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How to Reset Kenmore Refrigerator

Kenmore is the Sears brand name of appliances which includes refrigerators. Most Kenmore refrigerators are designed with a digital control panel that enables the user to change the refrigerator’s factory default settings. Your Kenmore Refrigerator can be easily reset using several quick steps as outlined below.

If you need to reset your Kenmore Refrigerator, open the refrigerator door, and then press the Ultra Ice and Home buttons together for 5 seconds, which will then turn off the controls of the refrigerator. Now, unplug the refrigerator’s power cord from its power source, which is usually the wall socket. Plug the power cord back in and the refrigerator should now be reset.

Refrigerator in the kitchen

If this does not work, take these other steps to troubleshoot the issue. Open the refrigerator doors to check for coolness. Examine the bottom back part of the refrigerator and check out the compressor. Look to see if the fan next to the compressor is spinning normally.

See if the compressor is cool and/or is vibrating. See if there are any problems with the compressor or with the compressor relays. Use a multimeter to check the electrical connectivity of the compressor.

Be sure to first unplug the refrigerator. Use a screwdriver to take the main cover off. You will see three terminals on the compressor.

First, take out the filter dryer to get to the compressor. Take the compressor out carefully and be careful not to kink any of the tubing.

Insert the new compressor and filter dryer and make sure that it fits well into position. Use silver solder when dealing with any copper joints and a tin rod that has a coating of flux for steel joints.

Now you can start vacuuming the compressor. This will take out any moisture from the compressor before you start to fill it with refrigerant.

Connect the low and high sides to the manifold gauge and then be sure to connect the middle tube to the vacuum pump.

Let the vacuum pump run for 30 minutes until the pressure gauge reaches a reading of thirty inches of Mercury, which is very close to a reading of absolute zero.

Now you will need a refrigerant scale so you can carefully check how much refrigerant will be pumped into the system and into the accompanying refrigerant cylinder.

Check to see what type of gas your refrigerator uses. The usual gas used for this process is 134a.

Check the tag that is inside the refrigerator to determine exactly how much refrigerant will be required for your style of Kenmore refrigerator.

The average amount of refrigerant required for many Kenmore refrigerators is 4.75 ounces of refrigerant.

Most Kenmore Refrigerator Certified Technicians usually add an additional 25 per cent of refrigerant just to be sure that they are adding enough, since there is a certain amount of refrigerant that is lost when the line is connected or disconnected.

Now, start the refrigerator up again. This should take several minutes. Closely monitor the changes in pressure as the compressor begins to get started. Go ahead and take off the High side and then check the charge on the Lower side.

The gauge on the lower side is more accurate in measuring the actual amount of refrigerant. At this point, you will see the pressure reading begin to fall.

The pressure will fall slowly and then will take about fifteen minutes to get up to maximum speed.

Closely monitor the refrigerator and it should reach full cooling level in from four to five hours.

Is There a Reset Button on a Kenmore Refrigerator

Woman checking the refrigerator

Many refrigerators have reset buttons, but Kenmore Refrigerators do not have an actual reset button for the refrigerator compressor. There is, however, a quick and easy way to reset a Kenmore Refrigerator.

If you need to reset your Kenmore Refrigerator, and you also need to know if there is a reset button on a Kenmore Refrigerator, first, unplug the refrigerator. Then, turn off both the refrigerator and the freezer using the control panel.

Now, reset both the refrigerator and the freezer temperature settings. You should set your refrigerator at a temperature of around forty degrees Fahrenheit. This is equal to a setting of from four to five on most Kenmore refrigerators.

It can take up to twenty-four hours for your refrigerator’s temperature to stabilize.

