Freezer displays E1 and temperature rises above setpoint, food starting to soften.

Safety first: Unplug the Balay freezer from the mains before removing any panels. Do not work on live circuits.

• Power reset: Disconnect power for 5–10 minutes, then reconnect. If E1 returns after a few minutes, continue.
• Locate the evaporator sensor: It is usually clipped to the evaporator coil behind the internal rear panel of the freezer compartment. Remove drawers and the inner back panel (usually held by Torx or Phillips screws).
• Inspect the sensor and wiring: Look for broken insulation, corrosion on connectors, or a sensor that has come loose from the evaporator pipe. Reseat the connector firmly.
• Check resistance (if you have a multimeter): At room temperature (~25°C), a typical Balay NTC sensor should read around 4–6 kΩ (exact value varies by model). If it reads open (OL) or near 0 Ω, the sensor is faulty.
• Replace the sensor: If readings are out of range or the sensor is physically damaged, replace the Balay evaporator NTC temperature sensor. Clip it back onto the evaporator in the original position and route the cable as before to avoid contact with moving parts or sharp edges.
• Reassemble and test: Refit the inner panel and drawers, restore power, and monitor if the E1 code clears and the freezer begins to cool properly.

If the sensor tests good but E1 persists, the main control board may be defective and should be checked by a qualified technician.