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Kenmore Refrigerator F dH / r dH Error Code
Defrost didn't warm the coil enough on Kenmore refrigerators.
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In a defrost cycle the control expects the sensor on the cooling coil to climb above 40°F (4°C). F dH means the freezer coil never got there and r dH means the refrigerator coil didn't. Sears PartsDirect blames a failed defrost heater, a blown defrost fuse or a bad relay on the control board.
Compatible models
Sears PartsDirect lists F dH and r dH for 795-prefix Kenmore and Kenmore Elite bottom-freezer refrigerators.
Also shown as
Kenmore 111 Trio models flag a failed defrost heater as F3 (freezer) or r3 (refrigerator).
Difficulty
Start with the safe checks below; a worn part may need replacing.
Not sure you are reading the code right? See how to read Kenmore refrigerator codes.
How to fix Kenmore F dH / r dH
Look for frost on the back wall
Open the freezer and check the rear panel and vents. A heavy layer of frost there backs up the code. Weak airflow and a slowly warming fresh-food side tend to follow.
Do a manual defrost
Unplug the refrigerator, put the food in coolers, prop both doors open and lay towels on the floor. Let the ice melt naturally, which often takes 24 hours or more. Chipping at it or using heat can wreck the coil.
Check again over the next week
After the thaw, plug back in and look at the freezer's back panel every couple of days. Frost that rebuilds tells you the defrost system still isn't doing its job.
When to call a technician
A manual thaw only buys time. The heater, fuse and board relay need testing, and on these models the defrost sensor and fuse come as a single controller assembly, so book a repair once frost starts coming back.
Parts linked to F dH / r dH
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 F dH / r dH code?
Sears PartsDirect lists F dH and r dH for 795-prefix Kenmore and Kenmore Elite bottom-freezer refrigerators.
Can I fix Kenmore F dH / r dH myself?
Often. The first steps above are safe checks a homeowner can do. If they don't clear F dH / r dH, the cause is likely a worn part that needs replacing.
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 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
- CFControl board and user interface lost contact
- 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.