Midea MRS26D5AST E1 Error Code | E1 Refrigerator Temperature Sensor Error
Error e1 on Midea mrs26d5ast: Refrigerator compartment temperature sensor error — NTC sensor open or short cir. Follow the troubleshooting steps below to diagnose and fix this refrigerator issue.
What Does E1 Mean on a Midea MRS26D5AST? Your Midea refrigerator is showing an E1 error code, indicating a fault with the NTC (Negative Temperature Coefficient) sensor in the refrigerator compartment. This sensor monitors the fresh-food section temperature and reports to the main control board. When the sensor reads outside its valid range — either open circuit (broken wire) or short circuit (shorted sensor) — the board logs E1 and may run the compressor in a safe default mode.
Section titled “What Does E1 Mean on a Midea MRS26D5AST? Your Midea refrigerator is showing an E1 error code, indicating a fault with the NTC (Negative Temperature Coefficient) sensor in the refrigerator compartment. This sensor monitors the fresh-food section temperature and reports to the main control board. When the sensor reads outside its valid range — either open circuit (broken wire) or short circuit (shorted sensor) — the board logs E1 and may run the compressor in a safe default mode.”Fault Details
Section titled “Fault Details”| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Error Code | E1 |
| Appliance | Midea MRS26D5AST Side-by-Side Refrigerator with Ice and Water Dispenser |
| Fault Type | Refrigerator compartment temperature sensor error |
| Severity | Medium |
| User Serviceable | No — professional service recommended |
| Applicable Models | MRQ22D7AST, MRS26D5AST, MRS26D7AST |
Common Causes - NTC sensor element failure — resistance reading outside expected range (spec: ~2 kΩ at 25°C / 77°F)
Section titled “Common Causes - NTC sensor element failure — resistance reading outside expected range (spec: ~2 kΩ at 25°C / 77°F)”- Broken or pinched sensor wire harness leading from sensor to main PCB
- Moisture ingress causing sensor connector corrosion
- Main PCB sensor input circuit failure
- Sensor dislodged from its mounting clip inside the refrigerator liner
Step-by-Step Troubleshooting
Section titled “Step-by-Step Troubleshooting”| Step | Action | What To Do | Expected Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Locate the refrigerator compartment NTC sensor | The sensor is typically mounted on the rear wall or ceiling of the fresh-food section. It is a small bullet-shaped thermistor clipped into a plastic bracket. Do not remove food — sensor is accessible with the refrigerator running | Sensor found in place; inspect for physical damage or disconnected wire |
| 2 | Inspect sensor and wire harness | Check the sensor body for cracks or discoloration. Trace the wire harness to the connector at the back of the compartment. Verify the connector is fully seated and free of moisture or corrosion | Wire harness intact and connector fully engaged |
| 3 | Measure sensor resistance | Unplug the refrigerator. Disconnect the sensor connector. With a multimeter set to Ohms, measure resistance across the two sensor terminals. At room temperature (~25°C / 77°F) expected resistance is approximately 2 kΩ (2,000 Ω). Open circuit (OL) or short circuit (near 0 Ω) indicates a failed sensor | Reading ~2 kΩ at room temperature; outside range means sensor replacement required |
| 4 | Replace the NTC temperature sensor | Order the correct sensor part number from Midea (search by your model number). Unplug the refrigerator, remove the old sensor from its clip, connect the new sensor, and route the wire harness away from sharp edges | E1 clears after sensor replacement and power-up |
| 5 | Inspect main PCB if sensor is good | If the sensor resistance tests correctly but E1 persists, the sensor input circuit on the main control board may be faulty. Contact Midea customer service or a certified technician for PCB diagnosis | Confirmed PCB fault requires board replacement |
Frequently Asked Questions
Section titled “Frequently Asked Questions”Will E1 affect my food temperature?
Section titled “Will E1 affect my food temperature?”Yes. When the refrigerator compartment sensor fails, the control board loses accurate temperature feedback. The refrigerator may run colder or warmer than the set point. Check food frequently and move temperature-sensitive items to the freezer if refrigerator temperatures become unreliable.
