Refrigerator display shows E1 and fresh food section temperature is incorrect or fluctuating.

Safety first: Unplug the refrigerator before accessing internal panels or wiring.

Steps to diagnose and correct:

• Locate the refrigerator thermistor: In many Magic Chef models, the fresh food thermistor is behind a small plastic cover on the rear interior wall of the refrigerator compartment, often near the top.
• Inspect the sensor and wiring: Remove the cover, gently pull out the thermistor probe, and inspect the wires for cuts, pinches, or corrosion at the connector. Ensure the connector is firmly attached.
• Basic resistance check (if you have a multimeter): With the thermistor disconnected, measure resistance across the two leads. At room temperature (~77°F / 25°C), most NTC thermistors used by Magic Chef will read between 5k–20k ohms. A reading of 0 ohms (short) or infinite (open) indicates a bad sensor.
• Replace if faulty: If the thermistor is open/shorted or physically damaged, replace it with a Magic Chef-compatible refrigerator compartment thermistor. Route the new sensor wiring along the original path and secure it with clips or tape to avoid pinching.
• Reset and test: Reconnect the sensor, reinstall the cover, restore power, and allow several hours for temperatures to stabilize. The E1 code should clear automatically on most models after a few cycles.

Note: If the thermistor tests good but E1 persists, the main control board thermistor circuit may be defective and require replacement.