GE upright freezer displays E1 and may not maintain correct temperature

Safety first: Unplug the freezer before removing panels or handling wiring. Use insulated tools and avoid working on a wet floor.

Steps to check and address E1:

• Power reset: Unplug the freezer for 5 minutes, then plug back in to see if the E1 code clears. If it returns, continue.
• Locate the cabinet thermistor: On most GE upright freezers, the cabinet temperature sensor is behind an interior liner cover near the evaporator or on the rear wall inside the freezer. Remove the interior panel screws and gently pull the panel forward.
• Inspect wiring: Look for broken, pinched, or iced-over wires going to the thermistor. If you see corrosion or a loose connector, clean with electrical contact cleaner and reseat the plug firmly.
• Test the thermistor: Disconnect the thermistor from the harness. Using a multimeter set to resistance (ohms), measure across the thermistor leads. At room temperature (around 77°F / 25°C), most GE thermistors should read roughly 10kΩ (check your tech sheet for exact spec). If the reading is open (OL), shorted (near 0Ω), or far outside spec, the thermistor is bad.
• Replace if defective: If failed, install a new GE-compatible cabinet thermistor. Route the new sensor along the original path, avoiding sharp bends and moving parts. Secure with clips or tape as originally installed.
• Reassemble and test: Reinstall the interior panel, restore power, and monitor the display. The E1 code should clear after a short run period if the sensor is working correctly.

When to call a technician: If the thermistor tests good but E1 persists, the main control board may be misreading the sensor and likely needs professional diagnosis and replacement.