Expanded exact-code directory
Kenmore 253 series French door refrigerator error codes
Kenmore 253 series French door refrigerator indicators as Sears PartsDirect (Kenmore parts and repair) lists them, each with its meaning and the first safe check.
- op-in-freezer-freezer-temperature-sensor-openAn open freezer temperature sensor, shown as OP
- op-in-refrigerator-refrigerator-temperature-sensor-openAn open refrigerator temperature sensor, shown as OP
- sh-in-freezer-freezer-temperature-sensor-shortedA shorted freezer temperature sensor, shown as SH
Every code
Every Kenmore 253 series French door refrigerator code: what it means and what to do
- op-in-freezer-freezer-temperature-sensor-open
- op-in-refrigerator-refrigerator-temperature-sensor-open
- sh-in-freezer-freezer-temperature-sensor-shorted
- sh-in-refrigerator-refrigerator-temperature-sensor
- sy-ce-or-sy-cf-communications-failure-between-the
- sy-ef-evaporator-fan-circuit-failure
Kenmore 253 series French door refrigerator code op-in-freezer-freezer-temperature-sensor-open
An open freezer temperature sensor, shown as OP in the freezer temperature display.
Unplug the refrigerator and look at the sensor's connections to the control board.
Reseat loose wires first. Then unplug the sensor from its harness and measure it with a multimeter: a healthy sensor reads about 84,925 ohms at 0 degrees, 32,566 ohms at 32 degrees and 11,304 ohms at a room temperature of 72 degrees, and an open sensor reads infinite resistance and is replaced. If the sensor measures correctly, measure the same reading through the gray and white sensor wires at the J4A connector on the control board. A matching reading points to the control board, which is not reading the sensor correctly, and an open reading points to a wiring fault to find and repair.
- A loose wire between the freezer temperature sensor and the electronic control board: OP in the freezer temperature display shows and the freezer temperature is missing. Unplug the refrigerator and check the freezer sensor wiring connections; reconnect any loose wires
- A freezer temperature sensor (thermistor) that is open: OP in the freezer temperature display shows and the sensor alone measures infinite resistance. Unplug the sensor from its wire harness and measure it with a multimeter; the meter should measure 84,925 ohms at 0 degrees, 32,566 ohms at 32 degrees and 11,304 ohms at 72 degrees (room temperature).
- A break or short in the freezer sensor wiring to the control board: The sensor itself measures correctly but the reading through the gray/white wires does not. Unplug connector J4A from the control board and measure through the gray/white wires; it should match the sensor
- An electronic control board that is not detecting the freezer sensor accurately: The sensor and the gray/white wires measure correctly and OP in the freezer temperature display remains. The chart replaces the electronic control board if the meter measures correct resistance through both the sensor and the wires
The chart starts OP in the freezer temperature display with the connections between the freezer temperature sensor and the electronic control board; reconnect any loose wires.
The meter should measure 84,925 ohms at 0 degrees, 32,566 ohms at 32 degrees and 11,304 ohms at 72 degrees (room temperature). The chart replaces the freezer sensor if the meter measures infinite resistance.
Unplug connector J4A from the control board and measure through the gray/white wires; the meter should read the same resistance as the sensor, and if it measures infinite resistance you find and repair the sensor wiring failure.
The chart says you'll likely need to replace the electronic control board for OP in the freezer temperature display because it is not accurately detecting the sensor's resistance.
OP in the freezer temperature display (253 series French door table).
Thermistor (temperature sensor) and electronic control board.
The meter should measure 84,925 ohms at 0 degrees, 32,566 ohms at 32 degrees and 11,304 ohms at 72 degrees (room temperature). Open reads infinite resistance.
A multimeter, a screwdriver or nut driver, a thermometer and a flashlight.
What does OP in the freezer temperature display mean on a Kenmore 253 French door refrigerator? The freezer temperature sensor is open, in the chart's words.
What should the freezer sensor measure? The meter should measure 84,925 ohms at 0 degrees, 32,566 ohms at 32 degrees and 11,304 ohms at 72 degrees (room temperature).
Which wires connect the freezer sensor to the board? The gray/white wires on connector J4A of the electronic control board.
Which parts does the chart name for OP in the freezer temperature display? The thermistor (temperature sensor) and the electronic control board.
