Author: ApplianceFixGuide Team

  • How to Fix Kenmore Refrigerator Error F16

    How to Fix Kenmore Refrigerator Error F16

    Problem: Inverter board failure (variable speed compressor models)

    How to Fix Refrigerator Error

    1. UNPLUG unit for 10 minutes to reset inverter electronics.
    2. Restore power and listen for compressor attempting to start (brief humming then shutdown indicates inverter fault).
    3. Remove rear access panel to locate inverter board (mounted near compressor, often with large heat sink).
    4. Inspect for burnt components, bulging capacitors, or burnt smell.
    5. Check DC voltage output to compressor (requires live testing – DANGEROUS – only qualified technicians).
    6. If inverter shows physical damage or compressor receives no power, replace inverter board assembly.
    7. Verify proper grounding and all connections secure before restoring power.
    8. Monitor compressor operation for 24 hours – should run quietly without cycling on thermal overload.

    Still Not Working?

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


  • How to Fix Kenmore Refrigerator Error F17

    How to Fix Kenmore Refrigerator Error F17

    Problem: Air filter status reminder or filter sensor fault (models with internal air purification)

    How to Fix Refrigerator Error

    1. Locate air filter compartment (typically inside refrigerator rear wall or ceiling).
    2. Replace air filter cartridge per manufacturer schedule (usually every 6 months).
    3. Reset filter status indicator via control panel menu or button sequence per model instructions.
    4. If error persists with new filter, locate filter status sensor/switch.
    5. Clean sensor contacts or replace switch assembly if faulty.
    6. Verify air circulation fan operates properly after reset.

    Still Not Working?

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


  • How to Fix Kenmore Refrigerator Error F18

    How to Fix Kenmore Refrigerator Error F18

    Problem: Secondary freezer sensor fault (dual-sensor freezer models)

    How to Fix Refrigerator Error

    1. UNPLUG unit.
    2. Remove evaporator cover panel in freezer.
    3. Locate secondary thermistor (may be mounted on evaporator coil opposite primary sensor or in freezer air stream).
    4. Disconnect connector and test resistance.
    5. Replace if open/shorted or reading outside specification.
    6. Position new sensor in identical location to original.
    7. Secure properly to prevent movement during defrost cycles.
    8. Restore power and allow 4 hours for temperature stabilization.

    Still Not Working?

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


  • How to Fix Kenmore Refrigerator Error F19

    How to Fix Kenmore Refrigerator Error F19

    Problem: Condenser coil temperature sensor fault affecting compressor runtime

    How to Fix Refrigerator Error

    1. UNPLUG refrigerator and pull away from wall.
    2. Remove rear lower access panel.
    3. Locate condenser thermistor clipped to condenser coil tubing near compressor (small white probe).
    4. Disconnect connector and test resistance (should read 5k-15k ohms at room temp).
    5. Replace sensor if faulty.
    6. Ensure new sensor makes full metal-to-metal contact with condenser tubing – poor contact causes False high-temp readings triggering premature compressor shutdown.
    7. Secure with high-temp adhesive or original clip.
    8. Clean condenser coils thoroughly while access panel removed.

    Still Not Working?

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


  • How to Fix Kenmore Refrigerator Error F20

    How to Fix Kenmore Refrigerator Error F20

    Problem: User interface/display board communication failure with main control

    How to Fix Refrigerator Error

    1. UNPLUG unit for 5 minutes to reset electronics.
    2. Restore power and check if display functions return.
    3. If display blank or shows error, remove dispenser facade to access display board.
    4. Inspect ribbon cable connection between display and main board – reseat firmly.
    5. Check for water damage on display board (common from spills into dispenser area).
    6. Test voltage at display board connector (should read 5V DC and 12V DC depending on model).
    7. If power present but display dead, replace display/user interface board.
    8. Transfer any configuration settings per manufacturer instructions after replacement.

    Still Not Working?

