Kenmore Refrigerator CL E — What It Means & How to Fix It
Also shown as CL E (leak), CLE on some models.
CL E is the serious one: on LG-built Kenmore 795/796 refrigerators it signals a low-side sealed-system refrigerant leak, which is a licensed-tech-only repair.
What this code means
On LG-built Kenmore 795/796 refrigerators, CL E is tied to the sealed cooling system - specifically a low-side refrigerant loss. Food stops cooling properly because the sealed loop can't move enough heat, and this is not a homeowner repair: recovering, leak-checking, and recharging refrigerant requires an EPA-608-certified technician.
Verify against the model number printed inside the fresh-food section: this is the LG-built Kenmore 795/796 platform, and CL E's sealed-system/low-side interpretation is confirmed by Kenmore-support code references.
Most likely causes
| Cause | How likely | DIY-fixable? |
|---|---|---|
| Slow refrigerant leak on the low-pressure side of the sealed system | Very common | No - sealed-system refrigerant work requires EPA-608 certification. |
| Sealed-system component (evaporator, lines, joints) leaking | Common | No - leak location usually requires dye, gauges, and nitrogen. |
| Repeated freeze-up cycles stressing the sealed loop | Less common | No - this is a consequence, not a fixable cause. |
What you can try yourself
- Turn the refrigerator off at the wall and unplug it - running it with a low charge strains the compressor.
- Do not attempt to add refrigerant from a kit: sealed-system work is EPA-608 work and DIY attempts can fail on inspection or make the leak worse.
- Move perishables to a working fridge or cooler while you schedule a licensed technician for leak diagnosis.
- Ask the tech for a leak-location report and qualified repair quote before approving work - a full sealed-system repair is a notable investment.
When to call a technician
- Stop before opening any sealed lines or attaching gauges - refrigerant handling and sealed loops are EPA-608, licensed-tech territory.
- Stop if the compressor sounds labored or hot: continued running on a low charge can damage the compressor beyond the leak itself.
Typical professional repair cost: $400-$1,200
Frequently asked questions
Can I fix CL E with a DIY refrigerant recharge kit?
No - Recharge kits on sealed systems are unsafe, usually illegal for unlicensed users, and rarely locate the leak, so the fault returns.
Is it worth repairing a CL E refrigerator?
If the unit is young and the leak is simple, repair can make sense. On older units, the quote is often close to replacement value - compare before committing.
Sources checked
Error meanings can vary by model. This guide was checked against the documentation above; use the manual for the model number on your own appliance when it differs.
Related Kenmore codes
- Kenmore Refrigerator Er FF Er FF is the LG-built Kenmore 795/796 family's way of saying the freezer fan has stalled, is blocked by ice, or its motor is failing.
- Kenmore Refrigerator Er rF Er rF says the fan in the fresh-food (refrigerator) section of an LG-built Kenmore isn't spinning as it should.
- Kenmore Refrigerator Er dS Er dS flags a problem in the defrost system's temperature sensing on LG-built Kenmore 795/796 refrigerators.
- Kenmore Refrigerator Er dH Er dH is the LG-built Kenmore 795/796 defrost-heater fault - the heating circuit that melts frost off the evaporator isn't working.
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