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Error code reference

Whirlpool Refrigerator Error Code SH

Shorted thermistor detected on the monitored sensor (fresh food, freezer, ambient, or ice box thermistor).

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Shorted thermistor detected on the monitored sensor (fresh food, freezer, ambient, or ice box thermistor).

First step from the service manual

Use the corresponding service test (141, 142, 144, or 145) to identify which thermistor is shorted; check thermistor resistance.

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 Whirlpool refrigerator

The SH error code on a Whirlpool refrigerator indicates that a shorted thermistor has been detected on one of the monitored temperature sensors in the system. Thermistors are negative temperature coefficient (NTC) resistors, meaning their electrical resistance decreases as temperature increases. When a thermistor shorts, it produces a resistance value that falls below the expected range for any normal operating temperature, causing the control board to flag the fault. The affected sensor could be the fresh food compartment thermistor, the freezer thermistor, the ambient air thermistor, or the ice box thermistor.

A shorted thermistor typically occurs when the sensor's internal resistance drops to near zero ohms due to physical damage, moisture intrusion, or a wiring harness fault. This can result from a pinched or chafed wire creating a short to ground, corrosion at the connector causing a low-resistance path, or the thermistor component itself failing internally. Because the control board cannot distinguish between a legitimately very warm temperature and a true short, it defaults to an error condition to prevent incorrect cooling decisions that could damage stored food or refrigerant components.

To identify which specific thermistor is causing the SH code, the corresponding service diagnostic tests must be used: test 141 for the fresh food thermistor, test 142 for the freezer thermistor, test 144 for the ambient thermistor, and test 145 for the ice box thermistor. Once the faulty sensor is isolated, resistance measurement at the thermistor connector will confirm the short. A properly functioning thermistor should read within a predictable resistance range based on the current compartment temperature, so a reading near zero ohms confirms the short condition.

Source: manufacturer service documentation.

Common causes of SH

  1. 01

    Failed thermistor (internal short)

    Part replacement

    The thermistor component itself can fail internally, dropping its resistance to near zero ohms regardless of temperature. Measuring resistance directly at the sensor will confirm this if the reading is essentially zero.

  2. 02

    Pinched or damaged wiring harness

    Wiring / connection

    A wire in the thermistor harness can become pinched by a panel, door, or component during a previous repair or during manufacturing, creating a short circuit. Inspect the wiring path from the sensor to the control board for visible damage or chafing.

  3. 03

    Moisture or corrosion at connector

    Wiring / connection

    Water intrusion or corrosion at the thermistor connector pins can create a low-resistance path between terminals, mimicking a shorted sensor. Check the connector for discoloration, oxidation, or moisture and clean or replace as needed.

  4. 04

    Connector seated improperly or terminal pushed back

    Wiring / connection

    A terminal that has backed out of the connector housing can contact an adjacent terminal, causing a short. Visually inspect the connector and reseat any displaced terminals.

  5. 05

    Control board fault

    Part replacement

    In rare cases, a failure on the main control board can cause it to misread a normal thermistor signal as a short. This should only be suspected after the thermistor and all associated wiring have been tested and confirmed good.

See the test procedure for each cause

Frequently asked questions about SH

What does SH mean on a Whirlpool refrigerator?
SH stands for shorted thermistor and means the control board has detected an abnormally low resistance reading from one of its temperature sensors. The affected sensor could be in the fresh food compartment, the freezer, the ambient area, or the ice box. The refrigerator cannot make accurate cooling decisions when a thermistor is shorted, so the fault is flagged to alert the user or technician. Service diagnostic tests 141, 142, 144, or 145 are used to pinpoint exactly which thermistor is at fault.
Can I fix the SH error code myself?
Some causes of the SH code, such as a loose connector, damaged wiring, or moisture at a connector, can be addressed by a knowledgeable DIYer comfortable working with appliance wiring. However, you first need to run the specific service diagnostic test (141, 142, 144, or 145) to identify which thermistor is shorted, then measure the resistance at that sensor. If the thermistor itself has failed, it will need to be replaced with the correct part for your model.
Is it safe to keep using my refrigerator while the SH code is active?
Operating the refrigerator with an active SH code is risky because the control board cannot accurately monitor the temperature in the affected compartment. This means the refrigerator may not cool properly, potentially allowing food to reach unsafe temperatures without any visible indication. It is best to transfer perishable food to another refrigerator and have the fault repaired promptly.
Will resetting the refrigerator clear the SH error code?
A reset may temporarily clear the SH code from the display, but the error will return as soon as the control board re-reads the shorted thermistor. Because the underlying hardware fault, whether a failed sensor, damaged wire, or corroded connector, has not been corrected, resetting alone does not resolve the problem. A proper repair requires diagnosing and replacing or repairing the faulty component.
How much does it cost to repair a shorted thermistor on a Whirlpool refrigerator?
Thermistor parts themselves are generally inexpensive, typically ranging from around $10 to $50 depending on the specific sensor and model. If professional labor is needed to diagnose and replace the sensor, total repair costs including parts and labor often fall in the range of $100 to $250. Costs can be higher if the fault involves wiring repairs or, in rare cases, a control board replacement.

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