KitchenAid refrigerator error codes: what each one means

Use this table to match the code or message on a KitchenAid refrigerator display with the safe first check. Some entries are normal status messages, while others point to diagnostics a technician should handle.

Call to be connected(888) 280-5160

A person answers Mon-Fri 9am-5pm local time. Outside those hours, leave a message and a company near you calls back.

Answered by an independent appliance repair company that serves your area. Not a call center.

Reading the code

KitchenAid refrigerator codes appear on the main control display, temperature display, or, on some undercounter models, inside service diagnostics. Many F and E codes use a one minute power reset, then a check that cooling is on; PO is cleared by pressing the displayed confirm option on models that show it, and some built in service or over temperature lights use the model's reset instructions. Cooling Off, Sabbath Mode, Demo mode, E0 in ice maker test 56, and PA in ice maker self diagnostics are status results rather than part failure codes.

Have the model number ready

The company will ask for it first. It's on a sticker or metal plate, usually in one of these spots:

Inside the fresh-food section, on a side wall near the top
Some models: on the ceiling or behind the crisper drawer

KitchenAid refrigerator error codes

Full size, built in, side by side, bottom mount, and undercounter models use different message sets; the undercounter diagnostic rows apply to the KUBL204, KUBL304, KUBR204, KUBR304, KUDF204, KUDR204, KURL104, KURL304, KURR104, KURR204, KURR304, KUWL204, KUWL304, KUWR204, and KUWR304 families listed in the technical manual.

31 codes

CodeWhat it meansCheck firstUsually

PO / Power OutageThe control detected a power outage and the frozen food section warmed to the alarm point.Press the displayed confirm option after checking that power is restored and food is still safe to keep.Often a home check

Flashing FThe display is flashing F; KitchenAid says to reset power and get service if the message comes back.Needs a technician if it returns after a one minute power reset because KitchenAid says to schedule service when flashing F persists.Usually a technician

F3 E1 / F3 E2 / F3 E4KitchenAid lists these as refrigerator F codes and gives no public component meaning for the homeowner.Needs a technician if it returns after a one minute power reset because the public guide does not assign a homeowner level part check.Usually a technician

F3 E8 / F3 E9 / F3 ECKitchenAid lists these as refrigerator F codes and gives no public component meaning for the homeowner.Needs a technician if it returns after a one minute power reset because the public guide does not assign a homeowner level part check.Usually a technician

F4 E1KitchenAid lists this as a refrigerator F code and gives no public component meaning for the homeowner.Needs a technician if it returns after a one minute power reset because KitchenAid does not publish a homeowner level part check.Usually a technician

F6 E1KitchenAid lists this as a refrigerator F code and gives no public component meaning for the homeowner.Needs a technician if it returns after a one minute power reset because KitchenAid does not publish a homeowner level part check.Usually a technician

F8 E1 / F8 E2 / F8 E3KitchenAid lists these as refrigerator F codes and gives no public component meaning for the homeowner.Needs a technician if it returns after a one minute power reset because KitchenAid does not publish a homeowner level part check.Usually a technician

F8 E8 / F8 ECKitchenAid lists these as refrigerator F codes and gives no public component meaning for the homeowner.Needs a technician if it returns after a one minute power reset because KitchenAid does not publish a homeowner level part check.Usually a technician

Temperature Alarm / Over TempThe refrigerator or frozen food section stayed above the alarm temperature long enough to trigger an over temperature alert.Close the doors, confirm cooling is on, and allow the refrigerator to recover; call a technician if temperatures do not return to normal.Often a home check

Door Alarm / Door AjarA door or drawer has been open long enough for the door ajar alarm to sound.Close all doors and drawers, then move any package that is holding a door open.Often a home check

Cooling OffCooling has been turned off at the control panel, so the refrigerator will not cool until it is turned back on.Turn cooling back on from the controls and check the owner instructions for the button combination on that model.Often a home check

Call for ServiceThe built in refrigerator control is showing a general call for service message.Needs a technician if a power reset does not clear the message because the built in control is requesting service diagnostics.Usually a technician

E1An undercounter refrigerator E1 fault is present; the public guide gives a reset step but does not publish a component meaning.Unplug the undercounter refrigerator for one minute, restore power, and monitor for the code to return.Usually a technician

E2An undercounter refrigerator E2 fault is present; the public guide gives a reset step but does not publish a component meaning.Unplug the undercounter refrigerator for one minute, restore power, and monitor for the code to return.Usually a technician

HI / LOAn undercounter refrigerator is displaying a HI or LO error code; the public guide gives a reset step but does not publish a component meaning.Power the undercounter refrigerator down for one minute, restore power, and call a technician if the code returns.Often a home check

F 01The undercounter diagnostic display detected the lower temperature sensor circuit open or shorted.Needs a technician because this service diagnostic points to a sensor circuit fault.Usually a technician

F 02The undercounter diagnostic display detected the upper temperature sensor circuit open or shorted.Needs a technician because this service diagnostic points to a sensor circuit fault.Usually a technician

F 05The undercounter diagnostic display detected the defrost sensor circuit open or shorted.Needs a technician because this service diagnostic points to the defrost sensor circuit.Usually a technician

F 07The undercounter diagnostic display detected the TH1 sensor circuit open or shorted.Needs a technician because this service diagnostic points to a TH1 sensor circuit fault.Usually a technician

F 27The undercounter diagnostic display detected abnormal upper fan operation.Needs a technician because this service diagnostic points to abnormal fan operation.Usually a technician

F 29The undercounter diagnostic display detected abnormal lower fan operation.Needs a technician because this service diagnostic points to abnormal fan operation.Usually a technician

F 31The undercounter diagnostic display detected abnormal defrost heater operation.Needs a technician because this service diagnostic points to the defrost heater circuit.Usually a technician

F 35The undercounter diagnostic display detected abnormal cooling system operation.Needs a technician because this service diagnostic can involve sealed system or control diagnostics.Usually a technician

Test 56 E1In ice maker test 56, E1 means no cooling was detected for the ice maker.Needs a technician because service test 56 reports that the ice maker is not cooling as expected.Usually a technician

Test 56 E2In ice maker test 56, E2 means the ice maker motor lost position.Needs a technician because the ice maker motor or position sensing must be diagnosed with power disconnected before service access.Usually a technician

Test 56 E3In ice maker test 56, E3 means the ice maker heater timed out.Needs a technician because the ice maker heater timing must be diagnosed at the appliance.Usually a technician

Test 56 E4In ice maker test 56, E4 means the ice maker recorded a dry cycle.Confirm the ice maker is on and the bin is seated, then have a technician diagnose it if the code returns.Usually a technician

Test 56 E5In ice maker test 56, E5 means timed ice making was recorded.Needs a technician if ice production has stopped because this service test points to an ice making timing fault.Usually a technician

Test 56 E0E0 in ice maker test 56 means no active ice maker errors are stored.No repair check is needed when this appears only during ice maker test 56.Often a home check

PAPA means all steps passed during the ice maker self diagnostic.No repair check is needed when PA appears after the ice maker self diagnostic, unless there is still an ice production complaint.Often a home check

bFbF means the ice maker self diagnostic found the ice bin full condition.Check whether the ice bin is full or seated correctly before repeating the ice maker self diagnostic.Often a home check

Don't see your symptom?

Describe it on the phone. The company on the other end works on these every day and will know what to ask.

Call to be connected(888) 280-5160

Common questions about appliance repair

How do I reset a KitchenAid refrigerator code?

For many F and E codes, unplug the refrigerator or switch power off for one minute, restore power, then make sure cooling is on. For alarm or built in service messages, follow that model's reset instructions. If the code returns, a technician should diagnose the model.

Why does PO keep coming back?

PO means the refrigerator lost power and the frozen food section warmed enough to trigger the alert. If the home power is stable and PO returns, a technician should check the control and power supply path.

Are older and newer KitchenAid refrigerator codes the same?

No. Full size models often use named alerts and F/E pairs, while some undercounter models use F 01 style diagnostic codes in service mode.

Is Cooling Off an error code?

No. Cooling Off is a status message that means cooling has been turned off at the controls.

Still showing the problem after the checks?

Call and describe what you tried. You'll be connected with an independent repair company near you.

(888) 280-5160