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Error code reference

Electrolux Ice Maker Error Code SH

Shorted Mold Thermistor detected during Ice Maker diagnostic test 56C.

Electrolux codesElectrolux ice maker codes

Shorted Mold Thermistor detected during Ice Maker diagnostic test 56C.

First step from the service manual

Access 6-pin connector at front of Ice Maker compartment, disconnect, and check resistance of Mold Thermistor across pins 1 (WHT) and 4 (WHT) on the Ice Maker side.

The complete diagnostic procedure includes additional test steps, resistance specifications, wiring diagram references, and component test points.

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What SH means on a Electrolux ice maker

The SH error code on an Electrolux ice maker indicates that a shorted mold thermistor has been detected during diagnostic test 56C. The mold thermistor is a temperature-sensing resistor mounted on the ice mold that monitors mold temperature throughout the freeze and harvest cycles. A short condition means the thermistor circuit is reading an abnormally low resistance value, which causes the control board to interpret the signal as an extreme and invalid temperature reading. When this fault is present, the ice maker cannot reliably manage the freeze cycle or trigger harvest at the correct mold temperature.

The mold thermistor connects to the main ice maker control through a 6-pin connector located at the front of the ice maker compartment. The thermistor signal runs across pins 1 and 4 on the ice maker side of this connector, both carried on white wires. A shorted thermistor will typically measure near zero ohms or very low resistance across these two pins when disconnected from the control. A properly functioning thermistor will show a resistance value that varies with temperature, dropping as temperature rises and increasing as temperature falls. Reading near zero ohms confirms an internal short within the thermistor itself or a wiring fault causing the two signal wires to contact each other.

Common causes include physical damage to the thermistor body from ice buildup or mechanical stress during harvest cycles, chafed or pinched wiring in the harness between the thermistor and the connector, and moisture intrusion into the connector causing a low-resistance bridge between the two pins. Because this fault is confirmed during an active diagnostic test rather than just a single operational reading, intermittent wiring faults can also trigger the code if conductors are making unwanted contact under certain conditions.

Source: manufacturer service documentation.

Common causes of SH

  1. 01

    Failed Mold Thermistor (Internal Short)

    Part replacement

    The thermistor element itself has shorted internally, causing near-zero resistance across pins 1 and 4 when measured at the disconnected 6-pin connector. This is the most common cause and requires replacing the thermistor.

  2. 02

    Chafed or Pinched Thermistor Wiring

    Wiring / connection

    The white wires running from the thermistor to the 6-pin connector may be pinched, chafed, or rubbing against a sharp edge, causing the two conductors to contact each other and create a short. Inspect the full length of the harness for visible damage or wear.

  3. 03

    Moisture or Ice Contamination in the Connector

    Wiring / connection

    Water or ice inside the 6-pin connector at the front of the ice maker compartment can create a low-resistance bridge between pins 1 and 4, mimicking a shorted thermistor. Disconnect the connector, inspect for corrosion or moisture, and allow it to dry completely before retesting.

  4. 04

    Damaged Connector Pins

    Part replacement

    Bent, corroded, or pushed-back pins at the 6-pin connector can cause unintended contact between the thermistor circuit pins. Inspect the connector housing and pin seating on both the ice maker side and the harness side.

  5. 05

    Ice Maker Control Board Fault

    Part replacement

    If the thermistor and all wiring test correctly with normal resistance values at the disconnected connector, a fault on the control board itself may be misreading the circuit as shorted. This is the least common cause and should only be suspected after the thermistor and wiring are confirmed good.

See the test procedure for each cause

Frequently asked questions about SH

What does SH mean on a Electrolux ice_maker?
The SH code means the ice maker has detected a shorted mold thermistor during diagnostic test 56C. The mold thermistor is a temperature sensor on the ice mold that the control uses to manage freezing and harvest cycles. A short condition means the sensor circuit is reading abnormally low or near-zero resistance, which is outside any valid operating range. The ice maker will not function normally until this fault is resolved.
How do I fix the SH error code on my Electrolux ice maker?
Start by accessing the 6-pin connector at the front of the ice maker compartment, disconnecting it, and measuring resistance across pins 1 and 4 on the ice maker side using a multimeter. If the reading is near zero ohms, the thermistor itself is likely shorted and will need to be replaced. Also inspect the wiring harness between the thermistor and the connector for any pinched, chafed, or moisture-damaged wires, as wiring faults can produce the same short reading.
Is the SH error on an Electrolux ice maker dangerous?
The SH error is not an immediate safety hazard, but it does prevent the ice maker from operating correctly. The control system disables normal ice-making operation when it detects a shorted thermistor because it cannot reliably monitor mold temperature. You should address the fault promptly to avoid extended periods without ice production, but there is no risk of fire or injury from the error code itself.
Will resetting my Electrolux ice maker clear the SH error code?
A simple reset will not permanently clear the SH code because the fault is confirmed through an active diagnostic test, test 56C, that runs as part of the ice maker's self-check routine. If the underlying cause, such as a shorted thermistor or damaged wiring, is still present when the diagnostic runs again, the code will return. The error will only clear once the root cause is corrected.
How much does it cost to repair an SH error code on an Electrolux ice maker?
Repair costs depend on what component has failed. If only the mold thermistor needs replacement, parts typically run in the range of $20 to $60, plus labor if a technician is doing the work. Professional diagnostic and repair visits generally cost between $100 and $250 depending on your location and the extent of the repair. If the ice maker control board is at fault, costs will be higher, as control boards are significantly more expensive than thermistors.

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