How To Fix A Frigidaire Refrigerator Error Code H1

All modern Frigidaire fridges have internal sensors that monitor the performance of the fridge and when something is wrong, an error code is displayed so you know what’s wrong and what you need to do to fix it.

One such error code that Frigidaire fridges display is H1. The H1 error code means that the freezer sensor has shorted. To fix the underlying cause of the problem, you need to check the thermistor and if it’s defective, replace it.

Step 1 – Test the thermistor

The purpose of the thermistor in your fridge is to monitor the temperature and send the readings to the control board. The control board then tells other components to turn on or off to keep your fridge at the correct temperature. When the thermistor stops working correctly, it might send incorrect temperature readings to the control panel or not send any signals at all, which will cause an H1 error code to be displayed. 

To remove the H1 error code on your Frigidaire fridge, you need to locate and test the thermistor and if you find it has stopped working, it will need to be replaced.

Here’s how to test the thermistor:

1. Locate the thermistor.
2. Use a multimeter to test the thermistor. 
3. If the test shows the thermistor doesn’t have continuity or if the resistance doesn’t change when the fridge temperature changes, you’ll need to replace the thermistor. If it’s working correctly, unplug your fridge and plug it back in to see if that removes the error code.

Step 2 – Replace the thermistor

If the thermistor is defective, it will need to be replaced. First, you’ll need to get the correct replacement part.

Here’s how to replace the thermistor if it’s located in the refrigerator (rather than the freezer) compartment of your Frigidaire fridge. (If it’s in the freezer compartment, check the instructions below):

1. Start by unplugging your fridge.
2. Next, remove any food and other items from your fridge.
3. Remove the deli and crisper drawers.
4. Remove the lower glass shelf and its support rails.
5. Remove all of the remaining shelving.
6. Remove the air duct cover. You should be able to lift it and it will then snap out of place.
7. Remove the screws that hold the rear duct in place and then pull the duct out.
8. Next, disconnect the thermistor from the duct and remove the wire connectors.
9. Place the new thermistor where the old one was located and then attach the wire connectors.
10. Reattach the duct and resecure it with the screws you removed earlier.
11.  Reattach the air duct cover.
12.  Place all of the shelves, including the glass shelf with its support rails, back into the fridge. 
13.  Replace the deli and crisper trays and then place all of your food back into your fridge.
14. Your new thermistor should now be successfully installed. Plug your fridge back in. Once the power has been restored, check that the new thermistor works.

Here’s how to replace the thermistor if it’s in the freezer compartment of your Frigidaire fridge:

1. First, remove any food and other items from your freezer.
2. Next, remove the front drawer and then remove its rails by unscrewing the screws that hold the rails in place.
3. Remove the drawer assembly by unscrewing all of the screws that hold it in place.
4. Unscrew the screws that hold the thermistor housing in place. Once you’re able to remove the thermistor, disconnect the wire harness that’s attached to it.
5. Next, place the new thermistor into the correct position and reconnect the wire harness.
6. Reattach the thermistor housing by screwing the screws back into place.
7. Reattach the drawer assembly. This simply involves placing it into position and securing it with the screws you removed earlier.
8. Reattach the drawer rails and secure them in place with the screws you removed earlier.
9. Place the drawer and any other shelves you removed earlier back into your freezer. 
10. Next, place all of your food back into your freezer.
11. Your new thermistor should now be successfully installed. Plug your fridge back in. Once the power has been restored, test that the new thermistor works.

Step 3 – Check that the new thermistor works

After you plug your Frigidaire fridge back into the power socket, check if the error code has stopped showing on the display screen. If the H1 error code is still showing, reset your fridge to see if that removes the error code. If your fridge still displays the H1 error code even after a reset, you’ll need to have a technician come and inspect your fridge.