How To a Factory Reset on a Kenmore Refrigerator

Frustrated man looking at his phone

To perform a factory reset on your Kenmore refrigerator, please follow these steps:

  1. Locate the Control Panel: First, find the control panel on your Kenmore refrigerator. The control panel is typically situated on the front of the refrigerator door or inside the fridge compartment, depending on the model.
  2. Turn Off the Refrigerator: Before initiating the factory reset, ensure that the refrigerator is powered off. You can do this by either unplugging the refrigerator from the electrical outlet or turning off the circuit breaker that supplies power to the appliance.
  3. Access the Factory Reset Option: Once the refrigerator is powered off, press and hold the “Reset” or “Factory Reset” button on the control panel. This button is specifically designed for the factory reset function and is often labeled accordingly.
  4. Wait for Confirmation: While holding the reset button, turn on the refrigerator again by plugging it back into the electrical outlet or switching on the circuit breaker. Continue holding the reset button until you see a confirmation message on the control panel display or hear a beep, indicating that the factory reset process has started.
  5. Release the Reset Button: After the confirmation, release the reset button. The factory reset process will now proceed, and the refrigerator will revert to its original factory settings.
  6. Monitor the Reset Process: Allow the refrigerator some time to complete the factory reset process. Depending on the model and features of your Kenmore refrigerator, this process may take a few minutes.
  7. Set Preferences: Once the factory reset is complete, you will need to reconfigure the refrigerator settings according to your preferences. Adjust the temperature settings for both the refrigerator and freezer compartments to suit your cooling needs.

Please note that performing a factory reset on your Kenmore refrigerator will erase any custom settings and preferences you had previously saved. It is advisable to consult your refrigerator’s manual for model-specific instructions and any additional steps that may be required for a successful factory reset.

How to Reset Kenmore Refrigerator After Power Outage

Man fixing the refrigerator


Experiencing a power outage can sometimes lead to issues with your Kenmore refrigerator, such as temperature settings being reset or error codes appearing on the display. To restore normal operation and ensure food safety, it’s essential to reset your refrigerator correctly. Follow this step-by-step guide to reset your Kenmore refrigerator after a power outage.

  1. Wait for Power Restoration:
    After the power outage, wait for the electricity to be fully restored before attempting to reset your Kenmore refrigerator. This will prevent any potential electrical surges or damage during the reconnection process.
  2. Unplug the Refrigerator:
    Locate the power cord at the back of your Kenmore refrigerator and unplug it from the electrical outlet. Allow a few minutes for the refrigerator to completely power down.
  3. Reset the Circuit Breaker (If Necessary):
    If your refrigerator is connected to a GFCI outlet or a circuit with a tripped breaker, reset the circuit breaker by switching it off and then back on. Ensure the breaker is functioning correctly before proceeding.
  4. Plug in the Refrigerator:
    Reconnect the power cord of your Kenmore refrigerator into the electrical outlet securely. Make sure the plug is fully inserted to establish a stable power connection.
  5. Set the Temperature Controls:
    Access the temperature control panel on your Kenmore refrigerator, usually located on the inside wall or front panel. Reset the temperature settings to your preferred levels for the refrigerator and freezer compartments.
  6. Allow for Cooling Time:
    After resetting the temperature controls, give your Kenmore refrigerator some time to cool down and stabilize to the newly set temperatures. This process may take a few hours, depending on the refrigerator’s model and ambient temperature.
  7. Check for Error Codes (If Applicable):
    If your Kenmore refrigerator features a digital display, check for any error codes or warning indicators. Consult the refrigerator’s user manual or the manufacturer’s website to decipher the meaning of specific error codes and take appropriate action if needed.
  8. Inspect Refrigerator Functionality:
    Ensure the refrigerator is running smoothly and the cooling system is functioning correctly. Listen for the compressor and fans operating, and make sure the refrigerator is cooling as expected.

If you need to reset your Kenmore Refrigerator after a power outage, locate the refrigerator breaker, which will be in the service panel. Go ahead and take the power cord out or switch off the breaker for ten seconds. Now, go ahead and restore the power.

If this reset has not solved the problem after a power outage, and the refrigerator continues not to cool normally, or even worse, does not turn on at all, you need to conduct additional troubleshooting steps to analyze and then resolve the problem.

Check the power cord for any damage to it or if it has shorted out.

To see if any circuit breakers have tripped, go to the breaker box which will be located inside your house or apartment. Be sure that the refrigerator breaker is in the On position and if it is not, flip it into that position.

If the refrigerator lights are on but there is no apparent cooling and no blowing of cold air, then the problem is most likely with the compressor start relay. This device is located on the side of the refrigerator and supplies power to the compressor to help it run.

Another possibility to consider is that the start capacitor has become faulty or has failed. The start capacitator functions like a battery to add additional power during the power up phase,

The relay and the capacitator help to start the compressor. The compressor, in turn, is the component that produces the cold air that is responsible for cooling the refrigerator.

