Rivacold E1 Error Code
Temperature-probe fault — which probe E1 names depends on the fitted controller (probe 2/defrost on Carel easy; probe 1/S1 on other families)
Source: Carel 2/technical_flat/030220791.pdf
What does Rivacold E1 mean?
E1 is a temperature-probe error on the controller fitted to the Rivacold unit — the sensor has failed open, shorted, or is reading out of range, so the controller has lost a valid reading for that probe. Which probe E1 names depends on the controller: on the Carel easy thermostats it is the SECOND (defrost) probe error, while other controller families report E1 as a probe 1 / S1 (cabinet) failure. Confirm the probe map for the controller actually fitted before swapping parts.
Symptoms
- Display shows E1 (the temperature value may be replaced by E1 / -- / a flashing fault)
- No room-temperature control; the compressor runs on a fixed duty cycle instead of by temperature
- Alarm relay/buzzer active
Common causes
- Failed or aged NTC cabinet probe
- Probe cable cut, pinched, or loose at the controller terminals
- Moisture or corrosion in the probe connector
- Probe reading outside the controller's valid range
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Diagnostic steps
Confirm which probe E1 refers to
Check the manual for the controller actually fitted (Carel / Eliwell / Dixell) to confirm E1 is the cabinet/room probe and which terminal it lands on.
Inspect the probe wiring
Trace the probe lead from the controller to the sensor for cuts, pinches, or a loose terminal, and reseat the connector — wiring faults are the most common cause.
Measure the NTC resistance
Disconnect the probe and measure its resistance, comparing against the controller's resistance-vs-temperature table for the probe type. An open or shorted reading means replace the probe.
Replace with the correct probe
Fit the controller-spec NTC probe, route it away from heat and water, and confirm the controller's probe-type parameter matches.
When to call a professional
If new wiring and a new probe do not clear E1, the controller input may be damaged — have a refrigeration technician check the controller board and the probe-configuration parameters.
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Other Rivacold Error Codes
High-temperature alarm — cabinet/room temperature above the alarm threshold
Low-temperature alarm — cabinet/room temperature below the alarm threshold
Temperature-probe fault — which probe E2 names depends on the fitted controller (probe 3/condenser-product on Carel easy; probe 2/S2 on other families)
High discharge-pressure alarm — the controller stops the unit; manual or semi-automatic reset
Low suction/evaporation-pressure alarm — the unit stops when evaporation pressure falls below the threshold
Maximum temperature alarm on Dixell controllers — temperature above the high-alarm threshold (a temperature alarm, not a pressure trip)
Minimum temperature alarm on Dixell controllers — temperature below the low-alarm threshold
High temperature warning on Carel-controlled units — probe reading above the alarm threshold parameter
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