What does F1 mean when it appears on a car refrigerator?

[Amir]

The display of F1 on a car refrigerator indicates a fault in the refrigeration evaporator sensor (either short circuit or open circuit), with the temperature value display area showing F1. Below is relevant information about car refrigerators: 1. Working Principle: It utilizes a P-N junction formed by special semiconductor materials to create thermocouple pairs, generating the Peltier effect, which is a new refrigeration method that cools through direct current. The refrigeration temperature range is from 5 to 65 degrees. 2. Types: Car refrigerators are divided into semiconductor-type car refrigerators and compressor-type car refrigerators. The former can both cool and heat, with smaller capacity, energy-saving and environmentally friendly, and no noise; the latter can be adapted to various power voltages, whether 12VDC or 24VDC, as the built-in power device in compressor-type car refrigerators can automatically recognize different voltages and make corresponding adjustments.

[GabrielAnn]

I encountered the F1 error code when I first used this SUV to power the fridge. After struggling for a while, I realized it was a temperature sensor issue—either the sensor was broken or the connection was loose. During that long family trip, the fridge suddenly stopped working, displaying F1, which caused the refrigerated food to spoil, forcing us to find a repair shop midway. Try restarting the fridge; sometimes it can temporarily resolve the issue. If that doesn’t work, check if the cigarette lighter port is loose or if the battery voltage is stable, as unstable car power can also trigger the error. Extreme internal fridge temperatures (too hot or too cold) can disrupt the sensor, especially during summer drives with more vibrations, making components more prone to loosening. Avoid disassembling it blindly—it’s better to consult a professional shop for diagnosis. The repair cost isn’t much, but compromising food safety isn’t worth the risk. When using the fridge normally, avoid overloading it to ensure proper ventilation, which can help prevent unexpected malfunctions.

[Ariel]

As a regular at auto repair shops, I've dealt with numerous F1 errors in car refrigerators, which are typical sensor malfunctions. Common causes include sensor damage, wire breakage, or connector oxidation; it may also relate to interference from the car's AC system or power fluctuations. The first step is to power off for one minute and restart, which sometimes resets the fault. If it recurs, use a multimeter to test the sensor's resistance, which should normally be within a reasonable range. Avoid disassembling it yourself—electronic components are delicate and easily damaged. It's safer to visit the manufacturer's designated service point. Car devices are voltage-sensitive, so it's advisable to regularly check your vehicle's battery condition to avoid overload-induced errors. Ignoring an F1 error in the refrigerator may lead to compressor damage, resulting in higher repair costs.

[DeJoanna]

My car fridge also had an F1 malfunction before. The manual said it was a sensor issue. I tried power cycling it, and it returned to normal after a few minutes of restarting; but if it keeps happening, it needs to be sent for repair. The car environment has a lot of vibrations, which can easily loosen the sensor wiring, leading to inaccurate temperature readings and the fridge not cooling. Over time, aging seals may also allow water ingress, causing malfunctions. Usually, avoid leaving the fridge empty for too long and regularly check if the power connections are secure. If the malfunction persists, food preservation in the car is affected, especially during camping when food is prone to spoilage.