Last updated: 2026-10-30 · By Fix It or Replace editorial team
Frigidaire Refrigerator Not Cooling? Settings, Demo Mode, HI Alarm, Vents and Door Seal Fixes — Costs and Repair vs Replace (2026)
Quick answer
First, give it time and check the setting. Frigidaire says a refrigerator needs 24 hours to stabilize after it's installed, after a power outage, or after you reset it. Its factory settings are 37°F for the refrigerator and 0°F for the freezer. Frigidaire calls 33°F to 47°F acceptable for the fresh food section and -6°F to 6°F for the freezer.
Frigidaire's checks, cheapest first:
- Power. Look for display or interior lights. If it's on a GFCI outlet, make sure the outlet hasn't tripped. Frigidaire wants a dedicated, grounded 115–120 V outlet on a 15- or 20-amp circuit.
- Reset after an outage. Frigidaire says flip the refrigerator's breaker off and back on, then wait 24 hours.
- "77 77" on the display? That's Demo Mode, meant for store displays. Frigidaire says unplug the fridge for 5 minutes to turn it off.
- Settings. Set 37°F and 0°F.
- Clear the vents. Blocked vents stop the airflow, and the fridge can't cool properly.
- Doors and seals. Make sure nothing is blocking a door. Do Frigidaire's dollar-bill test on the gasket and clean it with warm soapy water.
- Location. Frigidaire doesn't recommend installing a refrigerator where the room drops below 55°F. Its manual also says not above 110°F.
If those don't fix it, the parts that usually fail are the evaporator fan (freezer cold, fridge warm), a defrost fault (frost on the freezer back wall), the condenser fan, a temperature sensor, the door gasket, or the control board. A sealed-system failure (compressor or refrigerant leak) is the expensive one. Frigidaire says to schedule service if the unit has run 24 hours and still isn't cooling.
Repair or replace? Fans, defrost parts, sensors and gaskets are usually worth fixing. A sealed-system repair on an older, out-of-warranty fridge usually isn't. See the calculator below.
Our partner pro call line is coming soon. Until then: if your appliance may still be under warranty, contact the manufacturer first. Otherwise, get two or three written quotes from local appliance repair companies, and ask about the diagnostic fee and the parts-and-labor warranty.
Verdict at a glance
| Your situation | What it usually means | Our verdict |
|---|---|---|
| Just installed, power just came back, "77 77" on the display, a GFCI tripped, or the setting was changed | Still stabilizing, Demo Mode, no power, or wrong setting | ✅ Free fix. Reset, exit Demo Mode, set 37°F / 0°F, wait 24 hours |
| Freezer cold, fridge warm; frost on the freezer back wall; a fan that's silent; HI keeps coming back with the doors shut | Evaporator fan, defrost heater or timer, sensor, door gasket | 🔧 Usually worth repairing. Mid-priced parts |
| Both sections warm after 24 hours, the compressor never runs or runs with no cooling, fridge 10+ years old | Condenser fan, control board, or sealed system (compressor, leak) | ♻️ Lean toward replacing if it's the sealed system and you're out of warranty. Run the calculator first |
Safety check before any DIY (30 seconds)
Stop and don't start the DIY steps below if any of these is true:
- Food safety first. If the fresh food section has been warm for hours, move perishables to a cooler with ice. When in doubt, throw it out.
- You smell burning, hear loud buzzing or repeated clicking, or the outlet is hot. Unplug it and call a technician.
- Unplug before cleaning behind the base grille or touching fans.
- Flammable refrigerant. Frigidaire's manual (for a model using flammable refrigerant) warns: don't use mechanical devices to defrost, don't puncture refrigerant tubing, and have it repaired only by trained service personnel. Sealed-system work is never DIY.
- No extension cords or adapter plugs. Frigidaire's manual says use a grounded outlet directly.
- The fridge is still under warranty (Frigidaire's current manual: 1 year, all parts that prove defective). Use Frigidaire service before you open panels.
- Recall check: search your model on the CPSC recall site before paying for a repair.
If none of these apply, the free checks below are safe for most owners.
