What CH/CL means on your Kenmore refrigerator (kenmore ch cl error)
A kenmore ch cl error is a verified code, confirmed on LG’s own USA support pages and Appliance Aid’s Kenmore-specific 795-series reference, meaning a high-side (CH E/E CH, condenser side) or low-side (CL E/E CL, evaporator side) refrigerant leak has been detected on your LG-built Kenmore refrigerator (795/796-prefix). This is a sealed-system problem; refrigerant work legally requires an EPA 608-certified technician.
Symptoms
The signs below help confirm you are dealing with this condition rather than a different problem on your Kenmore refrigerator. You may notice one of them or several together, and they can appear gradually or suddenly after a power event, a wash or cook cycle, a spill, or recent installation or service.
- The display shows CH, CL, CH E, or E CL
- The refrigerator cools poorly or not at all
- An oily residue may appear near refrigerant lines
- Cooling loss develops gradually rather than all at once
Common causes
Several different problems can produce these symptoms. Working through the most likely causes in order separates a quick owner-level check from a problem that needs trained service and the correct Kenmore parts.
- Refrigerant leak in the sealed system — a line, coil, or fitting has developed a leak
Troubleshooting steps you can try
Work through these checks in order before calling for service. Stop wherever you are unsure, or where mains voltage, gas, a hot oven cavity, water, or a sealed component is involved, and hand the rest to a qualified technician.
- Do not attempt to open or recharge the sealed refrigerant system yourself.
- Power-cycle the refrigerator and note whether cooling improves at all.
- Book service for licensed sealed-system diagnosis and repair.
Parts a technician may replace
Depending on what the diagnosis shows, a technician may inspect, test, or replace the sealed refrigerant system, condenser, and evaporator. The correct part for your Kenmore refrigerator is matched from the model and serial number, and genuine OEM components are fitted through trusted parts suppliers rather than generic substitutes so performance, safety, and the appliance long working life are all protected. Confirming the failed part before ordering avoids replacing more than the problem actually requires.
When to call a technician
CH/CL is a sealed-system refrigerant problem on this LG-built Kenmore refrigerator that requires an EPA 608-certified, experienced technician — this is not a DIY or general-handyman repair. Because this condition is rated Critical severity, it is safest to stop using the refrigerator and arrange service promptly rather than keep retrying, and to shut off power or water at the source if anything looks, smells, or sounds unsafe. As an independent repair service we are not affiliated with the manufacturer, and we work only with experienced, skilled technicians and genuine OEM parts from trusted parts suppliers, with our workmanship backed by a 30-day labor warranty. When you book, have your Kenmore refrigerator model and serial number ready so the right part for your exact build can be matched before the visit and the CH/CL condition resolved in as few trips as possible.
Related help and Kenmore resources
If the CH/CL condition keeps returning after these checks, book Kenmore refrigerator repair, browse our refrigerator error-code guides and step-by-step repair guides, or schedule service in your area on our locations page. See also the related Er CO communication problem. For full manufacturer specifications and model lookup, visit kenmore.com.
