Error code · Refrigerator

Kenmore 111 Bottom-Freezer Refrigerator Code F3 / r3: Defrost Heater

Medium · inspection needed

Code: F3 / r3
Appliance: Refrigerator
Brand: Kenmore
Warranty: 30-day workmanship

What F3 / r3 means

On Kenmore bottom-freezer refrigerators with model numbers starting 111, a platform whose builder we could not identify, F3 means the freezer defrost heater has failed and r3 means the refrigerator defrost heater has failed. Without a working heater the evaporator slowly frosts over, so the compartment warms up, airflow weakens and the message stays on the display. Food in the affected section is the first thing at risk.

Common causes of F3 / r3

Defrost heater element
Heater wiring or connector
Control board output driving the heater

✓ One safe check you can try

1. See whether F3 or r3 is shown and write it down. 2. Move food you cannot afford to lose to another refrigerator or a cooler if the compartment feels warm. 3. Keep the doors shut as much as possible. 4. Do not use a hair dryer or hot water on the back panel.

! Why to stop there

Whether the heater is open or only its wiring has come loose
We check the heater wiring before condemning the heater
Frost may have to be thawed before we can see the true cause

Opening a panel yourself does not automatically cancel a manufacturer warranty, but it can cause accidental damage, and some manufacturers set their own service conditions. Check your warranty terms, or ask us, before deciding.

→Same appliance

Other Refrigerator codes

Main Board LED 4 or 6 FlickersKenmore 111 Top-Freezer Refrigerator: Main Board LED 4 or 6 Flickers, Door and Defrost Heater OP in Freezer DisplayKenmore 253 French-Door Refrigerator Code OP in Freezer Display: Open Freezer Sensor OP in Refrigerator DisplayKenmore 253 French-Door Refrigerator Showing OP in the Refrigerator Display (Open Fresh-Food Sensor) r1 Lo / r1 HiKenmore 111 Bottom-Freezer Refrigerator Code r1 Lo / r1 Hi: Fresh-Food Sensor rt Lo / rt HiKenmore 111 Bottom-Freezer Refrigerator Code rt Lo / rt Hi: Room Temperature Sensor SH in Freezer DisplayKenmore 253 French-Door Refrigerator Showing SH in the Freezer Display: Shorted Sensor SH in Refrigerator DisplayKenmore 253 French-Door Refrigerator Code SH in Refrigerator Display: Shorted Fresh-Food Sensor SY CE / SY CFKenmore 253 French-Door Refrigerator Code SY CE / SY CF: Control and Display Communication

F3 / r3F3 / r3 questions

Why does the evaporator frost up?

The defrost heater melts frost on a schedule. When it fails, frost accumulates on the coil until air can no longer pass through, and then the compartment warms and the display shows F3 or r3.

Does F3 differ from r3?

Yes, F3 is the freezer heater and r3 the refrigerator heater. We go straight to the one named, with its own wiring and part, and we quote that repair in writing before starting.

Can I speed up the thaw?

Please do not. Heat guns and hot water can damage plastic liners and wiring, and they do nothing to repair the heater. We thaw the coil safely during the visit so we can test the circuit properly.

Book a visit

Still seeing F3 / r3?

A technician diagnoses it on site and gives you the price in writing before any work starts.

(713) 955-7152