Fix order at a glance (cheapest first)
| Order | What to try | Cost | DIY tier |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Check power: lights on, GFCI not tripped, dedicated grounded outlet | Free | Easy |
| 2 | Breaker off and on after an outage; wait 24 hours | Free | Easy |
| 3 | Exit Demo Mode (77 77): unplug 5 minutes | Free | Easy |
| 4 | Set 37°F fridge / 0°F freezer; wait 24 hours; check with a thermometer | Free | Easy |
| 5 | Clear the vents and air ports; don't overfill the freezer | Free | Easy |
| 6 | Doors: nothing blocking; dollar-bill test; clean the gaskets | Free | Easy |
| 7 | Room: not below 55°F or above 110°F; clearances; away from heat | Free | Easy |
| 8 | Clear the HI alarm (Clear Alerts, or unplug 30 seconds) and watch it | Free | Easy |
| 9 | Clean the condenser area if your model has accessible coils | Free | Moderate |
| 10 | Replace the door gasket, evaporator or condenser fan motor | Part, or pro visit | Moderate |
| 11 | Defrost heater, defrost timer (mechanical models), temperature sensor | Part, or pro visit | Advanced |
| 12 | Control board | Pro diagnosis first | Advanced |
| 13 | Sealed system (compressor, leak, recharge) | Certified pro only | Pro only |
DIY tiers: Easy (no panels off) · Moderate (a panel or grille off, power off) · Advanced (wiring connectors or several parts) · Pro only (refrigerant, mains wiring, or still under warranty).
Which Frigidaire refrigerator do you have?
Find the model and serial number on the serial plate inside the refrigerator (Frigidaire's manual warns that removing the serial plate voids the warranty). You need it to order the right fan, heater or gasket and to check warranty status.
| Type | Model prefix (examples) | Display | Usual "fridge warm" parts | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Top-freezer | Often FFTR (check label) | Dial controls on many models | Evaporator fan, defrost heater, defrost timer (mechanical models) | Simplest to service |
| Side-by-side | Often FRSS / GRSS (check label) | Electronic on many models | Evaporator fan, defrost, sensor, board | May show HI / PF alerts |
| French-door | Often FRFS / GRFS / PRFS (check label) | Electronic; Clear Alerts button on many | Fans, defrost, sensor, board | Frigidaire's French-door manual describes HI and door alarms |
| Bottom-freezer | Often FFHB / FGHB (check label) | Varies | Evaporator fan, defrost, board |
Prefixes are examples, not a full list. "Gallery" and "Professional" are Frigidaire product lines; the same checks apply. Frigidaire's manual describes a variable-speed compressor on that model that is designed to run nearly 100% of the time except during defrost, so a fridge that "always runs" isn't automatically broken.
Five-minute checks before you call anyone
- Power. Check for display or interior lights. Test the GFCI outlet (if it's on one) and the breaker. Frigidaire wants a dedicated 115–120 V, grounded, 3-prong outlet on a 15- or 20-amp breaker or time-delay fuse. Its manual says don't use an extension cord or adapter.
- Reset after an outage. Frigidaire's step: switch the refrigerator's breaker off, then back on. Then wait 24 hours for temperatures to settle.
- Demo Mode (77 77). Frigidaire says Demo Mode is for store displays and doesn't use the working components. Unplug for 5 minutes and plug back in to disable it.
- Settings. 37°F fresh food, 0°F freezer (Frigidaire's recommended kitchen settings). Frigidaire's manual warns that food placed within 1 inch in front of the air ports can freeze, and that food covering the temperature sensor (right side of the fresh food area on that model) throws the reading off.
- Vents and load. Move items off the vents. Frigidaire's freezer article says remove a few items if the freezer is packed, and leave space around food for air.
- Doors and seals. Make sure nothing is propping a door open. Dollar-bill test: close the door on a bill and tug. You should feel some resistance; if it slides out or drops, the seal is weak. Clean the gasket with warm soapy water.
- Frost. Frigidaire says heavy frost can stop a door closing and reduce airflow.
- Room and space. Not below 55°F (Frigidaire) or above 110°F (manual). The manual lists clearances of 3/8 inch on the sides and top and 1 inch at the back, and suggests keeping the fridge out of direct sun and away from the range or dishwasher.
- Listen. Frigidaire says compressor hum, fans blowing and refrigerant gurgling all mean the unit is trying to cool. If it has run 24 hours and still isn't cold, schedule service.
How to know it's fixed: after 24 hours, an appliance thermometer in the middle of the fresh food section reads about 37°F (inside Frigidaire's 33–47°F range), the freezer is near 0°F, and the HI alert doesn't return.
