L1
RCA Low Temperature Alarm / Overcooling Condition

RCA freezer display shows L1 or "LO"; interior may be extremely cold and some items may have freezer burn.

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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

Temperature set too low, Stuck or shorted temperature sensor, Main control board not cycling compressor off

How to Fix / Troubleshooting

Safety first: Unplug the freezer before accessing sensors or the control board.

Steps to correct low temperature alarm:

  • 1. Check setpoint: Verify the temperature setting on the control panel. For most RCA freezers, -5°F to 0°F (-21°C to -18°C) is adequate. Raise the setpoint slightly and monitor.
  • 2. Power reset: Unplug the unit for 5 minutes, then plug it back in to clear any control glitches.
  • 3. Inspect cabinet thermistor: If the compressor seems to run longer than normal even after adjusting the setpoint, test the cabinet temperature sensor as described for code E1. A shorted thermistor can make the board think the freezer is warm, causing overcooling.
  • 4. Observe compressor cycling: Over several hours, listen for the compressor turning off periodically. If it runs nearly nonstop and the interior is excessively cold, the control board may not be regulating properly.
  • 5. Replace faulty parts: Replace a defective thermistor first. If the problem persists, an RCA-compatible main control board may be required.

Note: Extremely low temperatures can damage some foods and increase energy use. Address persistent L1/LO conditions promptly.

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Repair Difficulty

Medium 3/5

Required Part

Cabinet Temperature Sensor (Thermistor)
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