Indoor unit shows E1 and stops operation shortly after starting
Safety Warning
This repair may involve working with high voltage components or water connections. Always unplug the appliance before removing any panels.
If you are not confident in your ability to perform this repair safely, we strongly recommend contacting a professional technician.
Possible Causes
How to Fix / Troubleshooting
Safety first: Switch OFF the unit and isolate power at the breaker. Do not attempt to open the refrigerant circuit yourself; this must be done by a licensed HVAC technician.
- Clean the outdoor condenser coil: Remove leaves, plastic bags, and debris from the outdoor SMEG condenser. Use a soft brush or low-pressure water spray (power off) to clean the fins from inside out.
- Check outdoor airflow: Ensure at least 30–50 cm clearance around the outdoor unit. Remove any obstructions blocking the fan discharge.
- Inspect outdoor fan operation: Restore power and briefly run the unit. Confirm the outdoor fan starts and runs smoothly. If the fan does not start, makes grinding noises, or stops intermittently, the fan motor or capacitor may be faulty and should be replaced.
- Reset the system: After cleaning and confirming fan operation, power the unit off for 5 minutes, then restart. If E1 reappears, the system may be overcharged or have a restriction.
Do not attempt to release or add refrigerant yourself. Contact a licensed technician to check system pressures and correct charge.
Repair Difficulty
Required Part
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