Frigidaire alerts and codes linked to "not cooling"
Frigidaire's owner support lists these alerts. Not all models have a display.
| Display | Frigidaire's meaning | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| H or HI (blinking, with a tone) | High temperature: the refrigerator or freezer has been too warm (Frigidaire's guide: for over an hour). Usually a door left open | Press Clear Alerts (it shows the highest temperature reached). Check doors, gaskets, and settings (37°F / 0°F) |
| PF or Power Failure light | Power outage or surge; can trigger a high-temp alarm too | Clear the alert; check food; wait for temperatures to recover |
| 77 77 | Demo Mode (store display; doesn't run the cooling components) | Unplug 5 minutes, plug back in |
| SB / Sb | Sabbath Mode | Exit with your model's button combination (see manual) |
| Door Ajar tone | A door has been open over 5 minutes | Close the door |
| DI SP / DISP | Ice jammed in the chute | Clear the jam; empty and clean the bin |
| Beeping and the display lights up | Possible power failure or error | Frigidaire: hard reset by unplugging 2–3 minutes |
| Any other error or flashing code | The control has detected a performance problem (manual) | Call Frigidaire: 1-800-374-4432 |
How to reset: Frigidaire says press Clear Alerts (on models that have it), or unplug for 30 seconds, or switch off the breaker (which also resets anything else on that circuit).
Which part a real fault points at, and how hard the fix is:
| Sign | Part most often involved | First fix (free) | If it continues | DIY tier |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HI returns with doors shut and seals good | Evaporator fan, defrost, sensor | 24-hour wait; clear vents | Fan or defrost diagnosis | Moderate → Advanced |
| Freezer cold, fridge warm | Evaporator fan, frost on the evaporator | Clear vents; check frost | Fan motor; defrost heater | Moderate → Advanced |
| Frost on the freezer back wall | Defrost heater, defrost timer (mechanical), sensor | Doors and seals | Defrost parts | Advanced |
| Both warm; compressor runs; back of the fridge hot | Condenser fan, dirty condenser | Clean the condenser area | Condenser fan | Moderate |
| Bill slides out of the door | Door gasket | Clean the gasket | Gasket | Moderate |
| Display shows an error code | Control or sensor | Reset (unplug 30 seconds) | Board or sensor | Advanced |
| Both warm; compressor never runs after 24 hours | Control, start components, compressor | Power checks | Pro diagnosis | Pro only |
Alerts and steps from Frigidaire's US owner support articles "Refrigerators - Not Cooling", "Freezer - Not Freezing or Not Cooling", "Refrigerator Error Codes and Alarms Guide", and "Refrigerator Error Code H or HI - High Temperature" (sources 1–4), and Frigidaire Use & Care manual A21785802 (source 5), checked directly 2026-10-30. The open ApplianceDB sample (source 11), which maps manufacturer codes to a component, a ranked fix, and a DIY difficulty, has no Frigidaire entries, so the sign→part table above is our own mapping from Frigidaire's pages and the part catalog, not Frigidaire wording. Your owner's manual has the final word for your model.
Diagnose by symptom → likely part
Before you touch parts: Unplug the refrigerator. Move food to a cooler. Never use sharp tools on frost or tubing.
1. Freezer cold, fridge warm; no fan sound in the freezer
Likely causes: a failed evaporator fan motor, or a fan blocked by frost. Fixr notes most modern frost-free fridges use fans to move cold air; when the fan fails, the fridge warms up.
Signs: the freezer is cold but the fresh food section creeps up; no airflow from the vents; a scraping or silent fan.
DIY difficulty: Moderate.
| Part | What it does | DIY difficulty |
|---|---|---|
| Evaporator fan motor | Pushes cold air from the evaporator into both sections | Moderate |
2. Frost or ice on the freezer back wall; cooling fades over days
Likely causes: a defrost fault: the defrost heater, a defrost timer on mechanical-control models, or a temperature sensor. Frigidaire's manual says a normal defrost cycle lasts about 30 minutes (the compressor stops), and a red glow behind the freezer vents during defrost is normal.
DIY difficulty: Advanced.
| Part | What it does | DIY difficulty |
|---|---|---|
| Defrost heater | Melts frost off the evaporator | Advanced |
| Defrost timer (mechanical models) | Switches the fridge into defrost | Moderate |
| Temperature sensor | Tells the control the temperature | Advanced |
3. Both sections warm; the compressor runs; the back or bottom is hot
Likely causes: a failed condenser fan motor or a condenser clogged with dust. Fixr says dirty coils make the appliance warm up and suggests cleaning them at least twice a year, more often with indoor pets.
