Frigidaire refrigerator — Error Code H 1

What it means

The H 1 (or H1) error code on a Frigidaire refrigerator signifies a fault in the thermistor circuit, specifically that the main control board is detecting an open or shorted temperature sensor. Thermistors are NTC (Negative Temperature Coefficient) components that vary their electrical resistance based on the compartment temperature. As the temperature drops, the resistance increases. When the control board receives a resistance reading outside the normal operating parameters—such as infinite resistance indicating a severed connection, or zero resistance indicating a dead short—it triggers the H 1 code to prevent erratic cooling behavior. This code disables normal temperature regulation in the affected compartment, which can lead to the compressor running continuously and freezing food in the fresh food section, or a complete halt in cooling. The fault typically lies in the thermistor itself, the wiring harness connecting it to the main board, or a failure in the main control board's sensor input circuit. Proper diagnosis requires a multimeter to verify the thermistor's ohm reading against Frigidaire's specific temperature-resistance chart.

Likely Causes

1. 1
   Defective Thermistor

   The NTC temperature sensor has failed internally, causing it to read completely open or shorted regardless of the actual temperature.
2. 2
   Wiring Harness Damage

   Pinched wires in the cabinet liner, moisture corrosion at the splices, or a loose Molex connector at the main control board is interrupting the sensor signal.
3. 3
   Main Control Board Failure

   A burnt trace, faulty capacitor, or failed logic circuit on the main board is preventing it from accurately reading the DC voltage drop from the thermistor.

How to clear / reset

To temporarily clear the H 1 error code, perform a hard reset by unplugging the refrigerator or flipping the dedicated circuit breaker for 5 minutes. Reconnect power to reboot the main control board. If the thermistor was experiencing a temporary glitch, the code may clear. However, because H 1 is a hard diagnostic fault, the control board will immediately poll the thermistor upon startup. If the sensor still reads open or shorted, the code will return instantly. The only permanent way to clear this code is to replace the faulty thermistor or repair the compromised circuit.

Common replacement parts

FAQs