What E01 actually means
The appliance has lost a sensible reading from one of its temperature sensors, so it can no longer tell how cold the cabinet actually is.
On these Tesla models the control board constantly reads a small temperature probe inside the cabinet — the fridge compartment on the T362TLX, the freezer compartment on the T273FZX. When the reading goes out of range or disappears altogether, the board flags the fault and shows it on the display, usually with two of the temperature icons lighting together rather than a normal set temperature. Cooling often carries on in a crude backup pattern, but it is no longer controlled properly, so temperatures drift and food safety is no longer guaranteed.
What E01 looks like on a Tesla fridge freezer
Most people find this page having searched for what the machine is doing rather than the code itself. On a Tesla fridge freezer, E01 usually shows up as one or more of these:
- Fridge freezer door won't open
- Door won't lock or click shut
- Door lock light flashing
- Door stuck shut with the load inside
- Won't start even with the door closed
- Not heating the water
- Washing coming out cold
- Cycle takes far longer than it should
Recognise any of those? That is this fault, and the rest of this page explains what causes it and what you can check yourself.
What usually causes it
- A failed temperature sensor (the usual finding)
- A damaged or chafed sensor lead inside the cabinet
- A loose or corroded plug where the sensor connects to the control board
- Moisture or heavy ice build-up around the sensor
- Less often, a fault on the control board itself
What you can safely check yourself
Work through these in order. Anything beyond this — panels off, testing parts, anything to do with the wiring — is an engineer's job, and not one to attempt with the machine plugged in.
- Switch the appliance off at the socket for a minute or two, then power it back up — an occasional one-off reading will clear and not return.
- If there is heavy frost or ice inside, defrost the cabinet fully and dry it out before restarting; ice sitting over the sensor area can be part of the picture.
- Check the door is closing and sealing properly, as constant warm air ingress makes the fault easier to trigger.
- Make sure the appliance has clear air space at the back and sides and is not tight against a radiator or in direct sun.
Which Tesla models show E01
E01 means the same thing on all 2 of these models. If yours is not listed, the explanation above still applies — the code is set by the control board, not the model number.
T273FZX · T362TLX
Common questions about Tesla E01
What does E01 mean on a Tesla fridge freezer?
The appliance has lost a sensible reading from one of its temperature sensors, so it can no longer tell how cold the cabinet actually is. On these Tesla models the control board constantly reads a small temperature probe inside the cabinet — the fridge compartment on the T362TLX, the freezer compartment on the T273FZX. When the reading goes out of range or disappears altogether, the board flags the fault and shows it on the display, usually with two of the temperature icons lighting together rather than a normal set temperature. Cooling often carries on in a crude backup pattern, but it is no longer controlled properly, so temperatures drift and food safety is no longer guaranteed.
Can I fix Tesla E01 myself?
There are 4 checks you can safely do yourself first.
- Switch the appliance off at the socket for a minute or two, then power it back up — an occasional one-off reading will clear and not return.
- If there is heavy frost or ice inside, defrost the cabinet fully and dry it out before restarting; ice sitting over the sensor area can be part of the picture.
- Check the door is closing and sealing properly, as constant warm air ingress makes the fault easier to trigger.
- Make sure the appliance has clear air space at the back and sides and is not tight against a radiator or in direct sun.
This one usually needs an engineer once you have tried them.
How much does it cost to repair Tesla E01?
£66 including VAT for an engineer to come out and diagnose it, or £84 in total including VAT if it is put right on the visit and no parts are needed. Any parts needed are quoted on site before we fit them — you decide. Every repair carries a 90-day workmanship guarantee.
Tried the checks and it's still showing E01?
This one usually needs an engineer once you have tried the checks above. Then it wants someone who can open it up.
What it costs, before you call: the price is the same whatever the fault turns out to be — £66 including VAT for an engineer to come out and diagnose it, or £84 in total including VAT if it is put right on the visit and no parts are needed. Any parts needed are quoted on site before we fit them — you decide. Every repair carries a 90-day workmanship guarantee.
Our own engineers, not a call centre. We cover Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire and Leicestershire — most fridge freezer faults are seen same day or next day.
Call 0115 648 0929 Book online — postcode and number is all we need
Outside our area? The explanation above still stands — take it to a local engineer and tell them the code. Knowing it saves them time and you money.
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