DIY difficulty: Moderate.
| Part | What it does | DIY difficulty |
|---|---|---|
| Condenser fan motor | Cools the condenser and compressor | Moderate |
4. HI keeps returning; the door seal fails the bill test
Likely causes: a torn or flattened door gasket, or a door that doesn't close (Frigidaire's manual lists packaging in the way, a fridge that isn't level, or a misaligned flipper mullion on French-door models).
DIY difficulty: Moderate.
| Part | What it does | DIY difficulty |
|---|---|---|
| Door gasket | Seals cold air in | Moderate |
5. Error code on the display, or nothing runs
Likely causes: the electronic control board, a sensor, or wiring. On a fridge with no cooling at all after 24 hours, the compressor and its start components are next, and that's a pro job.
DIY difficulty: Advanced; diagnose first before buying a board.
| Part | What it does | DIY difficulty |
|---|---|---|
| Electronic control board | Runs the fans, defrost, and compressor | Advanced; diagnose first |
Not sure if it's a fan, the defrost system, or the sealed system? A technician can check fan operation, frost pattern, and compressor in one visit; that's the visit that decides repair vs. replace.
Partner pro call line coming soon. See “who services” below for your options.
Independent partner service, not Frigidaire or Electrolux. We may be paid when you call.
Prevent it next time
- Keep 37°F / 0°F and use an appliance thermometer rather than guessing.
- Don't block vents or air ports, and don't pack the freezer solid.
- Check the door seals with the bill test a couple of times a year; wipe gaskets with soapy water.
- Keep the condenser area clean if your model has accessible coils (Fixr suggests at least twice a year).
- Keep the room above 55°F: no unheated garage in winter.
- After an outage, reset at the breaker and give it 24 hours before deciding it's broken.
Related guides
- Whirlpool refrigerator not cooling
- GE refrigerator not cooling
- Samsung refrigerator not cooling
- LG refrigerator not cooling
What Frigidaire's warranty covers on a refrigerator
Per the limited warranty printed in Frigidaire Use & Care manual A21785802 (April 2021; see Sources). Terms vary by model and year, so check your own manual:
| Period (from original purchase) | What's covered | Who pays labor |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | Electrolux pays all costs to repair or replace any part that proves defective in materials or workmanship, when installed, used and maintained per the instructions | Frigidaire / Electrolux |
| After year 1 | Not covered under that manual's warranty. Some older Frigidaire manuals listed an extra limited 2nd–5th-year warranty on the cabinet liner and sealed refrigeration system (compressor, condenser, evaporator, drier, tubing). Check the warranty page in your manual | Depends on your manual |
What this means for a fridge that won't cool: in year 1, a failed fan, defrost part, sensor, or board is covered. The manual's warranty does not cover service calls that don't involve a defect, correcting installation, teaching you how to use the appliance, food loss, commercial use, rust, products bought "as-is", products moved outside the USA or Canada or transferred from the original owner, after-hours surcharges, or damage from inadequate power supply, accidents, or acts of God. Keep your receipt or delivery slip. Frigidaire's articles add: for units installed within the last 30 days, go back to your installer first.
→ Frigidaire / Electrolux service: Frigidaire.com · 1-800-374-4432 (from the Frigidaire manual)
Before you pay for any repair: a 4-point check
- Warranty: year 1 parts and labor; check your manual for any sealed-system coverage; plus retailer or credit-card extended protection.
- Recalls: search your model at the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission's recall site: cpsc.gov/Recalls. A recall repair is free.
- Free fixes done: power and GFCI, breaker reset, Demo Mode, 37°F / 0°F, vents, seals, room temperature, 24-hour wait.
- Written quote: ask for part, labor, and trip fee as separate lines. For a sealed-system quote, ask what failed and how it was confirmed.
