Frigidaire Refrigerator SH Error Code: Shorted Sensor
Quick Answer
The SH code means your refrigerator has a shorted temperature sensor. This usually happens when moisture gets into the sensor or the wiring harness is damaged. I find that replacing the thermistor in the affected section fixes the issue for most homeowners.
When that SH code shows up, your fridge is basically flying blind on temperature. The board can't regulate anything correctly, so it either runs the compressor flat-out or barely at all. Ignore it long enough and you'll find frozen milk or warm meat. I've seen SH codes sit unaddressed for days and the food bill ends up way higher than the $25 thermistor would've cost.
OK so here's the deal with SH. Frigidaire uses it specifically for a shorted thermistor circuit, which is the opposite of the OP code. Where OP means the circuit broke open, SH means the two wires found each other when they shouldn't have. Resistance drops to basically zero, and the board freaks out because a working sensor should read thousands of ohms, not zero. Fixed three of these last week alone. It's one of the more common Frigidaire fault codes I see, and honestly it's one of the more straightforward ones to diagnose if you've got a multimeter.
Most Likely Causes
Based on aggregated repair data, here is the probability breakdown for this error code:
Faulty freezer thermistor65%
Faulty refrigerator thermistor25%
Wiring harness short circuit7%
Main control board failure3%
Symptoms You May Notice
The SH code is flashing on the display, sometimes alternating with the actual temperature reading or just sitting there solid.
Fresh food section is freezing things it shouldn't, like turning your lettuce into a brick and cracking open your soda cans.
Compressor won't stop running. You can hear it going constantly even when the kitchen is cool and the doors haven't been opened.
Freezer temperature bouncing around instead of holding steady, maybe 10 degrees warmer or colder than your set point.
The unit's beeping at you intermittently, which is the alarm telling you something's wrong with the temperature monitoring system.
Can you reset a Frigidaire refrigerator to clear the SH code?
After you've replaced the sensor or fixed the wiring, unplug the refrigerator and leave it unplugged for at least 5 minutes. That's long enough for the control board's volatile memory to clear out. Plug it back in and the board will run a self-test automatically. If the short is gone, the display should show the actual temperature instead of the SH code within a minute or two. If SH comes right back, the short is still there somewhere.
Tools Required for Diagnosis
Phillips #2 screwdriver1/4 inch nut driverSmall flathead screwdriverMultimeter with ohms range up to 20kWire strippersHeat shrink tubing assortmentHeat gun or lighter for heat shrinkWaterproof butt connectors or gel-filled wire nuts
Diagnostic Checklist
Follow these steps in order. We start with the easiest external fixes before opening up the machine.
ComponentComponent Under Test
Expected Range5000–10000 ohms
ConditionIf Open (OL) or infinite, replace component.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I still use my refrigerator while the SH code is flashing?
Honestly, don't risk it. When SH is active, your control board doesn't know the actual temperature in there, so it's just guessing. I've seen these run the compressor non-stop for two days straight and freeze everything in the fresh food section solid, including a full gallon of milk. Other times it won't cool enough. Either way your groceries are at risk. A replacement thermistor is like $25 and it takes about an hour to swap. That's way cheaper than replacing a week's worth of food.
Does the SH code always mean the sensor is bad?
Usually, yeah. I'd put it at 90-95% of cases being the thermistor itself or the wiring going to it. The other 5% or so is when the short is actually inside the main control board. I always start with the sensor because it's a cheap part and you can test it with a multimeter in about five minutes. If the sensor reads fine and the wiring looks clean, then you're probably looking at a board replacement, and that's a whole different conversation about whether it's worth repairing vs. replacing the fridge.
How much does it cost to fix an SH error code?
DIY, you're looking at $20-50 for the thermistor. Genuine Frigidaire parts run $40-50, aftermarket sensors start around $15-20, though I've had mixed results with the really cheap ones. If you call a tech, plan on $150-250 all in, assuming it's just the thermistor and the service call goes smoothly. If it turns out to be the control board too, that can push $400-500 total. At that point you have to think about whether the fridge is worth it.
Why did my thermistor short out in the first place?
Temperature cycling is the main culprit. That little sensor goes from near-freezing to room temp thousands of times over the life of the appliance, and eventually the plastic casing develops microscopic cracks. Moisture gets in and bridges the internal components. I also see this a lot in kitchens with high humidity, or in fridges installed right next to a dishwasher where steam is a factor. Sometimes it's just age and there's nothing you did wrong. A sensor on a 10-year-old Frigidaire failing is pretty normal.
How do I tell if the short is in the board instead of the sensor?
Test the sensor first by disconnecting it and checking resistance directly at the sensor pins, like in the diagnostic steps. If it reads 5k-10k ohms at room temp, the sensor's fine. Then check the wiring for obvious damage. If both look good, plug the sensor back in and check resistance at the control board connector instead of at the sensor. If you see near-zero ohms there but the sensor itself tested fine, the board's got a short internally. It's not super common but I do see it a few times a month in my service area.
Models Known to Experience SH Errors
This repair applies to most Frigidaire refrigerators with this error code. Common model numbers include: