L1
Kenmore
Low Temperature Alarm / Sensor Out-of-Range
Kenmore freezer displays L1 or LO; temperature reading appears very low and unit may run less often.
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Safety Warning
This repair may involve working with high voltage components or water connections. Always unplug the appliance before removing any panels.
If you are not confident in your ability to perform this repair safely, we strongly recommend contacting a professional technician.
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Possible Causes
Freezer set too cold, Faulty cabinet thermistor reading too low, Control board miscalibration, Ambient temperature extremely low (garage installation in winter)
How to Fix / Troubleshooting
Safety first: Avoid prolonged contact with extremely cold surfaces inside the freezer.
Steps to address L1/LO:
- 1. Check setpoint: Verify the temperature setting on the control panel. Adjust to a typical freezer setting (around 0°F / -18°C).
- 2. Confirm actual temperature: Place an appliance thermometer inside the freezer and compare its reading to the display after several hours. If the display is much lower than actual, the sensor may be faulty.
- 3. Inspect thermistor: Follow the steps for cabinet thermistor inspection and testing (see E1). A sensor reading artificially low can trigger a low temp alarm.
- 4. Consider installation location: If the freezer is in an unheated garage and room temperature is near or below freezing, the control may behave abnormally. Consult the user manual for minimum ambient temperature specifications.
- 5. Reset alarm: Use the control panel to clear the alarm. If it returns and the actual temperature is normal, replace the thermistor or have the control board evaluated.
Note: Prolonged operation at excessively low temperatures can increase energy use and may cause food quality issues.
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Repair Difficulty
Medium
3/5
Required Part
Cabinet Thermistor
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