Digital Kenmore upright freezer beeps and displays E1; temperature may not be accurate or display is blank/erratic.

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

Steps to check and address E1:

• 1. Power reset: Unplug the freezer for 5 minutes, then plug it back in. If E1 returns, continue.
• 2. Locate the thermistor: On most Kenmore uprights, the cabinet thermistor is behind an interior liner cover near the top or rear wall. Remove the plastic cover or air duct to access it.
• 3. Inspect wiring: Check the thermistor leads and connector for corrosion, broken insulation, or loose pins. Reseat the connector at both the thermistor and the main control board (usually behind the top/front control panel or rear service panel).
• 4. Test the thermistor: With the freezer unplugged, disconnect the thermistor and measure resistance with a multimeter. At room temperature (~77°F / 25°C), most Kenmore NTC thermistors read around 5k–10k ohms. If it reads 0 (short) or OL (open), it is defective.
• 5. Replace if faulty: If readings are out of spec or the sensor is physically damaged, replace the cabinet thermistor with a Kenmore-compatible part. Route the new sensor in the same path and secure it away from evaporator coils and moving parts.
• 6. Reassemble and test: Reinstall covers, restore power, and monitor the display. Confirm that E1 clears and that the temperature reading changes over time as the freezer cools.

When to call a technician: If the thermistor tests good but E1 persists, the electronic control board may be faulty and should be diagnosed or replaced by a professional.