What it costs: repair parts and pro service (2026)
How we price this table: DIY part prices are Frigidaire / Electrolux-family OEM part numbers listed on Sears PartsDirect public search pages (S-list under Sources), USD before tax and shipping; ranges span several part numbers because the right part depends on your model number. Pro costs tagged [GUIDE] come from two US cost guides (Fixr = G1, HomeGuide = G2): national averages for refrigerators in general, not Frigidaire-specific quotes. "Varies — get a quote" means neither guide itemizes that repair, or no matching part listing was found, so we don't show a number.
| Repair | Part cost (DIY) | Typical pro cost (parts + labor) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Power, reset, Demo Mode, settings, vents, seals, room | $0 | — | Do these first |
| Fridge too warm (general) | — | [GUIDE] too warm $50–$250; freezer too cold, fridge warm $50–$250 (G1) | Symptom-level range |
| Evaporator fan motor | $49.24–$189.94 (5303918549 to 5304442620 assembly) [S1] | [GUIDE] evaporator fan motor $250–$400 (G2); fan repair $120–$200 (G1) | Most common fridge-warm part |
| Condenser fan motor | $105.10–$163.04 (5303918774 to 241696606) [S2] | [GUIDE] condenser fan motor $200–$350 (G2) | |
| Defrost heater | $54.06–$252.83 (240356227 to 5304518520) [S3] | [GUIDE] defrost heater $120–$400 (G2) | |
| Defrost timer (mechanical models) | $29.41–$123.23 (215846604 to 5303917634) [S4] | Varies — get a quote (not itemized in G1/G2) | Not on electronic models |
| Defrost thermostat / air damper | Varies by model (no Frigidaire listing found in our search) | Varies — get a quote (not itemized in G1/G2) | |
| Temperature sensor | $48.14–$80.75 (241608501 to 242213501 harness with sensor) [S7] | [GUIDE] thermostat $100–$400 (G2); thermostat $100–$260 (G1) | |
| Door gasket | $70.06–$288.04 (241786013 to 5304490971) [S6] | [GUIDE] door seal $100–$300 (G2); fridge seal $60–$100 (G1) | |
| Electronic control board | $111.46–$394.22 (A01078804 to 241708306) [S5] | [GUIDE] control board $400–$750 (G2); $500–$1,000 (G1) | Diagnose first |
| Condenser coil cleaning | $0 | [GUIDE] coil cleaning $70–$130 (G2); $60–$100 (G1) | |
| Compressor | — | [GUIDE] compressor $700–$1,250 (G2); $500–$1,000 (G1) | |
| Sealed system / refrigerant leak | — | [GUIDE] entire sealed system $600–$1,400; Freon leak $400–$1,100 (G2); sealed system $800–$1,200; Freon leak $200–$300 (G1) | Certified tech only |
| Frigidaire refrigerator repair (brand range) | — | Varies — get a quote (Frigidaire isn't in G1's refrigerator brand table) | |
| Service call / diagnostic fee | — | [GUIDE] service call $70–$120 (G1); $70–$130 minimum incl. up to 1 hour (G2) | |
| New comparable refrigerator | — | [GUIDE] $1,000–$3,000 (G1); $675–$2,500 (G2); all brands |
Part prices checked 2026-10-30 on Sears PartsDirect public search pages (S1–S7). Pro-cost cells tagged [GUIDE] from G1 (Fixr) and G2 (HomeGuide), re-read 2026-10-30; [GUIDE] figures are national averages, not Frigidaire-specific quotes. Prices change; confirm with your model number.
Tip: tell the tech whether the freezer is cold, whether you can hear the freezer fan, whether there's frost on the back wall, and what the display shows.
Repair vs. replace calculator
1. What's the all-in repair cost? → R = trip/diagnostic fee + part + labor + tax, minus anything Frigidaire's warranty (or a recall) covers
2. What does a comparable new refrigerator cost, all-in? → N = unit + delivery + installation + haul-away (+ water-line kit)
3. How old is your fridge, and how long should it last? → Age and Life (use about 15 years, the middle of HomeGuide's 10–20-year range, if you don't know)
4. How much have you spent on repairs in the last 2 years? → Past
Step A — Cost ratio: R ÷ N
Step B — Life used: Age ÷ Life
Step C — Repeat-repair check: (R + Past) ÷ N
| Life used under 50% | Life used over 50% | |
|---|---|---|
| Repair under 50% of new | ✅ Repair | 🤔 Repair is usually fine. Check for other wear |
| Repair over 50% of new | 🤔 Get a second quote first | ❌ Replace |
Repeat-repair rule: if Step C is over 50%, treat it like the bottom-right box: money keeps going into the same machine. And if the part is no longer available for your model, that decides it: replace.
Worked example 1 (illustrative numbers): A new Frigidaire French-door fridge shows 77 77 and the lights work, but nothing gets cold. The owner unplugs it for 5 minutes, which ends Demo Mode, and waits 24 hours. R = $0.
→ Not a repair.