What is the expected sensor resistance for a Midea refrigerator NTC?
Section titled “What is the expected sensor resistance for a Midea refrigerator NTC?”The Midea refrigerator compartment NTC sensor reads approximately 2 kΩ (2,000 Ohms) at 25°C (77°F). As temperature decreases, resistance increases. An open-circuit reading (OL on a multimeter) or near-zero resistance confirms sensor failure.
Can I bypass the sensor temporarily?
Section titled “Can I bypass the sensor temporarily?”No. Bypassing the temperature sensor is not safe and can cause the compressor to run continuously, leading to freezing of refrigerator contents or compressor damage. Replace the sensor before returning the unit to normal operation.
How do I find the correct replacement sensor part number?
Section titled “How do I find the correct replacement sensor part number?”Enter your model number (e.g., MRQ22D7AST) on the Midea parts website at encompass.com/midea or call Midea US customer support. The refrigerator compartment NTC sensor is typically a standard component shared across multiple Midea refrigerator models. --- Source: Midea Side-by-Side Refrigerator with Ice and Water Dispenser service documentation. Last Updated: March 2026
Is it safe to keep using my Midea mrs26d5ast with error e1?
Section titled “Is it safe to keep using my Midea mrs26d5ast with error e1?”If error e1 does not indicate an immediate safety hazard such as a gas leak, electrical short, or water flooding, you can continue limited use while monitoring the appliance. However, running the refrigerator with an active error code increases the risk of further damage. Address the underlying issue as soon as possible. For high-severity errors, disconnect the appliance and contact a qualified technician.
How much does it cost to fix error e1 on a Midea mrs26d5ast?
Section titled “How much does it cost to fix error e1 on a Midea mrs26d5ast?”Repair costs for error e1 on the Midea mrs26d5ast refrigerator depend on the root cause. DIY fixes such as cleaning filters, resetting the unit, or reconnecting loose wires cost nothing beyond basic tools. If a component replacement is needed, parts and labor from a certified technician are the main expenses. Contact a Midea-authorized service provider for an accurate estimate based on your specific situation.
What does error code e1 mean on a Midea refrigerator?
Section titled “What does error code e1 mean on a Midea refrigerator?”Error code e1 on Midea refrigerator models indicates Refrigerator compartment temperature sensor error — NTC sensor open or short circuit. This error is detected by the appliance’s internal diagnostic system and displayed to alert the user that attention is needed. Refer to the troubleshooting steps above for guidance on resolving this issue.
Is it safe to keep using my Midea mrs26d5ast with error e1?
Section titled “Is it safe to keep using my Midea mrs26d5ast with error e1?”If error e1 does not indicate an immediate safety hazard such as a gas leak, electrical short, or water flooding, you can continue limited use while monitoring the appliance. However, running the refrigerator with an active error code increases the risk of further damage. Address the underlying issue as soon as possible. For high-severity errors, disconnect the appliance and contact a qualified technician.
How much does it cost to fix error e1 on a Midea mrs26d5ast?
Section titled “How much does it cost to fix error e1 on a Midea mrs26d5ast?”Repair costs for error e1 on the Midea mrs26d5ast refrigerator depend on the root cause. DIY fixes such as cleaning filters, resetting the unit, or reconnecting loose wires cost nothing beyond basic tools. If a component replacement is needed, parts and labor from a certified technician are the main expenses. Contact a Midea-authorized service provider for an accurate estimate based on your specific situation.
What does error code e1 mean on a Midea refrigerator?
Section titled “What does error code e1 mean on a Midea refrigerator?”Error code e1 on Midea refrigerator models indicates Refrigerator compartment temperature sensor error — NTC sensor open or short circuit. This error is detected by the appliance’s internal diagnostic system and displayed to alert the user that attention is needed. Refer to the troubleshooting steps above for guidance on resolving this issue.