E18
Whirlpool Shorted Temperature Sensor Circuit

Freezer displays E18; may indicate sensor short circuit

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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

Thermistor shorted internally, Sensor wires shorted together, Moisture bridging sensor terminals, Control board input failure

How to Fix / Troubleshooting

Safety first: Unplug the freezer before testing sensors.

  • Identify which sensor: Refer to the tech sheet to see which sensor E18 refers to (evaporator, cabinet, or ambient).
  • Inspect sensor and harness: Look for crushed or rubbed-through insulation causing wires to touch. Repair with heat-shrink tubing or replace the harness.
  • Test thermistor: Disconnect and measure resistance. A reading near 0 Ω indicates a shorted sensor; replace it.
  • Dry moisture: If condensation is present at the connector, dry thoroughly and apply dielectric grease to prevent recurrence.
  • Replace control board: If sensor and wiring are good but E18 remains, the board input may be shorted internally and require replacement.
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Repair Difficulty

Medium 3/5

Required Part

Thermistor (Model-Specific)
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