Seeing an H1 or HI error on your Frigidaire fridge? It means the temperature is too high. Learn how to reset the code and fix cooling issues with our DIY guide.
Quick Fixes for Solving the H1 High Temp Alert
The H1 (or HI) error code is a “High Temperature” alert. It triggers when the refrigerator sensor detects an internal temperature above 55 deg F (13 deg C) or the freezer rises above 26 deg F (-3 deg C).
Try these 5 steps to clear the code and restore cooling:
- Acknowledge the Alarm: Press the “Alarm Reset” or “Clear Alerts” button on your control panel. This often stops the beeping and allows the display to return to the current temperature.
- Check the Door Seals: Ensure the doors were not left ajar. Wipe the rubber gaskets with warm soapy water to remove debris that might be preventing a vacuum seal.
- Clean the Condenser Coils: If the coils are matted with dust, the fridge cannot shed heat. Use a coil brush or vacuum to clean them (usually located behind the bottom front grille).
- Verify Airflow: Ensure large items (like milk jugs or frozen pizza boxes) aren’t blocking the evaporator fan vents at the back of the compartments. Air must circulate to lower the temp.
- The “Hard Reset”: If the fridge feels cold but the code won’t disappear, unplug the unit for 10 minutes. This force-reboots the control board and clears “ghost” errors.
How Frigidaires Are Set-Up?
Before you go poking around your refrigerator, you need to understand what part does what and how that can relate to your error code.
The thermistor is what checks the temperature of the refrigerator and freezer. It periodically sends readings to the control board. The control board is the brain of the appliance. It uses the thermistor temperature readings to regulate the evaporator fan and the power going to the compressor.
A defective thermistor means the control board doesn’t get proper messaging so the evaporator and compressor may not run when they should. The result is the refrigerator won’t be cold enough.
Read: Frigidaire SY EF Error Code – Causes And Fix
How This Is a Real Problem?
A refrigerator that has a constant warm temperature will not only spoil your food but will cause some to be unhealthy even if you get it fixed quickly. Bacteria grow in food at their highest rate when the temperature is between 40 degrees Fahrenheit and 140 degrees Fahrenheit.
Bacteria will still be there when the food gets cold again. Be sure to immediately transport all food in the refrigerator to coolers with ice when you notice an H1 error on your refrigerator. Food in the freezer will be only for a while as long as you keep the freezer door closed. Keeping food cool while you work out the error will keep your family safe.
Read: 6 Reasons Why Frigidaire Refrigerator Is Not Cooling
New Refrigerators Take Time to Adjust
Some people buying new refrigerators immediately load it down with food the second it arrives and see the H1 error code later. The problem is the refrigerator hasn’t had time to cool down from the room temperature it had been housed at in the warehouse or store.
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Unplug the machine and wait a few minutes. Then plug it back in. That will clear the code and the refrigerator should work.
The best thing to do when you get a new refrigerator is to plug it in and let it cool down first before putting all your food in it. Loading it with food will take more time for it to properly cool down.
Read: 4 Reasons Why Frigidaire Refrigerator Has No Power
A failed Thermistor
In most of these types of cases, the thermistor is going to be the problem. You need to find the thermistor, test it and replace it.
You will need a multimeter to test the thermistor for continuity. A thermistor that shows no continuity or shows a constant resistance even when the refrigerator temperature changes is faulty.
Can I replace a thermistor?
Replacing the thermistor can be a DIY project if you’re fairly good with tools. It’s not that complicated of a project.
The thermistor is typically in the refrigerator section of your Frigidaire. You will need to unplug your refrigerator and remove any food or items. Put those in a cooler with ice.
Next, remove the deli drawer and then remove all shelving, starting with the lower glass shelf first. You will then take off the air duct cover. It lifts easily and then snaps out of place. There are screws securing the rear duct. Remove them and pull out the duct.
You should be able to see the thermistor now. Disconnect it from the duct. Remove the wire connectors. While you are at the wire connectors, look to see if they have any damage or if they are connected properly. A loose or disconnected wire may be your problem.
Test the thermistor with the multimeter. If it’s bad, go ahead with the replacement part.