Worked example 2 (illustrative numbers): A 6-year-old Frigidaire side-by-side has a cold freezer and a warm fridge; the evaporator fan has failed. A tech replaces it: R = $300; N = $1,600; no other repairs.
300 ÷ 1,600 = 19%; life used 6 ÷ 15 = 40%; repeat check 19% → Repair.
Worked example 3 (illustrative numbers): A 13-year-old Frigidaire top-freezer has a refrigerant leak. Last year it had a defrost heater for $250. R = $1,000; N = $1,000.
1,000 ÷ 1,000 = 100%; life used 13 ÷ 15 = 87%; repeat check (1,000 + 250) ÷ 1,000 = 125% → Replace.
Tips toward replacing: a sealed-system repair out of warranty, a second big repair in about 2 years, cracked liners, or a board on an older fridge.
Tips toward repairing: it's a fan, defrost part, sensor, or gasket; the fridge is under about 8 years old; or the real fix was a setting, Demo Mode, or a blocked vent.
Why 50%? It's the common rule of thumb, and the one we use. Some technician checklists draw the line a little higher, at about 60% of a new refrigerator's price, so treat a repair that costs 50–60% of new as a second-quote zone, not an automatic replace. The older the fridge, the lower the line should go: once it has used more than half its expected life, the same repair buys fewer years.
Who services Frigidaire refrigerators near you
1. Frigidaire / Electrolux (warranty service). In year 1, start with Frigidaire. If the fridge was installed within the last 30 days, Frigidaire says go back to your installer first.
→ Frigidaire.com: product support · 1-800-374-4432
2. A partner appliance pro (out of warranty).
Our call line connects you with an independent appliance repair provider in your area. Tell them whether the freezer is cold, whether the fans run, whether there's frost, what the display shows, and your model number.
Our partner pro call line is coming soon. Until then: if your appliance may still be under warranty, contact the manufacturer first. Otherwise, get two or three written quotes from local appliance repair companies, and ask about the diagnostic fee and the parts-and-labor warranty.
3. A certified refrigeration tech for any sealed-system work (compressor, leak, recharge).
4. DIY with the right part. Gaskets and fan motors are common DIY jobs. Order by your exact model number.
Questions to ask any technician:
- Did you check the settings, Demo Mode, vents, and seals first?
- Is it the fan, the defrost system, or the sealed system? How did you confirm it?
- Is any of this covered by my warranty?
- Can you split the quote into part, labor, and trip fee?
Optional: is an appliance warranty worth it?
A home warranty (service contract) can cover repairs for a yearly fee plus a per-visit service fee. Read the exclusions carefully: many plans cap refrigerant and sealed-system work and exclude food loss. A fridge that's already broken is usually not covered.
FAQ
Why is my Frigidaire refrigerator not cooling but the freezer is?
Most often the cold air isn't reaching the fresh food section: blocked vents, a failed evaporator fan, or frost on the evaporator from a defrost fault. Clear the vents first, then listen for the freezer fan.
What temperature should a Frigidaire refrigerator be set at?
Frigidaire's factory settings are 37°F for the refrigerator and 0°F for the freezer. It calls 33–47°F acceptable for the fridge and -6°F to 6°F for the freezer.
How long does a Frigidaire refrigerator take to cool?
Frigidaire says allow 24 hours for temperatures to stabilize after installation, a power outage, or a reset.
What does 77 77 mean on a Frigidaire refrigerator?
Demo Mode, used for store displays. Frigidaire says unplug the refrigerator for 5 minutes and plug it back in to turn it off.
What does HI mean on a Frigidaire refrigerator?
High temperature. Frigidaire says it usually means a door was left open, a setting changed, or a door isn't sealing. Press Clear Alerts, check the doors and gaskets, and give it time to recover.
How do I reset a Frigidaire refrigerator?
Press Clear Alerts if your model has it, or unplug it for 30 seconds, or switch its breaker off and on. Then wait 24 hours.
Is it worth fixing a Frigidaire refrigerator that isn't cooling?
Usually, when it's a fan, defrost part, sensor, or gasket. A sealed-system repair on an older fridge usually isn't. Use the calculator above.
About the author
Fix It or Replace editorial team — We research appliance repairs using manufacturer documentation, parts-supplier data, and current US cost guides, and we cite every source below. We are not appliance technicians; for anything involving refrigerant or wiring, call a qualified pro.
Last updated: 2026-10-30.
