Whirlpool Refrigerator Error Code SH

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.