Wondering what Kenmore refrigerator modes are and how to use them? This article explains different modes and how to fix different errors.
Table of Contents
Kenmore Refrigerator Modes – Diagnostic Mode
Not all Kenmore refrigerators have a diagnostic mode. But if you own a newer Kenmore refrigerator model, here is how to enter the mode:
Press the Lock button and hold it for about three seconds. Next, press the refrigerator and freezer buttons and hold them while you press the Acela Ice button five times. You will see the operating time on the display and when you do, continue by pressing the freezer temperature button six times to get through checks on the temperature sensor.
After this, you will see the time left until you have to replace the water filter. Keep moving by pressing the freezer temp button once; if there are error codes, they will be displayed. But if there are no errors, the operating time will remain on the display.
However, if the display shows a code, note it and continue pressing the freezer temp button to check for more error codes. Once the operating time appears on the display, you know you have seen all the error codes indicating a fault with the Kenmore refrigerator. Exit the mode by pressing the Lock button.
Kenmore Refrigerator Modes – Defrost Mode
To enter a Kenmore refrigerator defrost mode, press the door switch five times in two seconds. The control panel will beep as the defrost process starts.
If your Kenmore refrigerator model does not start defrosting with this method, press the Off/On button on the control panel to turn the unit off. Next, press the filter reset and Off/On button at the same time for about three seconds. The refrigerator will enter into diagnostic mode, in test number 1.
Now, press the filter reset button five more times to get to test number 6, which is the defrost mode. Wait for a few minutes to see if the defrost heater comes on. On some other models, the refrigerator has to be on before this process works so you don’t have to turn it off.
If none of the methods works, check the tech sheet on the refrigerator’s back or in the front bottom grille. And if the method on your tech sheet does not start the defrost cycle, the control board may need a replacement.
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Kenmore Refrigerator Modes – Demo Mode
If you have a Kenmore Elite refrigerator, open the doors and press the Ice Plus and Refrigerator buttons simultaneously. Then, hold them until there is a beep indicating that the refrigerator is either in demo or out of demo mode. If you see Ultra Ice, press the button together with the Refrigerator button for the same results.
Unplug the refrigerator from the wall outlet and plug it back in to get it out of demo mode if the unit is not an Elite model.
Kenmore Refrigerator Modes – Sabbath Mode
To use the Sabbath mode on your Kenmore refrigerator, press the + and v buttons at the same time. To turn it off, use the same combination of buttons.
On the Elite model, press the Temp Mode and Control Lock buttons simultaneously to turn on the Sabbath mode. Turn it off by pressing the same buttons combination. On both types of Kenmore refrigerators, the display will show Sb.
The Sabbath mode turns off some parts and functions of the refrigerator in observance of the Orthodox Jewish weekly religious holidays.
Kenmore Refrigerator Modes – Energy Saver Mode
Find and press the Energy Saver button on the control panel to deactivate or activate the mode. Energy saver conserves energy consumption while the refrigerator runs normally.
If you find that one or more of the above steps do not work for your Kenmore refrigerator model, contact Kenmore, report the issue, and request service. As an alternative, use the chatbox to your right to reach us so we can connect you to an appliance technician immediately.
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