L1
Magic Chef Low Temperature Alarm / Overcooling Condition

Magic Chef freezer displays L1 or LO; interior may be extremely cold and some items may be freezer-burned.

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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.

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Possible Causes

Thermostat or temperature sensor out of calibration, Control board stuck in continuous run, Stuck relay on main control board

How to Fix / Troubleshooting

Safety: Overcooling itself is not an immediate electrical hazard, but internal components may be iced over. Unplug the unit before removing panels.

Steps:

  • Verify set temperature: Ensure the control is not set to the coldest setting unintentionally. Adjust to a mid-range setting and monitor.
  • Check actual temperature: Use a freezer thermometer. If the temperature is far below the setpoint (e.g., -20°F when set to 0°F), a control or sensor issue is likely.
  • Inspect sensors: Follow the procedures for E1/E2 to verify that cabinet and evaporator thermistors are reading correctly.
  • Observe compressor run time: If the compressor runs nearly 100% of the time regardless of temperature, the control board may have a stuck relay.
  • Power reset: Unplug the freezer for 10 minutes, then plug it back in. If L1 returns and overcooling continues, the control or thermostat likely needs replacement.
  • Replace faulty control or thermostat: For mechanical thermostat models, replace the thermostat. For electronic models, replace the main control board following manufacturer wiring and mounting instructions.

Note: Overcooling can cause excessive frost and fan noise; address promptly to avoid secondary issues.

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Repair Difficulty

Hard 4/5

Required Part

Temperature Control Thermostat
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