Dehumidifier will not start; display shows E1 shortly after power-on

Safety first: Unplug the Sencor dehumidifier from the mains before opening any panels. Do not work on the unit while it is connected to power.

Steps to check and fix:

• Power reset: Unplug the unit for 5–10 minutes, then plug back in and try again. Sometimes E1 can be a temporary logic error.
• Locate the ambient NTC sensor: Remove the front or side cover (depending on model, e.g. Sencor SDH series). The room temperature sensor is usually a small bead-type NTC thermistor on two thin wires, clipped near the air inlet grille or evaporator coil and plugged into the main control PCB.
• Inspect wiring: Check the sensor wires for cuts, pinches, or burn marks. Ensure the small connector is fully seated on the main PCB (often labeled "NTC" or "T-ROOM"). Reseat the connector.
• Test the sensor: With a multimeter set to resistance, measure across the sensor leads (disconnected from the board). At room temperature (20–25°C), most Sencor NTC sensors will read between 5–20 kΩ. If it reads open (OL) or near 0 Ω, the sensor is defective.
• Replace if faulty: If the sensor is out of range or physically damaged, replace it with a compatible Sencor ambient NTC sensor assembly for your exact model. Route the new sensor in the same position and clip it securely.
• Check the PCB: If a known-good sensor still gives E1, the sensor input circuit on the main control PCB may be defective. Inspect for burnt components or corrosion. Replacement of the main control PCB is usually required.

When to call a technician: If you are not comfortable using a multimeter or accessing the control board, or if the PCB appears damaged, contact an authorized Sencor service center.