E2
RCA Evaporator Temperature Sensor Fault

RCA freezer display shows E2 and may not defrost properly; frost buildup on evaporator cover.

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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

Failed evaporator thermistor, Broken thermistor clip or poor contact with evaporator coil, Damaged thermistor harness to control board

How to Fix / Troubleshooting

Safety first: Disconnect power before accessing internal components. Sharp metal edges inside the freezer can cut; wear cut-resistant gloves.

Steps to address E2:

  • 1. Defrost access: Remove food and shelves. If the evaporator cover is heavily iced, allow the unit to sit unplugged with the door open or use a hair dryer on low (kept away from water) to melt ice. Do not chip ice with sharp tools.
  • 2. Remove evaporator cover: Unscrew and gently pull off the rear interior panel to expose the evaporator coil and sensor wiring.
  • 3. Locate evaporator thermistor: It is usually clipped to the evaporator tubing in a plastic holder. Inspect for cracks, corrosion, or a broken clip causing poor contact.
  • 4. Check wiring and connections: Follow the thermistor wires to the connector. Look for brittle insulation, breaks, or loose pins. Reseat the connector.
  • 5. Test the sensor: With the freezer unplugged, disconnect the thermistor and measure resistance. Compare to expected NTC values (e.g., around 8–12 kΩ near freezing). An open or shorted reading indicates a bad sensor.
  • 6. Replace if needed: Install a new RCA-compatible evaporator thermistor. Clip it firmly to the evaporator coil in the same location to ensure accurate temperature sensing.
  • 7. Reassemble and monitor: Reinstall the evaporator cover, restore power, and verify that the E2 code clears and the unit cycles defrost normally over the next 24 hours.

Note: If the sensor tests good but E2 remains, the electronic control board may not be reading the sensor correctly and may require replacement by a technician.

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Repair Difficulty

Hard 4/5

Required Part

Evaporator Thermistor
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