How to Fix Kenmore Refrigerator Error 1 BLINK

⚠️ Safety Warning: Appliance repair involves electricity, gas, and moving parts. Always disconnect power before working on any appliance.

Error Code: Refrigerator Difficulty: Easy

Problem: Refrigerator temperature sensor failure (111 series flash code)

⚖️ Repair Decision
✅ WORTH FIXING

Parts under $100

How to Fix Refrigerator Error

  1. UNPLUG unit.
  2. Remove main control board cover (located in fresh food compartment ceiling or rear wall).
  3. Observe green LED – counts flashes then pauses (1 flash = fridge sensor fault).
  4. Locate refrigerator thermistor per model diagram (typically behind rear wall panel).
  5. Disconnect connector and test resistance.
  6. Replace sensor if open/shorted.
  7. Reposition sensor in identical location.
  8. Restore power and verify LED stops flashing error sequence within 5 minutes.

What to Check Next on This Kenmore Refrigerator

Kenmore Refrigerator Error 1 BLINK: Use the code or symptom as the starting clue, then confirm what the refrigerator actually does before ordering parts.

  1. Unplug the refrigerator before touching wiring, fans, sensors, defrost parts, or control boards.
  2. Confirm both doors seal fully, the vents are open, the condenser area is clean, and temperatures have had time to stabilize.
  3. Check for frost buildup, fan noise, blocked air returns, warm spots, water-line issues, and loose sensor or harness connections.
  4. Note whether the symptom is warm fresh-food air, freezer thawing, ice-maker trouble, dispenser trouble, beeping, or display/control behavior.
  5. Replace a part only after the same symptom repeats and model-specific checks point to that part category.

If the issue returns after these checks, match replacement parts to the complete Kenmore refrigerator model number from the appliance tag. Kenmore models can be built by different manufacturers, so fit depends on the full model number.

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Recommended Replacement Part

OEM Part #: WPW10138630

Estimated Market Price: $25-45

Check Price & Availability →

When It’s Better to Replace Than Repair

Refrigerator repairs can become costly when sealed-system, control, defrost, fan, or ice-maker issues repeat.
Confirm width, height, depth, door swing, counter-depth needs, water line, and delivery path before ordering.
For repair parts, verify exact fit with the full refrigerator model number before buying; these links are general replacement-appliance shopping options.

  • [OK]Water inlet valve, ice maker, or fan failures keep returning
  • [OK]Defrost heater, thermostat, or sensor faults stack up
  • [OK]Compressor or sealed-system repair is not economical
  • [OK]Food-loss risk is becoming a pattern

Recommended Refrigerator Replacement Options

Top-Freezer Models

Simple Full-Size Replacements

  • Usually lower cost and easy to service
  • Confirm hinge side and kitchen clearance
  • Measure width, depth, and height

Shop Top-Freezer Refrigerators

Side-by-Side

Ice and Water Convenience

  • Good for narrow door swing spaces
  • Confirm water line and filter access
  • Check freezer width for large items

Compare Side-by-Side Models

French-Door

Premium Kitchen Layout

  • Popular wide fresh-food access
  • Confirm drawer clearance and counter depth
  • Measure delivery path before ordering

View French-Door Refrigerators

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Still Not Working?

If the replacement part didn’t fix the issue, you may have a wiring problem or main board failure.

⚡ Don’t Risk a DIY Fail!

Get the ‘Secret Service Mode’ Cheat Sheet for your Kenmore model. Includes an easy-to-read list of every error code and quick diagnostic tips.

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Most DIY parts are $50–$250. If you have a quote, use the total.
More options (for a better recommendation)

Expert: Mike Sullivan

EPA Section 608 Certified Technician with 18+ years experience.

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Browse all Kenmore error codes: Kenmore Error Codes

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