What E1 / E2 (Kenmore microwave) Means
E1 and E2 on a Kenmore microwave both report a thermistor error. The thermistor is the temperature sensor the control relies on to know what is happening inside the cavity, and without a believable reading the unit stops rather than continue.
Common Causes of E1 / E2 (Kenmore microwave)
- A thermistor out of its specified resistance range
- A broken or disconnected thermistor wire
- A control board no longer reading the sensor circuit
🔧 One Safe Check You Can Try
Unplug the microwave for a few minutes and plug it back in; that is the only safe owner-level step, and a code that returns confirms a genuine sensor circuit fault.
⚠ Why You Shouldn't Go Further Than That
- A microwave high-voltage capacitor stores a charge capable of killing long after the unit is unplugged, which is why the housing is never opened by an owner.
- The thermistor sits inside the cabinet among high-voltage components, so reaching it is genuinely dangerous rather than merely awkward.
- A part swapped on a guess inside a high-voltage cabinet is a costly and risky way to test a theory.
Opening a panel to inspect or repair something yourself doesn't automatically cancel your manufacturer's warranty — but it can risk accidental damage, and some manufacturers do have specific service conditions. Check your product's warranty terms, or ask us, before deciding.