Frigidaire Refrigerator Error Code SH

SH stands for a shorted FF thermistor. The fresh food compartment temperature sensor has failed or its circuit has shorted, sending a resistance value to the control board that falls below the acceptable range. The code appears on the fresh food display while the freezer display goes blank. The refrigerator detects this as a sensor failure rather than a normal temperature reading.

Short-term use is possible, but not advisable for extended periods. With the FF thermistor shorted, the control board cannot accurately monitor fresh food compartment temperature, which means your refrigerator may overcool or undercool that section. Perishable foods are at risk, and prolonged operation without a working temperature sensor can cause the compressor and sealed system to run outside normal parameters. Address this repair as soon as possible rather than relying on the unit to maintain safe food temperatures.

This is the expected behavior for the SH code. The fault is specific to the fresh food thermistor circuit, so the error displays on the FF display. The freezer display going blank is part of how Frigidaire presents this particular fault, not an additional problem. The freezer section has its own separate thermistor, and if the freezer display were showing a code, that would indicate a separate fault in the freezer sensor circuit.

Start by locating the fresh food thermistor, typically clipped to an evaporator cover or interior wall in the fresh food section. Disconnect the thermistor and measure its resistance with a multimeter at room temperature. Most Frigidaire FF thermistors should read approximately 5,000 to 20,000 ohms depending on ambient temperature. A reading near zero or a dead short confirms the thermistor has failed and needs replacement. Also inspect the wiring harness and connector for pinched or corroded wires before ordering parts.

If the fix is a thermistor replacement, the part itself typically costs between $15 and $40 depending on the model. A wiring harness or connector repair may cost similarly for parts. If you are comfortable with basic appliance repair, this is a moderately accessible DIY repair. Professional labor for a thermistor replacement typically runs $100 to $200 including the service call, though that varies by region and service provider. Control board replacement is more expensive, ranging from $150 to $350 in parts alone.