Put the new part in place of the old one and attach the connectors. Then, reattach it to the duct and replace the screws you removed. Reattach the air duct cover and put all the shelves, then the deli tray back into the unit.
Plug your fridge into a power outlet and see if it works before putting the food back into it.
What if my thermistor is in the freezer?
You follow the same process. The difference is you have to remove the front drawer, the rails, and the drawer assembly to get to the thermistor.
What if the H1 code still shows up?
An H1 code that shows up after you replace the thermistor can be removed by you resetting your fridge. However, if it is still showing after you reset your refrigerator then you will need to call the service center to get a technician to come look at your unit.
How much does a replacement thermistor cost?
A thermistor costs around $15 if you order online. However, you need to be sure to get the right part. Frigidaire has several models and all can have different types of thermistors. Amazon click here.
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How much would it cost to have a service tech replace a thermistor?
Depending on labor costs in your area, replacing a thermistor will cost between $100 and $440 on most major brands of refrigerators.
Read: Top Reasons Why Frigidaire Refrigerator Not Dispensing Cold Water
Frequently asked questions
How long do Frigidaire refrigerators last?
Frigidaire products are known for their longevity. A Frigidaire refrigerator will last 14 to 17 years. It will have relatively few problems during that time too.
Where are Frigidaire refrigerators made?
Electrolux in Sweden owns Frigidaire. There are two facilities in the U.S. that make products. a South Carolina plant builds top-freezer units and wine coolers. However, most Frigidaire refrigerators are manufactured out of a Juarez, Mexico plant.
Resetting a Frigidaire
You can reset your Frigidaire refrigerator by finding the “power freezer” and “power cool” buttons on the unit. Press them down and hold them at the same time for several seconds. Release them and your appliance should be reset.
While most appliances can also be reset by unplugging from power, waiting a few minutes, and plugging back into power, the reset process identified above should be followed first.
Then, cut power and reconnect your unit if you must do a hard reset to clear codes.
Read: What Is An Auto Defrost Refrigerator?
Check Your Warranty
It always pays to check your warranty before you order parts, do any repair work yourself, or hire a service tech to do it. Many warranties cover things like thermistors and wiring. However, you could void the warranty if you do the work yourself or allow a non-authorized service technician to do it.
Frigidaire Refrigerator Error Code Table
| Code / Alarm | Problem | Likely Cause | Recommended Fix |
| SY EF / 5Y EF | Evaporator Fan Circuit | Failed fan motor or ice blocking the blades. | Thaw the freezer (24hr defrost) or replace the fan motor. |
| OP | Open Sensor | The temperature sensor (thermistor) is disconnected. | Check wiring harness at the sensor or replace the sensor. |
| SH | Shorted Sensor | The temperature sensor has shorted out. | Replace the thermistor (sensor). |
| SY CF / SY CE | Communication Error | Control board can’t talk to the user interface. | Check the wiring harness between the door and main board. |
| PF | Power Failure | Unit lost power due to an outage or surge. | Press “Alarm Reset” to clear. Check for “High Temp” after. |
| H / HI | High Temperature | Interior temp is too high (Above 55°F fridge/26°F freezer). | Ensure doors are sealed. Check for dirty condenser coils. |
| dF | Defrost Failure | Defrost heater or timer is not engaging. | Inspect defrost heater for continuity; replace if open. |
| DI SP | Ice Jam | Ice is stuck in the dispenser chute. | Remove the ice bin and clear any blockage in the chute. |
| Sb / SB | Sabbath Mode | Energy-saving mode for religious observance. | Hold the “−” and “Temp F-C” buttons for 5 seconds to exit. |
| 77 77 | Demo Mode | Store display mode (components won’t run). | Unplug the unit for 5 minutes and plug it back in to reset. |
How to Reset Frigidaire Error Codes
If you have fixed the mechanical issue (e.g., cleared an ice jam or cleaned coils) but the code remains, try these steps:
- Clear Alerts: Press the “CLEAR ALERTS” or “ALARM RESET” button on the control panel.
- Hard Reset: Unplug the refrigerator or flip the circuit breaker for 30 seconds. Reconnect power to allow the control board to reboot.
- Exit Special Modes: If you see Sb or 77 77, these are modes, not failures. Use the button combinations mentioned in the table above to exit.
