Refrigerator display shows E1 and cabinet temperature is too warm

Safety first: Unplug the Zanussi refrigerator from the mains before removing any panels or handling wiring. Do not work on live circuits.

Step-by-step checks:

• Power cycle: Disconnect power for 5–10 minutes, then reconnect. If E1 returns after a few minutes of operation, continue with diagnostics.
• Locate the fridge NTC: Inside the fresh food compartment, find the small plastic cover or probe housing (often on the rear wall or ceiling). Remove the cover to access the sensor.
• Inspect the sensor and wiring: Check for corrosion, broken insulation, or a loose connector where the sensor plugs into the internal harness. Reseat the connector firmly.
• Test the NTC (if you have a multimeter): With the fridge unplugged, disconnect the sensor and measure resistance. A typical Zanussi NTC is around 5–10 kΩ at room temperature. Infinite resistance indicates an open sensor; near 0 Ω indicates a short.
• Check harness to PCB: At the main control board (usually at the rear behind a metal or plastic cover), verify that the sensor harness is fully seated and not pinched or damaged.
• Replace faulty parts: If the sensor is open/shorted, replace the fridge compartment NTC sensor. If the sensor tests good but E1 persists, the main control board may be defective and should be replaced by a qualified technician.

When to call a professional: If you are not comfortable testing resistance or accessing the main PCB, or if replacing the sensor does not clear E1, contact an authorised Zanussi service centre.