Whynter ice maker beeps and displays E1, unit will not start ice-making cycle

Safety first: Unplug the ice maker before opening any panels. Do not work on the unit while it is connected to power.

Steps to check and correct E1:

• Power reset: Unplug the unit for 5–10 minutes, then plug back in and see if E1 clears. If it returns, continue.
• Locate the ambient sensor: On most Whynter ice makers, the ambient temperature sensor (NTC thermistor) is clipped near the air intake or mounted on the interior wall behind a small cover. Remove the rear or side panel as needed.
• Inspect wiring: Check the two-wire harness from the sensor to the control board. Look for cuts, pinches, or melted insulation. Reseat the connector at the control board and at the sensor.
• Check sensor resistance: With the unit unplugged, disconnect the sensor and measure resistance with a multimeter. At room temperature (around 77°F / 25°C), most NTC sensors should read between 5–20 kΩ (exact value varies by model). A reading of 0 Ω (short) or OL (open) indicates a bad sensor.
• Clean corrosion: If the connector pins are corroded, clean gently with contact cleaner and a small brush, then reconnect firmly.
• Replace sensor if faulty: If resistance is out of range or unstable when slightly warmed between your fingers, replace the ambient temperature sensor with a Whynter-compatible NTC sensor.
• Control board check: If a known-good sensor still gives E1, the sensor input on the main control PCB may be defective. Inspect the board for burn marks or damaged components and replace the control board if necessary.