When an ICECO 12V fridge stops cooling it usually tells you why with a code on the display. This guide lists every error code ICECO publishes in its manuals and on its support blog, what each one means and the fix ICECO recommends. It covers the VL, VL Pro, APL55, GO and JP series. If you own a BF, JP Pro, GOPACK12 or IPT20, check the manual that came with it, because ICECO has not published a code list for those models online.
Quick reference
| Code | Meaning | First thing to try |
|---|---|---|
| E1 | Input voltage is below the battery protection setting | Check the battery and wiring, then lower battery protection one level |
| E2 | Cooling fan drawing more than 1 A (fan fault) | Contact ICECO; the fan usually needs replacing |
| E3 | Compressor can't start (blocked or pressure too high) | Power off for at least 5 minutes, then restart |
| E4 | Compressor overloaded, can't hold minimum speed | Power off 5 minutes, restart, improve ventilation |
| E5 | Control module over- or under-temperature | Let the fridge reach room temperature, clear the vents |
| E6 / LL | Temperature sensor open circuit, loose or damaged | Contact ICECO for a sensor check |
| E7 / HH | Temperature sensor short circuit | Check for water at the sensor terminals; contact ICECO |
Which sensor codes you see depends on the model. The GO20 manual and ICECO's error code blog use E6 for any sensor fault. The VL45ProD and APL55 manuals split it into E6/LL and E7/HH. The VL Pro single and dual zone manuals show only LL and HH, and the VL60D and JP manuals list E1 to E5 only.
E1: low voltage
E1 means the voltage reaching the fridge has dropped below the cut-off for the battery protection level you have set. ICECO's fixes, in order:
- Check the battery isn't simply flat.
- In a vehicle, turn the ignition on and restart the fridge.
- Lower the battery protection setting. ICECO notes that some vehicles trip E1 early because the wiring drops voltage when the compressor starts. See our ICECO battery protection settings guide for the cut-off voltages.
- Try the fridge on AC power. If it runs on AC but not DC, the problem is the DC supply.
ICECO's support blog says E1 should clear within about 10 minutes after switching to the LOW setting.
E2: fan fault
The cooling fan is drawing more than 1 A. ICECO's VL45ProD manual says that if the compressor runs but the fan doesn't, the fan is short-circuited and needs replacing. ICECO says it can ship replacement fans for certain models, so contact support with your model and order number.
E3: compressor start failure
The compressor is blocked or the pressure difference in the refrigeration system is too high to start. Switching the fridge on and off repeatedly, or a bad input voltage, can cause it.
- Power the fridge off for at least 5 minutes.
- Restart it and leave it on for 10 minutes.
- If the compressor starts and then stops, treat it as E1 and check voltage and battery protection.
E4: compressor overload
The compressor can't hold its minimum speed (1,850 rpm in ICECO's code guide; the APL55 manual gives 2,500 rpm). Restart as for E3, then check ventilation. The VL45ProD manual asks for more than 5 cm (2 in) of clear space on the left and right and 10 cm (4 in) in front of the air outlet, and says not to run it in ambient temperatures above 55°C (131°F). Also check the fan terminals are tight.
E5: control module temperature
The control module is outside its safe range (ICECO gives above 212°F or below 14°F). Let the fridge come to room temperature and make sure nothing blocks the fan or vents. If E5 keeps coming back after you have adjusted battery protection and checked the starting voltage, ICECO says the control module needs replacing.
E6, E7, LL and HH: temperature sensor
These codes mean the fridge can't read its temperature sensor. LL (or E6 on some models) means an open circuit or loose sensor; HH (or E7) means a short circuit. ICECO suggests checking for water in the sensor terminals and for a short at the control panel. These usually need a part from ICECO, so contact support.
When to contact ICECO
If a code persists after the steps above, contact ICECO with your model, serial number and order number. The compressor is covered for 5 years and other parts for 1 year; our ICECO warranty guide explains how to claim. If you bought your fridge from RV Parts Giant, contact us and we'll help you through the claim.
FAQ
Why does my ICECO show E1 only when the engine is off?
With the engine off, battery voltage falls and the compressor's start-up draw pulls it lower still through the wiring. Charge the battery, use heavier cable or a direct connection, or lower battery protection.
My fridge shows a number flashing. Is that an error?
No. ICECO's manual says the solid number is the current temperature and the flashing number is the set temperature.
Is it normal for the temperature to swing?
Yes. ICECO says a swing of 7-14°F around the set point is normal, because the compressor stops at the set point and restarts as it warms.
Not cooling but no code on screen? See ICECO fridge not cooling: troubleshooting. Shop the full ICECO range at RV Parts Giant.