If either the relay or the capacitor are failing, the compressor will not be able to run properly and so the refrigerator may appear to be on but as mentioned previously, there will be no cold air and your food will be in danger of spoiling.

Listen carefully to the back of your refrigerator and determine if you hear a clicking sound, it indicates that the compressor start relay is indeed working and is not the problem. If this is occurring, then the start capacitator is most likely what is the failing part.

Both important parts can be purchased at your local appliance store or Big Box Store or can be purchased online.

To check both the start relay and the capacitor to see if they have been damaged in any way, first, disconnect the refrigerator from its power source and slide the refrigerator into a forward position. Look carefully to see if any areas seem to be either burned or melted.

They can both be found near to the compressor. Check the capacitator with a digital Multimeter to see if it has electrical integrity.

Other potential causes of your Kenmore Refrigerator not working properly can be a compressor that has failed, a temperature control thermostat that is no longer working, condenser coils that have become dirty or obstructed or even an issue with a defective Main Control Board.

If the problem with your Kenmore refrigerator is because of a faulty condenser fan motor, which is the blower fan in the refrigerator, you will not be able to hear a fan blowing.  

How to Reset Kenmore Refrigerator Freezer

Man fixing the refrigerator

The last thing you want to have happen is to have the frozen food in your freezer melted and ruined. If this happens, you can easily reset the Refrigerator Freezer.

If you need to reset your Kenmore Refrigerator and reset your refrigerator freezer, press, and hold the UP and Down Arrows together while you plug the cord back into the outlet. Now, press and hold the Alarm Reset Button for three seconds to disable the Control Lock.

How to Reset Kenmore Refrigerator Ice Maker

Man checking the refrigerator

If your Kenmore Refrigerator Ice Maker is not working, it can be a family disaster. Oftentimes this is due to a Control Board problem. Take the following steps to reset your ice maker so that you can provide ice for your entire family normally again.

If you need to reset your Kenmore Refrigerator and you need to reset your ice maker, you will need to recycle the icemaker. Turn off the icemaker and unplug the refrigerator and this will dissipate the power in the unit. This usually takes approximately five minutes.

Now, reconnect the refrigerator to the power source and see if the ice maker is working again. If the ice maker is still not working, it may be because there isn’t enough water available to make ice. The problem could be due to a leak or hole in the waterline leading to the ice maker.

There could also be a large piece of ice that is clogging up the water line. Also, if the water filter has not been changed regularly, it could affect the pressure and amount of water running to the ice maker.

Also, check to see if anything in the freezer is melting which would indicate that the water inlet valve running to the ice maker is not working properly, which could be due to a short circuit.

Copyright protected content owner: ReadyToDIY.com and was initially posted on January 10, 2022.

Check the inlet valve wiring with a Multimeter and if it is failing you will need to replace it in order to have the ice maker working well again.

A door switch failure can also cause the ice maker to fail to run.

How to Reset Kenmore Refrigerator Temperature

Man checking the refrigerator

If you are beginning to see either mold growing on your food or ice forming on your vegetables, you can be sure that your Kenmore Refrigerator temperature is not set correctly. You can easily and quickly reset the refrigerator temperature by simply adjusting the temperature settings.

If you need to reset your Kenmore Refrigerator and reset the refrigerator temperature, press on the refrigerator and freezer control buttons for several seconds. At this point, the display will begin to beep. Press the refrigerator temp button again.

Scroll through the settings until you find thirty-seven degrees Fahrenheit and set the refrigerator temperature at this level.

It often takes up to twenty-four hours to have your refrigerator settle at the thirty-seven degrees level.

How to Reset Kenmore Refrigerator Water Filter Light

Man checking the refrigerator

Usually, if the water filter light is blue, it indicates that the water filter is functioning properly. If the light is orange, it means that the water filter needs to be reset.

 If you need to reset your Kenmore Refrigerator, you need to reset your Kenmore Refrigerator Water Filter Light, Press and Hold the Lock and Light Pads. Then you will see the Change Filter Indicator Light appearing and it will begin blinking for a period of about three seconds.

This indicates that the water filter will be reset for another year. The system will automatically indicate a reminder every twelve months or after 416 gallons of water has been filtered.

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