How is SH in the freezer display different? SH in the freezer display is the shorted fault on the same sensor; the resistance values are the same and only the pass or fail test differs, infinite resistance for open and under 10 ohms for shorted.
Unplug the refrigerator before you disconnect any sensor, connector or part for OP in the freezer temperature display, and plug it back in only when a step asks you to measure the circuit through the control board
Note the freezer sensor's temperature when you measure it, because a thermistor's resistance changes with temperature and the chart's values only apply at the temperatures it lists
Kenmore 253 series French door refrigerator code op-in-refrigerator-refrigerator-temperature-sensor-open
An open refrigerator temperature sensor, shown as OP in the refrigerator temperature display.
Unplug the refrigerator and look at the sensor's connections to the control board.
Reseat loose wires first. Then unplug the sensor and measure it: a healthy sensor reads about 28,300 ohms at 37 degrees, 32,566 ohms at 32 degrees and 11,304 ohms at 72 degrees, and an open sensor reads infinite resistance and is replaced. If the sensor measures correctly, check the reading through the gray and black wires at the J4A connector. A matching reading points to the control board, and an open reading to a wiring fault to repair.
- A loose wire between the refrigerator temperature sensor and the electronic control board: OP in the refrigerator temperature display shows and the refrigerator temperature is missing. Unplug the refrigerator and check the refrigerator sensor wiring connections; reconnect any loose wires
- A refrigerator temperature sensor (thermistor) that is open: OP in the refrigerator temperature display shows and the sensor alone measures infinite resistance. Unplug the sensor from its wire harness and measure it with a multimeter; the meter should measure 28,300 ohms at 37 degrees, 32,566 ohms at 32 degrees and 11,304 ohms at 72 degrees (room temperature).
- A break or short in the refrigerator sensor wiring to the control board: The sensor itself measures correctly but the reading through the gray/black wires does not. Unplug connector J4A from the control board and measure through the gray/black wires; it should match the sensor
- An electronic control board that is not detecting the refrigerator sensor accurately: The sensor and the gray/black wires measure correctly and OP in the refrigerator temperature display remains. The chart replaces the electronic control board if the meter measures correct resistance through both the sensor and the wires
The chart starts OP in the refrigerator temperature display with the connections between the refrigerator temperature sensor and the electronic control board; reconnect any loose wires.
The meter should measure 28,300 ohms at 37 degrees, 32,566 ohms at 32 degrees and 11,304 ohms at 72 degrees (room temperature). The chart replaces the refrigerator sensor if the meter measures infinite resistance.
Unplug connector J4A from the control board and measure through the gray/black wires; the meter should read the same resistance as the sensor, and if it measures infinite resistance you find and repair the sensor wiring failure.
The chart says you'll likely need to replace the electronic control board for OP in the refrigerator temperature display because it is not accurately detecting the sensor's resistance.
OP in the refrigerator temperature display (253 series French door table).
The meter should measure 28,300 ohms at 37 degrees, 32,566 ohms at 32 degrees and 11,304 ohms at 72 degrees (room temperature). Open reads infinite resistance.
What does OP in the refrigerator temperature display mean on a Kenmore 253 French door refrigerator? The refrigerator temperature sensor is open, in the chart's words.
What should the refrigerator sensor measure? The meter should measure 28,300 ohms at 37 degrees, 32,566 ohms at 32 degrees and 11,304 ohms at 72 degrees (room temperature).
Which wires connect the refrigerator sensor to the board? The gray/black wires on connector J4A of the electronic control board.
Which parts does the chart name for OP in the refrigerator temperature display? The thermistor (temperature sensor) and the electronic control board.
How is SH in the refrigerator display different? SH in the refrigerator display is the shorted fault on the same sensor; the resistance values are the same and only the pass or fail test differs, infinite resistance for open and under 10 ohms for shorted.
Unplug the refrigerator before you disconnect any sensor, connector or part for OP in the refrigerator temperature display, and plug it back in only when a step asks you to measure the circuit through the control board
Note the refrigerator sensor's temperature when you measure it, because a thermistor's resistance changes with temperature and the chart's values only apply at the temperatures it lists
Kenmore 253 series French door refrigerator code sh-in-freezer-freezer-temperature-sensor-shorted
A shorted freezer temperature sensor, shown as SH in the freezer temperature display.
