Frigidaire Refrigerator Error Code Water Tank-Heater Error

This error means the refrigerator's control board has detected an open or faulted circuit in the water tank heater, which is the component that prevents the internal water supply tank from freezing. The fault can be caused by a disconnected wire, a failed bimetal thermal cutout, a bad electrical contact, or physical separation of the heater housing. The control board monitors heater continuity and triggers this alert when the circuit falls outside normal parameters.

The error itself is not an immediate safety hazard in the way a gas appliance fault would be. However, if the water tank heater has failed, the water supply tank may freeze in certain operating conditions, which can damage internal components and stop the water and ice dispenser from functioning. Addressing the fault promptly prevents further damage to the water system.

A power reset may temporarily clear the error code from the display, but if the underlying fault in the heater circuit still exists, the error will return once the control board runs its diagnostic cycle again. A permanent resolution requires identifying and correcting the root cause, whether that is a wiring issue, a failed bimetal cutout, or a defective heater element.

Start by disconnecting connector CN79 from the main PCB and measuring resistance between the Pink and White wires. A correct reading is 72 ohms plus or minus 7 percent. If you read 0 ohms, the heater is shorted and needs replacement. If you read infinite resistance, trace the wiring for breaks or disconnections, inspect the bimetal cutout, and check for housing separation before replacing any parts.

If the fix is simply reseating a loose connector or repairing a broken wire, costs are minimal, generally in the range of a service call fee. If the water tank heater assembly or bimetal cutout requires replacement, parts and labor combined typically range from around $100 to $300 depending on the specific model and your location. Getting a diagnosis first helps determine whether a simple wiring fix or a part replacement is needed.