Refrigerator displays error code Er IF, fresh food section not cooling properly, fan noise may be intermittent or absent.

Safety first: Unplug the refrigerator before removing panels or touching wiring. Wear cut‑resistant gloves when working around sheet metal.

Step-by-step checks:

• 1. Power reset: Unplug the unit for 5 minutes, then plug back in to see if the code clears. If Er IF returns, continue.
• 2. Access the ice room fan: Remove the ice bin from the freezer door (or upper ice compartment, depending on model). Remove the ice room cover screws and gently pull off the cover to expose the ice room/evaporator fan.
• 3. Check for ice obstruction: Inspect the fan blades and surrounding shroud for ice buildup. If present, use a hair dryer on low heat to melt ice, keeping the dryer moving to avoid warping plastic. Do not chip ice with sharp tools.
• 4. Test fan rotation: Spin the fan blades by hand. They should move freely without grinding. If stiff or seized, the fan motor is likely bad.
• 5. Inspect wiring: Check the fan motor connector and harness for loose plugs, corrosion, or damaged wires. Reseat the connector firmly.
• 6. Electrical test (advanced): With power disconnected, use a multimeter to check fan motor resistance across the motor terminals (compare to service manual spec; typically tens to hundreds of ohms). An open circuit indicates a failed motor.
• 7. Replace the fan motor if needed: If the motor is open, seized, or noisy, replace the ice room/evaporator fan motor assembly specific to your Kenmore model. Transfer any brackets or grommets from the old motor.
• 8. If fan tests good: If the fan spins freely and has correct resistance but still doesn’t run when powered, the main control board may not be sending voltage. In that case, further diagnosis or board replacement by a technician is recommended.