Digital display shows E1 and cabinet is not cooling properly or temperature is erratic.

Safety First: Unplug the wine cooler before removing any panels. Glass shelves and bottles can shift—remove them to prevent breakage.

Step-by-step checks:

• Power cycle: Unplug the unit for 5 minutes, then plug back in. If E1 returns immediately, continue with diagnosis.
• Locate the cabinet thermistor: Inside most Magic Chef wine coolers, the cabinet temperature sensor is a small probe or plastic-covered bulb mounted on the rear or side wall, often behind a small plastic cover.
• Inspect the sensor and wiring: Remove the interior cover (usually a few Phillips screws). Check that the thermistor is firmly clipped to the wall and that its wires are not pinched, cut, or burned.
• Check connections at the control board: Access the control board from the rear or top (remove back panel). Find the small 2-wire connector labeled for the sensor (often marked "NTC" or "TEMP"). Reseat the connector and look for corrosion or loose pins.
• Test the thermistor (if you have a multimeter): With the unit unplugged, disconnect the thermistor from the board and measure resistance across the two leads. At room temperature (around 77°F / 25°C), most Magic Chef NTC thermistors read roughly 5k–10k ohms. A reading of 0 ohms (short) or infinite (open) indicates a bad sensor.
• Replace the thermistor if faulty: Order a replacement cabinet temperature sensor compatible with your Magic Chef model. Route the new sensor along the original path, secure it with clips, and reconnect to the control board.
• If sensor tests good: The temperature input circuit on the main control board may be defective. Inspect for burnt components. If no obvious damage but E1 persists, replace the main control board.

When to stop: If you are not comfortable using a multimeter or accessing the control board, contact a qualified appliance technician.