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Error Code

Kenmore Refrigerator Code F3 Freezer Defrost Heater Failure

Plain-language guidance for Kenmore code F3 on Refrigerator — symptoms, safe checks, and when to call a technician.

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At a glance

Error code overview

A plain-language snapshot of F3 for Kenmore Refrigerator — confirm the model series before you act.

Daniel Reeves Written by Daniel Reeves Appliance Repair Content Specialist Published October 20, 2026

Content status Verified

Error code F3
Appliance Refrigerator
Quick answer

F3 reports a freezer defrost heater failure on Kenmore bottom-freezer Trio refrigerators (111-prefix models).

Model compatibility

Kenmore reuses codes across series and model years, so F3 may mean something different on another appliance or generation. Confirm this against your model’s documentation and record your full model number before acting.

Plain language

What this code means

Freezer defrost heater failure.

F3 explained

The control shows F3 on 111-prefix Kenmore bottom-freezer Trio refrigerators when the freezer defrost heater has failed.

Sequence in the manual

First disconnect power at the plug. Then look at the wiring going to the freezer defrost heater and see whether anything is damaged. Any broken wire should be repaired. Wires that are fine point to the heater itself, and the manual says to replace the freezer defrost heater in that case.

Do not confuse with

  • FD Lo/Hi for the freezer defrost sensor
  • F1 Lo/Hi for the freezer temperature sensor
  • ES for a dispenser failure

Where to call for refrigerator service

For the Miami, New York, Houston, Los Angeles and San Diego metro areas, our number is (844) 747-3641. Be ready with the F3 code, your model number and what the wires looked like. See the refrigerator repair page too.

Source: Sears PartsDirect – Kenmore 111 model bottom-freezer refrigerator error codes

Caution

Safety warning

Important safety warning

Do not attempt repairs involving electrical components, gas, water lines, refrigerant or sealed systems. Unplug the appliance if it is safe to reach the outlet, and leave internal diagnostics to a qualified technician.

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(844) 747-3641
Phone (844) 747-3641
Email info@kenmoreservicecenter.support
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