Ruud air conditioner outdoor unit starts then quickly shuts down; diagnostic LED or display shows E1.

Safety first: Turn off power at the outdoor disconnect before cleaning or working near the fan and coil. Do not attempt to connect gauges or adjust refrigerant charge unless you are EPA-certified.

• Step 1 – Inspect airflow around unit: Ensure at least 2–3 feet of clearance around the Ruud condenser. Remove leaves, grass clippings, and debris from the coil guard and top. Trim shrubs away from the unit.
• Step 2 – Clean condenser coil: Remove the top fan grille if needed (after power is off). Use a garden hose with gentle pressure to rinse the coil from the inside out, avoiding bending fins. Do not use a pressure washer. Allow the unit to dry, then restore power.
• Step 3 – Check condenser fan operation: With power restored and a call for cooling, verify the outdoor fan starts and runs at normal speed. If the fan does not run or is slow, the system will overheat and trip the high-pressure switch.
• Step 4 – Reset high-pressure switch: Many Ruud units have a manual reset high-pressure switch near the service valves or inside the control compartment. With power off, press the reset button if present. Restore power and test.
• Step 5 – Call a technician for refrigerant issues: If the coil is clean, airflow is good, and the fan runs properly but E1 returns, the system may be overcharged, have a non-condensable contamination, or a failing high-pressure switch. These require professional gauges and recovery equipment.