Wine cooler displays E1 and interior temperature is not cooling properly or fluctuates widely.

Safety First: Unplug the wine cooler or switch off the circuit breaker before removing any panels. Do not work on live circuits.

Step-by-step checks:

• Power cycle the unit: Unplug for 5 minutes, then plug back in. If E1 returns after a few minutes of operation, continue with diagnostics.
• Locate the cabinet thermistor: On most Whirlpool wine coolers, the cabinet temperature sensor is a small probe or plastic-encased sensor mounted on the interior liner (often behind a small cover or near the evaporator cover).
• Inspect wiring and connector: Remove the interior panel as needed. Check the thermistor wires for cuts, pinches, or discoloration. Ensure the connector is fully seated on the main control board (usually located at the rear or behind the top control panel).
• Test the thermistor: Disconnect the thermistor from the harness and measure resistance with a multimeter. At room temperature (~77°F / 25°C), most Whirlpool NTC thermistors will read in the 5k–15k ohm range (check service documentation if available). If the reading is open (OL), shorted (near 0 ohms), or far outside expected range, the thermistor is faulty.
• Check continuity of harness: With power still disconnected, test continuity from the thermistor connector to the control board connector. Repair or replace any damaged wiring.
• Replace the thermistor if defective: Remove the old sensor, route the new Whirlpool-compatible cabinet thermistor along the same path, and secure it with clips or tape as originally installed. Reconnect to the control board.
• Evaluate the control board: If the thermistor and wiring test good but E1 persists, the temperature sensing circuit on the main control board may be defective. Inspect for burnt components or corrosion. Replacement of the control board is typically required.

When to call a technician: If you are not comfortable using a multimeter or accessing internal wiring, or if the control board appears damaged, contact a qualified appliance technician.