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


  • How to Fix Kenmore Refrigerator Error F21

    How to Fix Kenmore Refrigerator Error F21

    Problem: Refrigerator door ajar sensor fault or door seal failure

    How to Fix Refrigerator Error

    1. Verify fresh food door fully closed and latched.
    2. Inspect door gasket for damage, warping, or debris. Clean thoroughly.
    3. Test door switch operation in door frame jamb – should read closed when door shut.
    4. Adjust door alignment if needed via hinge screws.
    5. Replace door switch if faulty.
    6. If gasket damaged, replace entire gasket assembly – requires careful stretching into door groove starting at top center and working down both sides.
    7. Perform dollar bill test after repair: close bill in door seal at multiple points – should feel resistance when pulling out, indicating proper seal.

    Still Not Working?

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


  • How to Fix Kenmore Refrigerator Error F22

    How to Fix Kenmore Refrigerator Error F22

    Problem: Evaporator fan motor speed sensor fault (BLDC motor models)

    How to Fix Refrigerator Error

    1. UNPLUG unit.
    2. Remove evaporator cover panel in freezer.
    3. Locate evaporator fan motor with 5-wire harness (includes Hall effect sensor wires).
    4. Disconnect harness and test motor windings AND sensor circuit per tech sheet.
    5. Manually spin fan blade while monitoring sensor output with oscilloscope (if available) – should show clean pulse waveform.
    6. If sensor circuit open/shorted or waveform erratic, replace entire fan motor assembly (sensor not serviceable separately).
    7. Check wiring harness for damage between motor and control board.
    8. After replacement, verify fan runs at proper speed (should not cycle on/off rapidly).

    Still Not Working?

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


  • How to Fix Kenmore Refrigerator Error F23

    How to Fix Kenmore Refrigerator Error F23

    Problem: Defrost termination thermostat fault causing incomplete defrost cycles

    How to Fix Refrigerator Error

    1. UNPLUG unit and initiate manual defrost until all ice melts.
    2. Remove evaporator cover panel in freezer.
    3. Locate defrost thermostat clipped to top of evaporator coil (small cylindrical device with 2 wires).
    4. Test thermostat when cold/frozen – should read closed (<1 ohm).
    5. Warm thermostat to room temperature with hair dryer – should open (OL) at approximately 50-60°F.
    6. Replace if fails to open when warm or remains open when cold.
    7. Install new thermostat in EXACT same location as original – critical for proper defrost cycle timing.
    8. Monitor for 3 complete defrost cycles to verify heater shuts off when evaporator reaches proper temperature.

    Still Not Working?

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


  • How to Fix Kenmore Refrigerator Error F24

    How to Fix Kenmore Refrigerator Error F24

    Problem: Adaptive defrost control board failure (separate board on some models)

    How to Fix Refrigerator Error

    1. UNPLUG refrigerator.
    2. Locate adaptive defrost control board (may be integrated with main board or separate module in compressor compartment).
    3. Inspect for burnt components or water damage.
    4. Verify power input to board (120V AC).
    5. Test output to defrost heater during forced defrost cycle (DANGEROUS – live voltage testing).
    6. If board receives power but provides no output during defrost command, replace defrost control board.
    7. If integrated with main board, replace entire main control board assembly.
    8. After replacement, monitor defrost cycles for 48 hours to verify proper timing (typically every 8-12 hours of compressor run time).

    Still Not Working?

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


  • How to Fix Kenmore Refrigerator Error F25

    How to Fix Kenmore Refrigerator Error F25

    Problem: Freezer evaporator thermistor circuit fault (redundant sensor models)

    How to Fix Refrigerator Error

    1. UNPLUG unit.
    2. Remove evaporator cover panel in freezer.
    3. Locate secondary freezer thermistor (may be mounted on opposite side of evaporator coil from primary sensor).
    4. Disconnect connector and test resistance.
    5. Replace if open/shorted or reading outside specification.
    6. Position sensor carefully to avoid contact with defrost heater wires.
    7. Secure in original location with clip or high-temp adhesive.
    8. Restore power and verify freezer temperature stabilizes at 0°F within 4 hours.

    Still Not Working?

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