Sources
- Frigidaire US owner support: "Refrigerators - Not Cooling" (dedicated 115/120 V grounded outlet on a 15 or 20 amp breaker or time-delay fuse; 24 hours to stabilize; check indicator lights and GFI outlet; after a power outage flip the refrigerator's breaker off; not recommended where the room drops below 55°F; factory settings 37°F and 0°F; acceptable 33–47°F and -6°F to 6°F; blocked vents; door closing; dollar-bill seal test; clean gasket with warm soapy water; installed within 30 days, contact installer; otherwise schedule service). https://owner.frigidaire.com/support-articles/article/1898299-refrigerators-not-cooling (accessed 2026-10-30)
- Frigidaire US owner support: "Freezer - Not Freezing or Not Cooling" (same checks; compressor hum, fans and gurgling mean it's trying to cool; if running 24 hours with no cooling, schedule service; frost build-up reduces airflow; remove items from an overfilled freezer). https://owner.frigidaire.com/support-articles/article/1907715-freezer-not-freezing-or-not-cooling (accessed 2026-10-30)
- Frigidaire US owner support: "Refrigerator Error Codes and Alarms Guide" (Clear Alerts, unplug 30 seconds, or breaker; SB Sabbath; 77 77 Demo Mode, unplug 5 minutes; DI SP ice jam; PF power failure; H/HI high temperature for over one hour; Door Ajar over 5 minutes; beeping and lit display: unplug 2–3 minutes). https://owner.frigidaire.com/support-articles/article/1847088-refrigerators-error-codes-and-alarms (accessed 2026-10-30)
- Frigidaire US owner support: "Refrigerator Error Code H or HI - High Temperature" (alarm every 60 seconds; Clear Alerts shows the highest temperature; causes: door open, settings changed, poor gasket seal; reset steps). https://owner.frigidaire.com/support-articles/article/1917064-refrigerator-error-code-h-or-hi-high-temperature (accessed 2026-10-30)
- Frigidaire Refrigerator Use & Care manual A21785802 (April 2021), hosted by Electrolux (flammable refrigerant: no mechanical devices to defrost, don't puncture tubing, repair only by trained service personnel; don't install below 55°F or above 110°F; clearances 3/8 inch sides and top, 1 inch back; grounded outlet, no extension cord or adapter; recommended 37°F / 0°F; HIGH TEMP alarm and HI display; door alarm after 5 minutes; food within 1 inch of air ports may freeze; temperature sensor on the right side of the fresh food area; defrost cycle about 30 minutes; red glow in freezer vents during defrost is normal; variable-speed compressor runs nearly 100% of the time; digital display error: call 1-800-374-4432; do not remove the serial plate; one-year limited warranty and exclusions). https://na2.electroluxmedia.com/Original/Electrolux/Electrolux%20Assets/Document/Complete%20Owners%20Guide/English/A21785802en.pdf (accessed 2026-10-30)
- Older Frigidaire refrigerator warranty (example: FRT18S6AQ0 Use & Care manual, warranty page; third-party-hosted copy) listing a limited 2nd–5th-year warranty on the cabinet liner and sealed refrigeration system. https://www.manualslib.com/manual/503308/Frigidaire-Frt18s6aq0.html?page=20 (accessed 2026-10-30)
- U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission: recalls search. https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls (accessed 2026-10-30)
- Federal Trade Commission: endorsement and affiliate disclosure guidance. https://www.ftc.gov/business-guidance/resources/ftcs-endorsement-guides-what-people-are-asking
- Part prices: Sears PartsDirect public search pages, see S-list below (accessed 2026-10-30).
- Repair cost guides: Fixr (G1) and HomeGuide (G2), see list below (accessed 2026-10-30).
