Beverage-Air Refrigerator Error Codes E1 to E4: Probe Failure
E1, E2, E3 and E4 on a Beverage-Air cabinet with an Eliwell controller mean probe Pb1, Pb2, Pb3 or Pb4 has failed, either shorted or open. The control has no reading from it, so temperature or defrost control may suffer. Write down the code, keep a thermometer inside, and call us.
Medium: without a probe reading the control may not manage temperature or defrost properly.
- Code
- E1 / E2 / E3 / E4
- Maker
- Beverage-Air
- Equipment
- Reach-in refrigerators
- Applies to
- Eliwell controller
What does Beverage-Air error code E1 / E2 / E3 / E4 mean?
The Eliwell controller reads its probes, named Pb1 to Pb4, to know the temperature of the cabinet and, on some models, the coil and other points. Each code in the E1 / E2 / E3 / E4 group names one probe. When a probe is shorted or open, the reading is outside any real range, and the controller shows the code that matches the probe number. A failed probe leaves the control without a reading, and temperature or defrost control may suffer, depending on which probe it was. The characters look like the Danfoss E01 to E04 sensor codes, but the control and the numbering differ, so it is worth being sure which controller your cabinet has. The manual lists a loose plug on the probe, a shorted or open wire between the probe and the control, a failed probe input on the control, and moisture or ice at the lead causing a short. The code names the probe, which tells us where to begin testing.
Affected models and control systems
This applies to Beverage-Air cabinets with an Eliwell controller, such as the DW49HC deep well cooler and the WTR48AHC worktop. Cabinets with a Danfoss controller use different codes.
Code numbers and their meaning can change between control generations. We match the full model and control before acting on a code.
What you may notice
- E1, E2, E3 or E4 shows on the display
- The cabinet temperature drifts from the set point
- Defrost behaves oddly
- The alarm repeats after a power cycle
Possible causes
Listed in Beverage-Air's documentation
- A loose plug on the Eliwell probe named by the code
- A shorted or open wire between the Pb probe and the Eliwell control
- A failed probe input on the Eliwell control
- Moisture or ice at the probe lead causing a short
Other likely causes — what usually sits behind error code E1 / E2 / E3 / E4 on this control. A technician confirms which one it is before any part is replaced.
- A probe lead wet at the plug, shorting in a humid bar or kitchen
- A probe lead pinched where a panel meets the cabinet frame
- A probe that has been knocked loose from its holder and its wire stretched
Safe checks before calling for service
- Write down the code exactly as shown.
- Keep a thermometer inside and check it a few times a day.
- Keep the lids or doors closed as much as possible.
- Do not pull on wires near the controller.
- Call us and tell us the code and the model number.
How a technician diagnoses error code E1 / E2 / E3 / E4
- Read the code and identify which probe, Pb1 to Pb4, it names.
- Check the probe plug at the controller.
- Inspect the lead for shorts, breaks and moisture.
- Measure probe resistance against a reference temperature.
- Test the probe input with a known resistor.
- Replace the probe or control as the test shows.
- Probe leads run to the coil and cabinet interior, behind panels.
- A probe test needs a meter and a reference temperature.
- Without the probe, temperature or defrost control may be lost.
How error code E1 / E2 / E3 / E4 differs from similar codes
E01 to E04 on Danfoss controllers name sensors S1 to S4, and the numbering differs from this Eliwell group.
Technical reference
- Document
- Beverage-Air DW manual
- Edition
- 809-184A Rev. B. 03/10/2026 (footer Rev. 03/26)
- Models / control
- Eliwell controller
- Section
- Message tables: Eliwell controller printed p. 14, Danfoss controller printed p. 9
- Checked
- October 2026
We use the maker's document to read the code and do not reproduce it. Always confirm the complete model and control before applying these steps.
Related Beverage-Air reach-in refrigerator error codes
Is E1 the same as E01?
The characters look alike, but the control and numbering differ. E1 is the Eliwell code for probe Pb1.
Can the cabinet keep cooling?
It may, but temperature or defrost control can suffer, so check with a thermometer.
How do I tell which probe failed?
The number matches: E3 is Pb3, E4 is Pb4.
Need help with Beverage-Air error code E1 / E2 / E3 / E4?
A technician confirms the cause on site and gives you the price in writing before any work starts.