Samsung Refrigerator Error Code 1E: Fridge Temperature Sensor Failure
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What Error Code 1E Means
Error code 1E tells you the refrigerator compartment temperature sensor has lost communication with the main control board. The sensor either reads out of range or sends no signal at all. Your fridge stops regulating temperature correctly, and food spoilage starts fast. On some Samsung models, this same fault shows as 1C or SE on the display.
Common Causes
Failed thermistor
The fridge compartment thermistor (temperature sensor) has an open or shorted circuit. This is the most common cause. The part sits clipped to the evaporator cover or mounted near the top of the fresh food section.
Damaged wiring harness
The wire harness running from the thermistor to the main PCB has a broken conductor or corroded connector. Repeated door openings and vibration wear through insulation over time.
Faulty main control board
The PCB itself has a failed input circuit for the sensor line. This is less common but happens after power surges or board-level component failure.
Loose connector at the board or sensor
The plug connecting the thermistor wire to the main board or to the sensor itself has worked loose. A firm reseat fixes this instantly.
How to Fix It
- 1
Power cycle the refrigerator
Unplug the fridge from the wall outlet or flip the breaker off. Wait 60 seconds. Plug it back in. If the 1E code clears and does not return within 10 minutes, a temporary glitch caused the fault.
Always unplug the unit before touching any internal wiring or components.
- 2
Locate the fridge compartment thermistor
Open the fresh food door. Remove the rear panel inside the fridge compartment by unscrewing the Phillips-head screws (usually 2-4 screws). The thermistor is a small capsule-shaped sensor clipped to the evaporator cover or hanging near the top of the compartment. It connects via a two-wire harness.
- 3
Inspect the wiring and connector
Trace the two-wire harness from the thermistor down to where it plugs into the main harness or board connector. Look for pinched wires, cracked insulation, or green corrosion on the pins. Unplug and reseat the connector firmly. If corrosion is visible, clean the pins with electronics contact cleaner and a small brush.
- 4
Test the thermistor with a multimeter
Unplug the thermistor connector. Set your multimeter to the 20k-ohm range. Place the probes on the two thermistor pins. At room temperature (about 77 degrees F), a working Samsung fridge thermistor reads approximately 5 kOhms. If you get OL (open line) or 0 ohms, the thermistor is bad. Replace it with Samsung part number DA32-10104N or the equivalent for your model.
Confirm the refrigerator is unplugged before testing with the multimeter.
- 5
Replace the thermistor if faulty
Unclip the old thermistor from its mounting bracket. Disconnect the harness plug. Connect the new thermistor and clip it into the same position. Reinstall the rear panel and screws. Plug the fridge back in and monitor for 30 minutes to confirm the 1E code does not return.
When to Call a Professional
Call a technician if the code returns after replacing the thermistor, if the wiring harness has multiple breaks, or if you suspect the main control board is the problem. Board-level diagnosis requires specialized equipment. TruePro charges a $59 diagnostic fee that gets credited toward your repair. Same-day service is often available across LA County, Orange County, and Ventura County. Call 877-378-3111 to book. First-time customers get 15% off labor with code NEW15.
Estimated Repair Cost
| Option | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| DIY (parts only) | $15 - $40 |
| Professional repair | $150 - $300 |
DIY cost covers the replacement thermistor. Professional range includes the $59 diagnostic (credited toward repair), the part, and labor at Los Angeles market rates. Main control board replacement pushes the total to $300-$500.
See full refrigerator repair cost breakdown βSamsung Refrigerator 1E β FAQ
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