How to Fix the Frigidaire Refrigerator H1 Error Code

While no one likes to see their refrigerator displaying an error code, they are a helpful feature to understand and resolve any problems with your appliance. They let you know where the issue is located, so you look in the right place. 

The H1 error code indicates that the temperature sensor in the freezer compartment of your Frigidaire refrigerator is detecting higher-than-optimal temperatures. This means that you can focus your efforts on figuring out exactly what’s causing the issue. Let’s dive into the most common fixes. 

This guide applies to all popular models of Frigidaire refrigerators, including:

ATL152HK0

D13ML7

D13MW7

F44C19IBD0

F44C19IBW0

F44C21BD0

F44C21BW0

FFHS2611PFEA

FFSS2615TS0

FGHC2331PFAA

FGHS2631PF4A

FGHS2655PF5A

FGUS2642LF2

FRS26H5ASB4

FRS26H5ASB5

FRS26R4A

FRS6LR5EM8

FRT17B3AW2

LFSS2612TE0

LFSS2612TF0

LGHX2636TF0

Try a hard reset

A hard reset is a good first step whenever any appliance displays an error code. If your refrigerator has experienced a power surge or other type of glitch, a code can be displayed in error. Resetting your refrigerator can clear this, letting your fridge work as normal. Here’s how:

• Cut power to your refrigerator, either by unplugging it or turning off the corresponding circuit breaker. 
• Leave your refrigerator without power for at least two minutes.
• Plug the appliance back in and see if the error code comes back. If not, monitor the fridge to make sure the issue doesn’t recur. If it hasn’t come back within a day of normal use, you can assume the error code was just a glitch. However, if the code comes back immediately, move on to the next step in this guide. 

Clean the refrigerator coils

The H1 error code indicates a cooling issue, which can often be caused by a problem with the refrigerator coils. Dirty coils mean that the fridge is less efficient at releasing heat and cooling the fridge and freezer compartments, meaning that the compressor has to work harder and use more electricity. Here’s how to fix this:

• Gain access to your refrigerator coils. In most models of Frigidaire refrigerators, they are located at the bottom of the refrigerator behind a kickplate or grille. 
• Use a vacuum cleaner to remove all superficial dust. 
• Use a coil brush or other small, soft brush to remove any hard-to-reach dust, then vacuum again. 
• Once the coils are clean, replace the grille. Reset the refrigerator and wait to see if the issue recurs.

Check the freezer airflow

Another relatively simple fix for the H1 error code is to rearrange the freezer compartment. If the freezer is stuffed full of food leaving no space for airflow, then the temperature can easily get too high. Ideally, there should be space between items for cold air to circulate so that your freezer can cool optimally. For optimal airflow:

• Make sure your food is not covering any of the interior vents.
• Make sure there are gaps between items so that cold air can circulate.
• Check to see if there is anything unnecessary in your freezer so you can make space. This is a great opportunity to get rid of those leftovers you’re never going to eat!
• Once you’ve created more space for airflow, reset your refrigerator and wait to see if the error code recurs. 

Check the door seals

Another common culprit behind a freezer compartment that is too warm are the door seals. The seals are designed to keep cool air inside the freezer compartment and warm air out. If the seals get dirty, loose, or worn, they won’t work properly, which can raise the internal temperature of the freezer and trigger the H1 error code. Here’s how to check that the seals are functioning:

• Carefully inspect the seals all around your freezer door. They should appear clean, flexible, and intact. 
• If the seals are dirty, use a moist microfiber cloth and a mild detergent to thoroughly clean them, then dry with a dry cloth. 
• If the seals are loose, try pressing them back into place firmly. 
• If the seals appear damaged, they will need to be replaced. You can order replacement seals online – make sure they are compatible with your model of Frigidaire refrigerator. 
• If you’re unsure of whether the seals are functioning or not, you can try this simple test. Place a piece of paper between the seals and close the freezer door. Then try to pull the paper out. If it provides no resistance, then the seals are not working properly and must be replaced. 
• Once the seals have been either cleaned or replaced, reset your fridge to clear the error and monitor the situation to see if it recurs. 

Inspect the temperature sensor

If none of the above methods fix the error code, there could be a problem with the temperature sensor. If the sensor is malfunctioning, it can cause the H1 error code to display, as your freezer won’t be able to accurately gauge the interior temperature of the freezer compartment.

• Unplug your refrigerator and locate the temperature sensor. In most Frigidaire models, this can be found behind the back panel. 
• Use a multimeter to test the temperature sensor for resistance. It should vary in resistance with temperature changes. If it doesn’t, this means it is malfunctioning. 
• If the sensor is faulty, purchase a replacement part that is compatible with your model of fridge. 
• Following the manufacturer’s guidelines, remove the faulty sensor and put the new sensor into place. 
• Put the refrigerator back together and plug it back in. Monitor the performance to see if the H1 error code comes back.