Kenmore 253 series French door refrigerator Error Codes: Full List & Meanings

Every Kenmore 253 series French door refrigerator error code in the Kenmore 253 series French door refrigerator error-code chart, as published by Sears PartsDirect, with its meaning. Codes vary by model, so confirm in your owner's manual. Support: Kenmore customer support (kenmore.com) or a Sears-authorized technician.

Codes by system

All Kenmore 253 series French door refrigerator error codes

Codes marked "Reset only" or "Service" have no separate page because the manufacturer publishes no owner fix beyond a reset or a service call.

Code	Meaning	System	Owner action
OP in freezer temperature display	Freezer temperature sensor open. The meter should measure 84,925 ohms if the sensor temperature is 0 degrees, 32,566 ohms at 32 degrees and 11,304 ohms at 72 degrees (room temperature). The freezer temperature sensor connects to the electronic control board through the gray/white wires on the J4A connector.	Heating	Service
SH in freezer temperature display	Freezer temperature sensor shorted. The meter should measure 84,925 ohms if the sensor temperature is 0 degrees, 32,566 ohms at 32 degrees and 11,304 ohms at 72 degrees (room temperature). The meter should read the same resistance as for the temperature sensor.	Heating	Service
OP in refrigerator temperature display	Refrigerator temperature sensor open. The meter should measure 28,300 ohms if the sensor temperature is 37 degrees, 32,566 ohms at 32 degrees and 11,304 ohms at 72 degrees (room temperature). The meter should read the same resistance as for the temperature sensor.	Heating	Service
SH in refrigerator temperature display	Refrigerator temperature sensor shorted. The meter should measure 28,300 ohms if the sensor temperature is 37 degrees, 32,566 ohms at 32 degrees and 11,304 ohms at 72 degrees (room temperature). The meter should read the same resistance as for the temperature sensor.	Heating	Service
SY EF	Evaporator fan circuit failure.	Venting / airflow	Service
SY CE	Communications failure between the electronic control board and user interface. Also: SY CF	Control / electronics	Service

Symptoms

Sources

Sears PartsDirect: Kenmore 253 series French door refrigerator error-code chart (third-party copy of manufacturer service data)

Last reviewed: October 20, 2026. ErrorCodePro is not affiliated with Kenmore.