E2
Kenmore Evaporator Temperature Sensor Failure

Wine cooler shows E2 on the display and may not cool properly; fan may run intermittently.

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Safety Warning

This repair may involve working with high voltage components or water connections. Always unplug the appliance before removing any panels.

If you are not confident in your ability to perform this repair safely, we strongly recommend contacting a professional technician.

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Possible Causes

Failed evaporator thermistor, Broken thermistor leads near evaporator coil, Corroded or loose thermistor connector at control board

How to Fix / Troubleshooting

Safety warning: Disconnect power before accessing internal components. Sharp metal edges around the evaporator can cause injury; wear cut-resistant gloves.

Steps to address E2:

  • Power cycle: Unplug the unit for 5–10 minutes and plug it back in. If E2 reappears, proceed.
  • Access the evaporator area: Remove interior shelves and the rear interior panel (usually held by screws) to expose the evaporator coil and fan assembly.
  • Locate the evaporator thermistor: It is typically clipped to the evaporator tubing or mounted near the coil in a plastic holder, with two wires leading back to the control board.
  • Visual inspection: Look for ice buildup around the sensor, broken insulation, or corroded connectors. If the sensor is encased in heavy ice, allow the unit to fully defrost (door open, unit unplugged) for several hours, then recheck.
  • Test the sensor: Disconnect the thermistor and measure resistance with a multimeter. Compare to expected NTC values (commonly 5k–10k ohms at room temperature). A reading of 0 ohms or infinite resistance indicates a failed sensor.
  • Replace if defective: Install a new evaporator temperature sensor (thermistor) compatible with your Kenmore model. Clip it securely to the evaporator in the same location to ensure accurate readings.
  • Reassemble and test: Reinstall the interior panel and shelves, restore power, and monitor for several hours to confirm that E2 clears and cooling is normal.

Note: If the sensor tests good but E2 persists, the main control board may be faulty and should be evaluated by a technician.

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Repair Difficulty

Hard 4/5

Required Part

Evaporator Temperature Sensor (Thermistor)
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