Digital display shows E1 and cabinet is not cooling or cooling poorly.

Safety first: Unplug the wine cooler from the wall outlet before removing any panels or touching internal wiring.

Step-by-step checks:

• Power cycle: Unplug the unit for 5 minutes, then plug it back in to see if the E1 code clears. If it returns, continue.
• Access the thermistor: On most hOmeLabs wine coolers, the cabinet temperature sensor is clipped to the evaporator cover or mounted on the rear interior wall. Remove the interior shelves and the rear plastic panel (usually held by Phillips screws).
• Inspect the sensor: Look for a small probe with two wires (often white or yellow) leading to the main harness. Check for cuts, pinched wires, or signs of moisture damage.
• Check connections: Follow the sensor wires to the connector at the main control board (typically located at the rear, behind the lower back panel). Ensure the connector is fully seated and free of corrosion. Reseat it several times to clean the contacts.
• Test resistance (if you have a multimeter): With the unit unplugged, disconnect the thermistor from the board and measure its resistance. At room temperature (around 77°F / 25°C), most hOmeLabs NTC thermistors should read roughly 5–10 kΩ. A reading of 0 Ω (short) or infinite (open) indicates a bad sensor.
• Replace if faulty: If the thermistor is open/shorted or physically damaged, replace it with a compatible hOmeLabs cabinet temperature sensor (NTC thermistor). Route the new sensor along the original path and secure it with clips or tape so it contacts the evaporator area properly.
• Reassemble and test: Reinstall the interior panel and shelves, plug the unit back in, and confirm that the E1 code is cleared and the cooler begins to cool.

When to call a technician: If the sensor tests good but E1 persists, the main control board may have a failed sensor input circuit and should be diagnosed or replaced by a professional.