What does 1E mean on a Samsung refrigerator?

1E means: Freezer temperature sensor error. The most likely parts involved are freezer temperature sensor (thermistor), wire harness.

How much does it cost to fix 1E?

A typical thermostat replacement costs about $100–$370 nationally, parts and labor included. This is a reference range, not a quote — local prices vary.

Is my food safe if my Samsung fridge shows 1E?

The fridge may still cool, but it can't control the freezer temperature well. Put an appliance thermometer in the freezer and move food to a cooler or another freezer if it starts to warm up.

Why did the 1E code come back after I reset the fridge?

A reset only clears the code for a while. If the sensor or wiring is still faulty, the board will detect the bad reading again and show 1E.

Error codes › Refrigerator › Samsung

Samsung Refrigerator 1E Error Code

Freezer temperature sensor error

Applies to: French Door and Side-by-Side digital display models. May also appear as 1C.

What's going on

On Samsung French Door and Side-by-Side refrigerators with a digital display, code 1E means the control board is getting a bad reading from the freezer temperature sensor. The sensor or its wiring is likely open or shorted, so the fridge can't tell how cold the freezer is. Try a power reset first, and if the code comes back, plan to replace the sensor or have the wiring checked.

The freezer has a small temperature sensor called a thermistor. Its electrical resistance changes as the temperature changes. The control board reads that signal to decide when to run the compressor and fans.

If the signal is out of the normal range, the board flags the sensor as open (no connection) or shorted. It then shows 1E. When this happens, the fridge may guess at cooling, so the freezer can get too warm or too cold. Keep an eye on your food until it's fixed.

Error codes can mean different things on different model generations. Check your model number against your owner's manual or Samsung's support site to confirm 1E means a freezer sensor error on your unit.

Likely causes

freezer temperature sensor (thermistor) — The thermistor can fail over time or be damaged by frost and moisture. A failed sensor sends a reading the board can't use, which triggers 1E.
wire harness — The wires and connectors between the sensor and control board can loosen, corrode, or get pinched. A broken or shorted connection looks the same to the board as a bad sensor.

The same code can mean different things on different model generations. Check the model number on your refrigerator's rating plate before ordering parts.

Can you fix it yourself?

Doable for an experienced DIYer with the right part, but many people still call a technician.

Safe things to check first

Power-cycle the refrigerator. Unplug it or switch off its breaker for about five minutes, then restore power and see if 1E returns.
Look inside the freezer for heavy frost or ice buildup, especially near the vents on the back wall. Heavy frost can point to a moisture problem affecting the sensor.
Make sure the freezer door closes fully and the gasket isn't torn or blocked by food or bins.
Check that the freezer temperature setting is normal and the display isn't in a demo or test mode. Look up your model's manual if you're not sure.

When to call a technician

Replacing the freezer sensor is a job a handy owner can often do with the right part, but it means removing interior panels. Unplug the fridge or switch off its breaker first. If you're not comfortable doing that, or a new sensor doesn't clear the code, call a qualified appliance technician to check the wire harness and control board.

What the repair usually costs

$100–$370

Thermostat replacement, parts and labor — national reference range

Confidence: medium (based on 2 cost guides). Plus a service call fee of about $50–$100, often credited toward the repair.

This is not a quote. Prices vary by region and by model.

Repair or replace?

Repair usually makes sense. Even the high end of this repair stays under $720, about half the price of a typical new refrigerator.

A typical new refrigerator costs about $600–$2,300.

Check your refrigerator — free, 2 minutes

Common questions

What does 1E mean on a Samsung refrigerator?: 1E means: Freezer temperature sensor error. The most likely parts involved are freezer temperature sensor (thermistor), wire harness.
How much does it cost to fix 1E?: A typical thermostat replacement costs about $100–$370 nationally, parts and labor included. This is a reference range, not a quote — local prices vary.
Should I repair or replace my refrigerator?: Repair usually makes sense. Even the high end of this repair stays under $720, about half the price of a typical new refrigerator.
Can I fix 1E myself?: Doable for an experienced DIYer with the right part, but many people still call a technician.
Is my food safe if my Samsung fridge shows 1E?: The fridge may still cool, but it can't control the freezer temperature well. Put an appliance thermometer in the freezer and move food to a cooler or another freezer if it starts to warm up.
Why did the 1E code come back after I reset the fridge?: A reset only clears the code for a while. If the sensor or wiring is still faulty, the board will detect the bad reading again and show 1E.