Northair ice maker will not power on, display shows E1 shortly after plugging in, no fans or compressor start.

Safety first: Unplug the ice maker from the wall outlet before opening any panels. Do not work on the unit while it is energized.

Step-by-step checks:

• Power reset: Unplug the unit for 5 minutes, then plug it back in. If E1 reappears immediately, continue with the steps below.
• Locate the cabinet thermistor: On most Northair ice makers, the main temperature sensor is clipped to the evaporator plate or mounted on the inner liner behind a small cover. Remove the rear or side service panel to access the sensor wiring.
• Inspect wiring and connector: Look for broken, pinched, or chewed wires between the thermistor and the main control board. Reseat the connector on the control PCB and check for corrosion or loose pins.
• Test the thermistor: With the unit unplugged, disconnect the thermistor from the harness and measure its resistance with a multimeter. Compare the reading to the expected value in the service manual (typically around 5–20 kΩ at room temperature). A reading of 0 Ω (short) or infinite (open) indicates a bad sensor.
• Replace if defective: If the thermistor is out of range or physically damaged, replace it with a compatible Northair cabinet/evaporator thermistor. Clip or tape it back in the original position for accurate sensing.
• Check the control board: If the thermistor tests good and wiring is intact, the sensor input on the main control PCB may be faulty. Inspect the board for burn marks or damaged components. Replacement of the control board is usually required if the sensor circuit is defective.

When to call a technician: If you are not comfortable using a multimeter or accessing internal wiring, or if replacing the thermistor does not clear E1, contact a qualified appliance technician.