Unplug the refrigerator and disconnect the sensor from its harness.
Measure the sensor with a multimeter: about 84,925 ohms at 0 degrees, 32,566 ohms at 32 degrees and 11,304 ohms at 72 degrees is healthy, and a reading under 10 ohms means the sensor is shorted and is replaced. If the sensor measures correctly, measure the same reading through the gray and white wires at the J4A connector. A matching reading points to the control board, and a reading under 10 ohms points to a short in the wiring to repair.
- A freezer temperature sensor (thermistor) that is shorted: SH in the freezer temperature display shows and the sensor alone measures less than 10 ohms of resistance. Unplug the sensor from its wire harness and measure it with a multimeter; the meter should measure 84,925 ohms at 0 degrees, 32,566 ohms at 32 degrees and 11,304 ohms at 72 degrees (room temperature).
- A break or short in the freezer sensor wiring to the control board: The sensor itself measures correctly but the reading through the gray/white wires does not. Unplug connector J4A from the control board and measure through the gray/white wires; it should match the sensor
- An electronic control board that is not detecting the freezer sensor accurately: The sensor and the gray/white wires measure correctly and SH in the freezer temperature display remains. The chart replaces the electronic control board if the meter measures correct resistance through both the sensor and the wires
The meter should measure 84,925 ohms at 0 degrees, 32,566 ohms at 32 degrees and 11,304 ohms at 72 degrees (room temperature). The chart replaces the freezer sensor if the meter measures less than 10 ohms of resistance.
Unplug connector J4A from the control board and measure through the gray/white wires; the meter should read the same resistance as the sensor, and if it measures less than 10 ohms of resistance you find and repair the sensor wiring failure.
The chart says you'll likely need to replace the electronic control board for SH in the freezer temperature display because it is not accurately detecting the sensor's resistance.
SH in the freezer temperature display (253 series French door table).
The meter should measure 84,925 ohms at 0 degrees, 32,566 ohms at 32 degrees and 11,304 ohms at 72 degrees (room temperature). Shorted reads under 10 ohms.
What does SH in the freezer temperature display mean on a Kenmore 253 French door refrigerator? The freezer temperature sensor is shorted, in the chart's words.
What should the freezer sensor measure? The meter should measure 84,925 ohms at 0 degrees, 32,566 ohms at 32 degrees and 11,304 ohms at 72 degrees (room temperature).
Which wires connect the freezer sensor to the board? The gray/white wires on connector J4A of the electronic control board.
Which parts does the chart name for SH in the freezer temperature display? The thermistor (temperature sensor) and the electronic control board.
How is OP in the freezer display different? OP in the freezer display is the open fault on the same sensor; the resistance values are the same and only the pass or fail test differs, infinite resistance for open and under 10 ohms for shorted.
Unplug the refrigerator before you disconnect any sensor, connector or part for SH in the freezer temperature display, and plug it back in only when a step asks you to measure the circuit through the control board
Note the freezer sensor's temperature when you measure it, because a thermistor's resistance changes with temperature and the chart's values only apply at the temperatures it lists
Kenmore 253 series French door refrigerator code sh-in-refrigerator-refrigerator-temperature-sensor
A shorted refrigerator temperature sensor, shown as SH in the refrigerator temperature display.
Unplug the refrigerator and disconnect the sensor from its harness.
Measure the sensor: about 28,300 ohms at 37 degrees, 32,566 ohms at 32 degrees and 11,304 ohms at 72 degrees is healthy, and under 10 ohms means the sensor is shorted and is replaced. If it measures correctly, check the reading through the gray and black wires at the J4A connector: a matching reading points to the control board, and under 10 ohms points to a wiring short to repair.
- A refrigerator temperature sensor (thermistor) that is shorted: SH in the refrigerator temperature display shows and the sensor alone measures less than 10 ohms of resistance. Unplug the sensor from its wire harness and measure it with a multimeter; the meter should measure 28,300 ohms at 37 degrees, 32,566 ohms at 32 degrees and 11,304 ohms at 72 degrees (room temperature).
