Kenmore · Refrigerator
Kenmore Refrigerator Error Code 22
Pantry compartment sensor 2 out of range
What this error means
Code 22 on Kenmore 106-series refrigerators means pantry compartment sensor 2 resistance is outside the normal range—above 45K ohms when cold. The ice maker module cannot read accurate temperature for the refrigerated drawer zone.
How 22 is detected
Kenmore refrigerator models lock the door or lid before energizing fill, heat, or high-speed spin. 22 means the latch switch never sent a "locked" signal to the main control, or the lock motor did not complete its travel. On Kenmore 106.51133210, Kenmore 106.62562101, and similar variants, clothing caught in the gasket, a misaligned strike, or a failed latch assembly are the most common mechanical causes—not the board itself.
Inspect the door gasket perimeter and strike alignment before replacing the latch. Loose connector at the ice maker or pantry module is reported frequently on this code. After correcting mechanical issues, enter service diagnostics per your tech sheet and note whether 22 appears in test 56. If the latch clicks but 22 persists, the door lock switch or wiring harness to the control board likely needs testing with a multimeter.
Do not force the door open during an active cycle; wait for the lock to release when the board de-energizes the lock motor—usually two to three minutes after canceling power on most Kenmore units.
Common causes
- Loose connector at the ice maker or pantry module
- Open-circuit PC2 thermistor wire in the door harness
- Failed PC2 sensor reading too high when chilled
- Corroded pins at the module J1 connector from condensation
Step-by-step fixes
- 1Enter service diagnostics per your tech sheet and note whether 22 appears in Test 56
- 2Unplug the refrigerator and reseat the PC sensor harness at the module
- 3Measure PC2 sensor resistance at the connector against the cold-temperature spec
- 4Replace the PC2 thermistor if resistance stays above 45K ohms at refrigerator temperature
When to call a technician
Module replacement may be required if the sensor tests good but code 22 persists in diagnostics.
Affected models
- Kenmore 106.51133210
- Kenmore 106.62562101
- Kenmore 106.74202410
Prevention & maintenance
- Wipe the door gasket weekly and avoid overloading items against the seal—22 often starts as a slow leak or latch misalignment.
- Record when 22 appears in the cycle and whether it clears after a 60-second power reset on your Kenmore refrigerator—that detail speeds diagnosis if you call service.
- Keep the model and serial number from the rating plate when ordering parts for 22; Kenmore uses multiple revisions with different harness lengths and board firmware.
- Photograph wiring connector orientation before disconnecting any component while troubleshooting 22; reversed plugs on pumps and valves cause immediate repeat faults.