15th Oct 2026
Norcold 2118 AC HE Code (AC Heater Failure)
AC HE
Norcold 2118 AC HE Code (AC Heater Failure)
The power board sees too little current through the AC heaters. It shows only in MANUAL AC mode. The 2118 has two 300-watt heaters.
Before you start
- Heater resistance should be 45 to 51 ohms per heater.
- Replacing a heater means pulling the fridge out of its enclosure. Let the heaters cool first.
- Where things are. The power board, fuses, burner, gas valve and the Temperature Monitor Control (TMC) are behind the lower outside vent. The display and buttons are at the top front of the fridge.
Fits these models
The Norcold 2118 four-door, 2-way (120V AC and propane) refrigerator, including the IM (ice maker) and IMD (ice maker and dispenser) versions.
What you’ll see
AC then HE, with the manual AC icon lit. The code alternates between its two halves while the alarm beeps.
STEP 1
Check the heater connections
Check that both heaters are connected to the power board’s AC heater terminals (AC_HT_HI and AC_HT_LO) per the wiring diagram, with no burnt or loose terminals.
Are the connections good?
Repair the connections
Reconnect or replace burnt terminals, then test again.
STEP 2
Measure each heater
Unplug the fridge. Measure the resistance of each AC heater.
Are both 45 to 51 ohms?
Replace the AC heater
Replace the heater that’s open or out of range.
Norcold AC Heating Element 637136 →300 W, 120V AC heater for the 2118. It has two; replace the one that tests bad.Ask a tech
The heaters and wiring are good. Norcold says to contact customer service at this point; the power board is the likely cause. Ask a tech before ordering.
Still stuck? ask a tech with your model, serial number and the code you’re seeing. We’ll confirm the part before you order.
Covers the Norcold 2118, 2118SS, 2118BK, 2118IM, 2118IMSS, 2118IMBK, 2118IMD, 2118SSIMD and 2118IMDBK. Based on the Norcold 2118 service manual (637026 Rev. B), fault code AC HE.