E1
Whirlpool
Freezer Temperature Sensor (Evaporator Thermistor) Fault
Freezer beeps and displays E1; temperature may be warmer than setpoint
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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
Open or shorted evaporator thermistor, Damaged thermistor harness, Corroded thermistor connector at control board, Failed main control board (Jazz board or electronic control)
How to Fix / Troubleshooting
Safety first: Unplug the freezer before removing panels or handling wiring. Use insulated tools and avoid working on a wet floor.
- 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 evaporator thermistor: Remove the interior rear panel in the freezer compartment (usually behind the evaporator cover). The thermistor is a small sensor clipped to the evaporator tubing or wall with two wires leading to it.
- Inspect wiring and connector: Check for broken, pinched, or corroded wires between the thermistor and the control board (often in the control housing at the top or rear). Reseat the connector firmly.
- Test the thermistor: With the unit unplugged, disconnect the thermistor and measure resistance with a multimeter. At about 32°F (0°C), most Whirlpool thermistors read roughly 8–10 kΩ (check service sheet for exact spec). If reading is open (OL), 0 Ω, or far out of range, replace the thermistor.
- Replace the thermistor if faulty: Clip the old sensor out, install the new Whirlpool thermistor in the same location and orientation, and reconnect the harness.
- Check the control board: If the thermistor tests good and wiring is intact, the main control board may be misreading the sensor. Inspect for burnt spots or swollen components and replace the board if necessary.
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Repair Difficulty
Medium
3/5
Required Part
Evaporator Thermistor
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