- A break or short in the refrigerator sensor wiring to the control board: The sensor itself measures correctly but the reading through the gray/black wires does not. Unplug connector J4A from the control board and measure through the gray/black wires; it should match the sensor
- An electronic control board that is not detecting the refrigerator sensor accurately: The sensor and the gray/black wires measure correctly and SH in the refrigerator temperature display remains. The chart replaces the electronic control board if the meter measures correct resistance through both the sensor and the wires
The meter should measure 28,300 ohms at 37 degrees, 32,566 ohms at 32 degrees and 11,304 ohms at 72 degrees (room temperature). The chart replaces the refrigerator sensor if the meter measures less than 10 ohms of resistance.
Unplug connector J4A from the control board and measure through the gray/black wires; the meter should read the same resistance as the sensor, and if it measures less than 10 ohms of resistance you find and repair the sensor wiring failure.
The chart says you'll likely need to replace the electronic control board for SH in the refrigerator temperature display because it is not accurately detecting the sensor's resistance.
SH in the refrigerator temperature display (253 series French door table).
The meter should measure 28,300 ohms at 37 degrees, 32,566 ohms at 32 degrees and 11,304 ohms at 72 degrees (room temperature). Shorted reads under 10 ohms.
What does SH in the refrigerator temperature display mean on a Kenmore 253 French door refrigerator? The refrigerator temperature sensor is shorted, in the chart's words.
What should the refrigerator sensor measure? The meter should measure 28,300 ohms at 37 degrees, 32,566 ohms at 32 degrees and 11,304 ohms at 72 degrees (room temperature).
Which wires connect the refrigerator sensor to the board? The gray/black wires on connector J4A of the electronic control board.
Which parts does the chart name for SH in the refrigerator temperature display? The thermistor (temperature sensor) and the electronic control board.
How is OP in the refrigerator display different? OP in the refrigerator display is the open fault on the same sensor; the resistance values are the same and only the pass or fail test differs, infinite resistance for open and under 10 ohms for shorted.
Unplug the refrigerator before you disconnect any sensor, connector or part for SH in the refrigerator temperature display, and plug it back in only when a step asks you to measure the circuit through the control board
Note the refrigerator sensor's temperature when you measure it, because a thermistor's resistance changes with temperature and the chart's values only apply at the temperatures it lists
Kenmore 253 series French door refrigerator code sy-ce-or-sy-cf-communications-failure-between-the
A communications failure between the electronic control board and the user interface.
Unplug the refrigerator and check the harness between the display and the control board.
If the connections are good, replace the electronic control board, and if the problem continues replace the user interface.
- Loose wire harness connections between the user interface and the electronic control board: SY CE or SY CF shows and the display and the control board stop talking. Unplug the refrigerator and check the wire harness connections between the user interface and the electronic control board
- An electronic control board that has failed: The wiring connections are okay and SY CE or SY CF remains. The chart replaces the electronic control board if the wiring connections are okay
- A user interface that has failed: A new electronic control board does not clear SY CE or SY CF. The chart replaces the user interface if the problem continues
The chart says SY CE and SY CF are a communications failure between the electronic control board and the user interface, so start with the wiring that joins them.
The chart names the electronic control board first when the wire harness connections between the two are okay.
The chart names the user interface as the second part for SY CE or SY CF.
SY CE or SY CF (253 series French door table).
Electronic control board and user interface.
What do SY CE and SY CF mean on a Kenmore 253 French door refrigerator? A communications failure between the electronic control board and the user interface.
Do SY CE and SY CF need different fixes? No, the chart gives one procedure for both codes.
Unplug the refrigerator before you disconnect any sensor, connector or part for SY CE or SY CF, and plug it back in only when a step asks you to measure the circuit through the control board
Replace the electronic control board before the user interface for SY CE or SY CF, because the chart puts the board first and the interface second
Kenmore 253 series French door refrigerator code sy-ef-evaporator-fan-circuit-failure
A failure in the evaporator fan circuit.
Unplug the refrigerator and look at the evaporator fan's plug in the freezer.
Reseat a loose fan plug. If it is fine, check the fan's connections to the control board, the brown, blue and yellow wires with white tracers on the J4A connector and the red and white wire on J4B. With good wiring the evaporator fan is replaced, and if the problem remains the control board is replaced.
