mypros+
Error code reference

Viking Refrigerator Error Code High Temp

Alarm sounds and indicator light shows if freezer or refrigerator temperature has gone above critical level…

Viking codesViking refrigerator codes

Alarm sounds and indicator light shows if freezer or refrigerator temperature has gone above critical level (+15°F for freezer, +55°F for refrigerator) and remains warm for 2 hours.

First step from the service manual

Press Alarm Off to turn off alarm. Alarm tone stops automatically if temperature falls again.

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

MyPros+ Max

Get the full diagnostic procedure for High Temp.

  • Step-by-step tests with expected resistance, voltage, and continuity values
  • Wiring diagram references and connector pinouts from the OEM service manual
  • Verified part numbers when replacement is required
Get the full procedure

$29/month · Cancel anytime · Or $9.95 3-day pass

What High Temp means on a Viking refrigerator

The High Temp alarm on a Viking refrigerator activates when either compartment exceeds its critical temperature threshold and stays above that threshold for a continuous two-hour period. The freezer threshold is +15°F and the refrigerator threshold is +55°F. The alarm system uses a combination of an audible tone and an indicator light to notify the user. This two-hour delay is intentional and designed to prevent false alarms triggered by brief temperature spikes, such as those caused by loading warm groceries or leaving the door open momentarily.

The alarm condition points to a failure in the refrigeration system's ability to maintain proper cooling. This can involve the sealed system (compressor, condenser, evaporator, and refrigerant lines), the defrost cycle components, airflow paths, or the door sealing system. The control board monitors temperature sensors in both compartments and compares the readings against these preset thresholds continuously.

When the alarm triggers, pressing the Alarm Off button silences the audible tone. If the underlying temperature issue resolves itself, the alarm tone will also stop automatically without any manual input. However, if the compartment temperature remains elevated, the root cause must be diagnosed and corrected. Simply silencing the alarm does not address the cooling failure and food safety becomes a concern if temperatures remain above safe levels for extended periods.

Source: manufacturer service documentation.

Common causes of High Temp

  1. 01

    Door Left Open or Poor Door Seal

    Wiring / connection

    A door left ajar or a worn, cracked, or dirty gasket allows warm air to enter continuously, eventually raising the compartment temperature above the critical threshold. Inspect the gasket for tears or gaps and check that the door closes and latches fully.

  2. 02

    Condenser Coils Clogged with Dust or Debris

    Wiring / connection

    Dirty condenser coils restrict heat dissipation from the refrigerant, reducing overall cooling capacity. Coils that are heavily coated with dust or pet hair cause the compressor to work harder and often fail to keep temperatures in range.

  3. 03

    Evaporator Fan Motor Failure

    Part replacement

    The evaporator fan circulates cold air through both compartments. If the motor fails or the fan blade is obstructed by ice buildup, cold air cannot distribute properly and temperatures rise. Listen for unusual noise or silence from inside the freezer compartment.

  4. 04

    Defrost System Malfunction

    Part replacement

    A failed defrost heater, defrost thermostat, or defrost timer allows frost to accumulate heavily on the evaporator coils, eventually blocking airflow entirely. This causes gradual temperature rise in both compartments over time.

  5. 05

    Compressor or Sealed System Failure

    Part replacement

    If the compressor is not running, is running but not pumping refrigerant effectively, or if there is a refrigerant leak in the sealed system, the unit will lose its ability to cool entirely. This is typically identified when no cooling occurs in either compartment despite all fans running.

See the test procedure for each cause

Frequently asked questions about High Temp

What does High Temp mean on a Viking refrigerator?
The High Temp alarm means that the freezer has risen above +15°F or the refrigerator section has risen above +55°F, and the temperature has remained at that elevated level for at least two hours. The alarm uses both a warning light and an audible tone to alert you to the problem. It indicates the unit is not cooling as it should and requires attention to prevent food spoilage.
How do I fix the High Temp alarm on my Viking refrigerator?
Start by pressing the Alarm Off button to silence the tone, then check the most common causes: verify all doors are fully closed and the gaskets are sealing properly, clean the condenser coils if they are dusty, and make sure the vents inside the compartments are not blocked by food items. If the temperature does not recover after addressing these basics, the issue likely involves a component such as the evaporator fan, defrost system, or compressor and will require further diagnosis.
Will resetting the alarm fix the High Temp condition on my Viking refrigerator?
Pressing Alarm Off only silences the audible tone and does not resolve the underlying cooling problem. The alarm tone will also stop on its own if the temperature drops back to a safe level without any manual reset. If the root cause of the temperature rise is not corrected, the alarm will activate again once the two-hour elevated temperature period is met.
Is it safe to keep food in my Viking refrigerator when the High Temp alarm is active?
Food safety becomes a serious concern when the High Temp alarm is active. Refrigerator temperatures above 40°F allow bacteria to multiply rapidly, and freezer temperatures above 0°F can cause frozen food to begin thawing. If temperatures have been elevated for more than two hours and you cannot restore cooling quickly, you should move perishables to another cold storage source and discard any food that has reached unsafe temperatures.
How much does it cost to repair a Viking refrigerator showing a High Temp alarm?
Repair costs vary widely depending on the cause. Cleaning condenser coils or adjusting a door gasket may cost little to nothing if done yourself. Replacing a component such as an evaporator fan motor or defrost heater typically runs in the range of $150 to $400 including labor. A compressor or sealed system repair is significantly more expensive, often ranging from $400 to $900 or more, and in some cases may make replacement worth considering.

Related Viking refrigerator codes

All Viking refrigerator codes
View all 40 Viking refrigerator codes

78,000+ service manuals · 160,000+ error codes · 55+ brands

Get Started

$29/month · Cancel anytime · Or $9.95 3-day pass