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Error code reference

GE Refrigerator Error Code HH

Control and display sensor reading is more than 99°F (abnormally high temperature detected).

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Control and display sensor reading is more than 99°F (abnormally high temperature detected).

First step from the service manual

Press SET to dismiss alarm. When temperature goes down to 97°F, the display status will return to normal and alarm will disappear.

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

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What HH means on a GE refrigerator

The HH error code on a GE refrigerator indicates that the control and display sensor is reading a temperature above 99°F inside the refrigerator compartment. This is considered an abnormally high temperature condition, and the control board triggers the HH display along with an audible alarm to alert the user that the unit is no longer maintaining safe food storage temperatures. The code is tied directly to the thermistor or temperature sensor that feeds real-time readings to the control board.

This error is not simply a sensor fault code. It means the actual detected temperature has crossed the 99°F threshold, whether due to a genuine warming event or a sensor malfunction causing a falsely elevated reading. The alarm will persist until the compartment temperature drops back down to 97°F, at which point the display returns to normal automatically. Pressing SET dismisses the audible alarm while the unit works to recover temperature.

Common triggers include prolonged door opening, a recent power outage, a failed evaporator fan motor, a blocked condenser, a defrost system stuck in a heating cycle, or a faulty temperature sensor sending incorrect data to the board. Identifying whether the compartment is genuinely warm or whether the sensor is reading incorrectly is the key first diagnostic step. A thermometer placed inside the fresh food section will confirm actual conditions independent of the control board reading.

Source: manufacturer service documentation.

Common causes of HH

  1. 01

    Prolonged Door Opening or Recent Power Outage

    Wiring / connection

    If the refrigerator door was left open for an extended period or the unit lost power, the interior temperature can climb above 99°F and trigger HH. Closing the door and allowing the unit time to recover will often resolve the alarm without any repairs.

  2. 02

    Failed Evaporator Fan Motor

    Part replacement

    If the evaporator fan stops running, cold air cannot circulate through the compartment and temperatures will rise rapidly. Listen for fan operation when the compressor is running and check for ice blockages around the fan blade.

  3. 03

    Defrost System Malfunction

    Part replacement

    A defrost heater that stays energized too long or a defrost thermostat that fails open can introduce excessive heat into the refrigerant circuit and raise compartment temperatures. Heavy frost buildup on the evaporator coils is a common sign of this issue.

  4. 04

    Faulty Temperature Sensor or Thermistor

    Part replacement

    A defective thermistor can send falsely high temperature readings to the control board even when the compartment is actually cold. If a calibrated thermometer confirms normal interior temps while HH remains on the display, the sensor is the likely culprit.

  5. 05

    Dirty or Blocked Condenser Coils

    Wiring / connection

    Condenser coils clogged with dust and debris force the compressor to work harder and can reduce overall cooling capacity, eventually leading to elevated interior temperatures. Inspect and clean the coils at the base or rear of the unit.

See the test procedure for each cause

Frequently asked questions about HH

What does HH mean on a GE refrigerator?
HH means the control and display sensor has detected a temperature above 99°F inside the refrigerator, which is considered abnormally high. GE designs the control board to trigger this code along with an alarm to warn you that safe food storage temperatures are not being maintained. The alarm will clear on its own once the temperature drops back to 97°F. You can press SET to silence the audible alarm while the unit recovers.
Will pressing the SET button fix the HH error on my GE refrigerator?
Pressing SET only dismisses the audible alarm. It does not fix the underlying temperature problem. The HH code will remain on the display until the compartment temperature actually drops to 97°F or below. If the temperature does not recover, you need to diagnose why the unit is not cooling properly.
Is the HH error code on a GE refrigerator a safety concern?
Yes, temperatures above 99°F inside a refrigerator mean food is well outside the safe storage range of 40°F or below. Perishable items like dairy, meat, and leftovers can become unsafe quickly at such temperatures. If the unit does not recover to normal cooling within a short time, move perishables to another refrigerator or cooler and diagnose the cooling problem before restoring food storage.
How much does it cost to repair a GE refrigerator showing the HH error code?
Repair costs depend on the root cause. Cleaning condenser coils is a no-cost DIY task. Replacing a temperature sensor typically runs in the range of $20 to $75 for the part. An evaporator fan motor replacement can cost between $40 and $150 in parts, with additional labor if a technician is hired. Defrost system component repairs vary widely depending on which part has failed.
Can I reset the HH error code on my GE refrigerator by unplugging it?
Unplugging the unit may temporarily clear the error from the display, but the code will return if the underlying temperature problem or sensor fault has not been resolved. The correct way to clear HH is to allow the refrigerator compartment to cool back down to 97°F, at which point the alarm disappears automatically. A power reset alone is not a fix if the unit is genuinely not cooling.

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