- A loose evaporator fan wire harness plug in the freezer: SY EF shows and the freezer and refrigerator warm up because the evaporator fan is silent. Unplug the refrigerator and check the evaporator fan wire harness connection in the freezer
- A loose connection of the evaporator fan wires at the electronic control board: The plug in the freezer is seated but the fan still does not run. Check the brown/white, blue/white and yellow/white wires on J4A and the red/white wire on J4B
- An evaporator fan motor that has failed: The wiring connections are okay and SY EF remains. The chart replaces the evaporator fan if the wiring connections are okay
- An electronic control board that has failed: A new evaporator fan does not clear SY EF. The chart replaces the electronic control board if the problem continues
The chart says to reconnect the wire harness plug if it is loose; the fan sits behind the freezer's rear panel.
The chart lists the brown/white, blue/white and yellow/white wires on connector J4A and the red/white wire on J4B; make sure each is seated.
If the wiring connections are okay the chart replaces the evaporator fan, and if the problem continues it replaces the electronic control board.
SY EF (253 series French door table).
Evaporator fan and electronic control board.
Brown/white, blue/white and yellow/white wires on J4A and red/white on J4B.
What does SY EF mean on a Kenmore 253 French door refrigerator? An evaporator fan circuit failure, in the chart's words.
Which wires go to the evaporator fan? Brown/white, blue/white and yellow/white on connector J4A and red/white on connector J4B.
Unplug the refrigerator before you disconnect any sensor, connector or part for SY EF, and plug it back in only when a step asks you to measure the circuit through the control board
Keep your fingers clear of the evaporator fan blades even when unplugged, since a stuck fan can release suddenly when it is freed
Kenmore 253 French door refrigerator error codes
Kenmore's 253 series French door refrigerators show codes for temperature sensors, fans, defrost and the ice maker. The 253 prefix is the start of the model number, and this page applies to those refrigerators. A code often means a sensor or a fan has not reported correctly, and the refrigerator may still be cooling, so check the temperature inside before acting.
Check the temperature with a thermometer in a glass of water, and look at the vents inside for blockages. Clear frost from the freezer vents, and make sure the doors seal. A code may clear after a power reset: unplug the refrigerator for five minutes and plug it in again. A code that returns, or a refrigerator that is warm, needs a technician.
The model and serial numbers are on a label inside the fresh food compartment. Kenmore parts are sold through Sears PartsDirect. Replace the water filter on schedule and clean the coils twice a year.
French door refrigerators have a freezer drawer at the bottom and two doors above, and their temperature control relies on sensors and a damper between the sections. A code that mentions a sensor or a damper suggests that cold air is not reaching the fresh food section correctly. Check that vents are clear, that the drawer closes fully and that the door gaskets seal, and then give the refrigerator a day to settle after any reset before judging the temperature with a thermometer.
A French door refrigerator keeps its fresh food compartment and its freezer drawer at different temperatures with one evaporator, a fan and an air damper. A code that mentions a sensor, a fan or defrost points to one of these, and the likely symptoms are a fresh food section that is too warm, ice on the vents in the freezer or a refrigerator that runs without stopping. Checking the temperature in both sections with a thermometer tells you whether the code reflects a real problem or a sensor that has misread.
Defrost is the part owners rarely think about. The evaporator frosts over in use, and a heater melts the frost on a schedule. If the heater, its sensor or the control fails, frost builds up, blocks the air and warms the fresh food section. A sign is a thick coat of frost on the back wall of the freezer or water on the floor of the freezer drawer. You can melt the frost by unplugging the refrigerator for a day with the doors open and towels on the floor, which shows whether the problem returns.
Ice makers and water dispensers add their own codes. A filter that has not been changed, a supply valve that is partly closed or a freezer that is too warm makes ice slowly. If the dispenser delivers a trickle, replace the filter first. If water leaks from the dispenser, check that the filter is fully seated and that the water line is not crushed behind the refrigerator when it is pushed back against the wall.
Is the refrigerator still cooling when a code shows?
Often yes; check with a thermometer.
How do I reset the refrigerator?
Unplug it for five minutes and plug it in again.
How long should I wait after a reset?
Give it a day before judging the temperature.