- ApplianceDB free developer sample (checked for Frigidaire US refrigerator codes; none in the sample, so not used for this page's tables). Data under the Open Database License (ODbL) v1.0. https://github.com/ApplianceDB/ApplianceDB-public (accessed 2026-10-30)
Part price sources (Sears PartsDirect public search results, USD, accessed 2026-10-30; Frigidaire / Electrolux-family part numbers only; prices change, confirm with your model number):
- S1. Search "frigidaire refrigerator evaporator fan motor": 5303918549 $49.24, 297309000 $52.27, 242077705 $83.46, 809069206 $97.57, 809069220 $100.71, 5300158289 $104.10, 242290001 $105.66, 5304436055 $114.31, 242077708 motor and blower $117.83, 808602602 $157.86, 5304442620 assembly $189.94 (grommets, brackets, and covers excluded). https://www.searspartsdirect.com/search?q=frigidaire%20refrigerator%20evaporator%20fan%20motor
- S2. Search "frigidaire refrigerator condenser fan motor": 5303918774 $105.10, 242018301 $113.77, 5304519734 $120.85, 241696606 $163.04 (bracket, Crosley-labeled, and unattributed parts excluded). https://www.searspartsdirect.com/search?q=frigidaire%20refrigerator%20condenser%20fan%20motor
- S3. Search "frigidaire refrigerator defrost heater": 240356227 $54.06, 240356217 $90.31, 240356221 $90.31, 218657301 $98.89, 5303918247 $137.14, 218169805 $140.53, 5317842502 $184.94, 218169804 $229.54, 5304518520 $252.83 (White-Westinghouse-labeled, ice-maker heater, and sensor excluded). https://www.searspartsdirect.com/search?q=frigidaire%20refrigerator%20defrost%20heater
- S4. Search "frigidaire refrigerator defrost timer": 215846604 $29.41, 5304518034 freezer $35.25, 5304526183 $64.16, 241705102 $71.54, 5303917634 $123.23 (Crosley-, Kenmore-, and Whirlpool-labeled excluded). https://www.searspartsdirect.com/search?q=frigidaire%20refrigerator%20defrost%20timer
- S5. Search "frigidaire refrigerator control board": A01078804 $111.46, 5304498781 $202.74, 242114904 $221.20, 5304512770 $262.25, 5304497788 power board $276.44, 242115101 $323.56, 241708306 $394.22 (White-Westinghouse-labeled and non-refrigerator parts excluded). https://www.searspartsdirect.com/search?q=frigidaire%20refrigerator%20control%20board
- S6. Search "frigidaire refrigerator door gasket": 241786013 $70.06, 241872512 $83.58, 5304537408 $84.15, 241872501 $98.57, 242193204 $105.63, 242193203 $107.31, 241872509 $112.02, 242193206 $118.97, 242193213 $123.09, 242193202 $127.36, 242193209 $130.11, 241872504 $130.28, 5304507206 $130.55, 242193205 $148.06, 241786015 $157.80, 5304490971 $288.04. https://www.searspartsdirect.com/search?q=frigidaire%20refrigerator%20door%20gasket
- S7. Search "frigidaire refrigerator thermistor": temperature sensor 241608501 $48.14, Electrolux temperature sensor 5303918645 $68.31, defrost wire harness and sensor 242213501 $80.75 (covers, filters, ice-maker kit, air-conditioner and Whirlpool parts excluded). https://www.searspartsdirect.com/search?q=frigidaire%20refrigerator%20thermistor
- Searches "frigidaire defrost thermostat", "frigidaire refrigerator air damper", and "frigidaire refrigerator relay" returned no Frigidaire listings on 2026-10-30, so those rows say "Varies by model".
Pro-cost guide sources [GUIDE] (US national averages, parts + labor, not brand-specific quotes; the guide pages carry 2023–2025 dates, so local quotes may differ):
- G1. Fixr, "How much does it cost to repair a refrigerator?" (updated August 29, 2025): too warm $50–$250; freezer too cold, fridge warm $50–$250; fan repair $120–$200; coil cleaning $60–$100; fridge seal $60–$100; thermostat $100–$260; control board $500–$1,000; compressor $500–$1,000; sealed system $800–$1,200; Freon leak $200–$300; brand table lists Whirlpool, LG, GE, Kenmore, Samsung, and Sub-Zero (no Frigidaire row); service call $70–$120; clean coils at least twice a year; replacement $1,000–$3,000. https://www.fixr.com/costs/refrigerator-repair (accessed 2026-10-30)
- G2. HomeGuide, "How Much Does Refrigerator Repair Cost? (2026)" (byline April 5, 2023): evaporator fan motor $250–$400; condenser fan motor $200–$350; defrost heater $120–$400; thermostat $100–$400; door seal $100–$300; control board $400–$750; compressor $700–$1,250; entire sealed system $600–$1,400; Freon leak $400–$1,100; cleaning coils $70–$130; minimum service fee $70–$130 incl. up to 1 hour; replacement $675–$2,500; refrigerators last 10–20 years. https://homeguide.com/costs/refrigerator-repair-cost (accessed 2026-10-30)
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