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Error Code

Kenmore Refrigerator r3 Code Defrost Heater Failure

Plain-language guidance for Kenmore code r3 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 r3 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 r3
Appliance Refrigerator
Quick answer

r3 reports a failed refrigerator defrost heater on Kenmore bottom-freezer Trio models whose numbers start with 111.

Model compatibility

Kenmore reuses codes across series and model years, so r3 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

A failure of the refrigerator-side defrost heater is reported.

What r3 tells you

The refrigerator defrost heater is reported as failed. Series: Kenmore bottom-freezer Trio, model numbers starting 111.

Manual sequence

  • Remove power by unplugging the refrigerator.
  • Look at the defrost heater wiring for the refrigerator section, and fix any broken wire.
  • With sound wires, the heater is what gets replaced.

Watch the letter

F3 is the freezer-side twin of this code, for the freezer defrost heater. The checks are the same, only the heater differs.

Related codes

Defrost sensors on this series appear as rD Lo/Hi, and the compartment sensor as r1 Lo/Hi. Both are easy to confuse with a heater fault.

Refrigerator repair where we work

We take Kenmore refrigerator calls across the Miami, New York, Houston, Los Angeles and San Diego metro areas. Phone (844) 747-3641 with the code, the model number and notes on the wiring, or see refrigerator repair for more.

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
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