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Kenmore Refrigerator CF Error Code
Control board and user interface lost contact on Kenmore refrigerators.
KenmoreAll Kenmore refrigerator codes
CF on the freezer display of a 106-prefix Kenmore means the main control board and the user interface control have lost communication. Loose harness plugs at either board, or a failed board, cause it.
Compatible models
Kenmore refrigerators whose model number starts with 106, according to Sears PartsDirect.
Also shown as
On 795 models Er CF is a condenser fan fault, not a communication error. On 253 series French-door models the communication code is SY CE or SY CF.
Difficulty
Try the basic checks, but the usual fix is a technician's job.
Not sure you are reading the code right? See how to read Kenmore refrigerator codes.
How to fix Kenmore CF
Power it down for 5 minutes
Unplug the fridge or switch off its breaker, wait about 5 minutes and restore power to see if CF clears.
Keep food safe meanwhile
Check temperatures with a fridge thermometer while you wait for a repair. Aim for about 0°F (-18°C) in the freezer and 40°F (4°C) or lower in the fresh-food side.
When to call a technician
Sears PartsDirect's order is the harness at both boards, then the user interface control, then the main board if needed. That's control board work, so leave it to a technician.
Parts linked to CF
These are the parts most often behind this code. Tap one to see what it does and the signs it is failing.
Order parts by your full model number so they fit.
Frequently asked questions
Which Kenmore models show the CF code?
Kenmore refrigerators whose model number starts with 106, according to Sears PartsDirect.
Can I fix Kenmore CF myself?
Only the basic checks. You can safely try the steps above, but CF usually points to a part or fault that needs a technician.
Other Kenmore refrigerator codes
- Er FFFreezer evaporator fan fault
- Er IFIce compartment fan has failed
- Er CFCondenser fan motor problem
- Er COBoards aren't communicating
- Er FS / Er rSFreezer or refrigerator temperature sensor fault
- F dH / r dHDefrost didn't warm the coil enough
- F dS / r dSDefrost sensor fault
- Er IS / Er ItIce maker sensor or ice maker fault
- Er gFWater flow meter error
- dAir damper is stuck
- CCompartment temperature sensor failure
- OP / SHSensor circuit reads open or shorted
- SY EFFreezer fan circuit has failed
- SY CE / SY CFControl board and door interface out of contact
- C1Sealed refrigerant system failure
- F3 / r3Defrost heater failure
- dr / dFDoor open over an hour or bad door switch
- ESDispenser failure, often a stuck button
- d2Forced defrost is running
Last reviewed 2026-10-21. Codes and steps can vary by model; check your owner's manual.