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Error Code

Kenmore Refrigerator Code LED 3 Flickers Defrost Sensor

Plain-language guidance for Kenmore code LED 3 flickers 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 LED 3 flickers 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 LED 3 flickers
Appliance Refrigerator
Quick answer

Three control board LED flickers indicate a defrost temperature sensor failure on Kenmore 111-prefix top-freezer refrigerators.

Model compatibility

Kenmore reuses codes across series and model years, so LED 3 flickers 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

Defrost temperature sensor failure.

Meaning of three flickers

The control board LED blinks three times, pauses, and repeats: the defrost temperature sensor has failed. It affects Kenmore top-freezer refrigerators whose model numbers begin with 111. The sensor monitors evaporator temperature.

List of manual steps

  1. Unplug the refrigerator to disconnect power.
  2. Inspect the sensor wiring connected to the control board for damage.
  3. Repair broken wires.
  4. Technician: check the sensor circuit resistance and replace the defrost temperature sensor if it is out of the manual’s range.

Seeing the LED safely

Take off the control board cover to see the LED, but do not touch anything inside. The board has power while the refrigerator is plugged in. Put the cover back after counting.

Codes often mixed up with this one

Refrigerator repair across the metro areas we serve

Phone (844) 747-3641 in the Miami, New York, Houston, Los Angeles and San Diego areas. Mention the flicker count, the model number and anything already tried. See the refrigerator service page for more.

Source: Sears PartsDirect – Kenmore 111 model top-freezer refrigerator error codes (LED flicker counts)

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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Phone (844) 747-3641
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