerator error codes

All KitchenAid refrigerator codes

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

Get Started

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