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Error Code

Kenmore Refrigerator r3 Error Code

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.

Lena Hart Written by Lena Hart Appliance Repair Content Specialist Published October 20, 2026

Content status Verified

Error code r3
Appliance Refrigerator
Quick answer

r3 means a refrigerator defrost heater failure on Kenmore bottom-freezer Trio refrigerators with model numbers starting 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

The refrigerator defrost heater has failed.

The display code r3 on a Kenmore bottom-freezer Trio refrigerator (model numbers starting 111) is a refrigerator defrost heater failure.

What the manual says

  1. Unplug the refrigerator.
  2. Check the refrigerator defrost heater wiring for damage.
  3. Repair any broken wires.
  4. If the wires are fine, the heater itself is the part to replace.

Freezer version

The freezer has a matching code, F3, for its own defrost heater with the same wiring check. Read the display carefully before you choose which heater is involved.

Related Kenmore refrigerator codes

  • rD Lo/Hi: the refrigerator defrost sensor on this series.
  • r1 Lo/Hi: the refrigerator compartment sensor.
  • r dH: a defrost code from another Kenmore series.

Kenmore refrigerator service in Los Angeles

For a defrost heater fault, our Los Angeles technicians can take your Kenmore from here. Mention r3, your 111 model number and the result of the wiring look when you use refrigerator service or call (310) 554-8899.

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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Phone (310) 554-8899
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