Written by
Elena Marsh Appliance Care EditorPublished October 29, 2026
VERIFIED
Error coder3
ApplianceRefrigerator
The refrigerator defrost heater has failed when a Kenmore bottom-freezer Trio refrigerator, with a model number starting 111, shows r3.
Sequence in the manual
Unplug the refrigerator to remove power.
Inspect the wiring of the refrigerator defrost heater for damage.
Repair any broken wire.
If the wires turn out to be sound, replace the refrigerator defrost heater.
Parts involved
The only part listed is the refrigerator defrost heater itself. Replacing it is the final step once the wiring has been ruled out.
The freezer counterpart
F3 is the same fault for the freezer defrost heater, with the same wiring check. Which heater is meant depends on the letter shown.
Sensors often mistaken for it
rD Lo/Hi reports the defrost sensor and r1 Lo/Hi the compartment sensor on this series. Both are different parts from the heater.
San Francisco Kenmore refrigerator repair
For a defrost heater fault, a technician serving San Francisco can continue from your wiring check. Mention r3, the 111 model number and what the wires looked like when you contact Kenmore refrigerator repair or ring (415) 825-6393.
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.
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.
Seeing this code on your Kenmore appliance?
Book a specialist visit for a clear estimate and approval before any repair.
You submit a request with your appliance model and symptom, we confirm an appointment window, and a technician performs an on-site diagnosis. You then receive a clear estimate and decide whether to proceed before any repair begins.
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Replacement parts are selected for the exact model and confirmed with you before ordering or installation.
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