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Error code reference

U-Line Ice Maker Error Code L Evap T Short

Left evaporator thermistor circuit is shorted.

U-Line codesU-Line ice maker codes

Left evaporator thermistor circuit is shorted.

First step from the service manual

Inspect thermistor cable for pinch points or damage. Replace if necessary.

The complete diagnostic procedure includes additional test steps, resistance specifications, wiring diagram references, and component test points.

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What L Evap T Short means on a U-Line ice maker

The L Evap T Short error on a U-Line ice maker indicates that the left evaporator thermistor circuit has developed a short condition. The evaporator thermistor is a temperature-sensing resistor responsible for monitoring the temperature of the left evaporator plate during the freeze and harvest cycles. When the control board detects an abnormally low resistance reading from this thermistor circuit, it interprets this as a short and triggers the fault code. A shorted thermistor cannot provide accurate temperature data, which prevents the ice maker from completing its cycles safely.

The most common physical cause of this fault is damage to the thermistor cable itself. The cable runs from the control board through the cabinet to the evaporator and can become pinched at door hinges, panel edges, or during reassembly after service work. A pinched cable can cause the conductors inside to contact each other, creating the short circuit the board detects. Moisture intrusion into the connector or thermistor body can also create a low-resistance path between conductors, mimicking a short.

Diagnosing this code begins with a thorough visual inspection of the thermistor cable along its entire routing path, looking for pinch points, cuts, abrasions, or signs of moisture damage. If the cable appears intact, resistance testing of the thermistor itself can confirm whether the component is faulty. A shorted thermistor will typically read near zero ohms rather than the expected resistance value for the current temperature. If the cable and thermistor test faulty, replacement is required to clear the fault.

Source: manufacturer service documentation.

Common causes of L Evap T Short

  1. 01

    Pinched or kinked thermistor cable

    Part replacement

    The thermistor cable can become pinched between panels, hinges, or cabinet edges, causing the internal conductors to short against each other. Inspect the full cable routing for any visible kinks, crush points, or areas where the insulation is damaged.

  2. 02

    Failed or shorted thermistor

    Part replacement

    The thermistor component itself can fail internally, producing a near-zero resistance reading that the control board identifies as a short. Resistance testing across the thermistor terminals will confirm this if the cable checks out visually.

  3. 03

    Moisture or corrosion in the thermistor connector

    Wiring / connection

    Water or ice melt can enter the thermistor connector and create a conductive path between the terminals, producing a false short reading. Check the connector for discoloration, corrosion, or visible moisture and dry or clean it before retesting.

  4. 04

    Cut or abraded cable insulation

    Part replacement

    Physical wear from contact with sharp cabinet edges or components can strip the insulation from the thermistor cable wires, allowing them to contact each other or a grounded surface. Look for shiny or bare wire sections along the cable path.

  5. 05

    Control board fault misreading the circuit

    Part replacement

    In rare cases the control board's input circuit for the thermistor can fail, causing it to incorrectly report a short even when the thermistor and cable are undamaged. This should only be considered after the thermistor and wiring have been tested and confirmed good.

See the test procedure for each cause

Frequently asked questions about L Evap T Short

What does L Evap T Short mean on a U-Line ice_maker?
This error code means the control board has detected a short circuit in the left evaporator thermistor circuit. The left evaporator thermistor monitors temperature at the freezing plate on the left side of the unit. A shorted circuit produces an abnormally low resistance reading that the board cannot interpret as a valid temperature, so it stops operation and displays the fault. The issue is typically in the thermistor cable or the thermistor itself.
Can I fix the L Evap T Short error myself?
A knowledgeable DIYer can start by inspecting the thermistor cable for pinch points, cuts, or connector corrosion, as these are the most likely causes. If the cable is visibly damaged, replacing the thermistor assembly is a straightforward repair on most U-Line units. However, if the cable looks intact, confirming a faulty thermistor requires a multimeter to measure resistance, and if the control board is suspected, professional diagnosis is recommended.
Is it safe to continue using my U-Line ice maker when this error appears?
No, you should not continue using the ice maker while this error is active. The unit cannot accurately monitor evaporator temperature without a functioning thermistor, which means the freeze and harvest cycles cannot be properly controlled. Continued operation under this fault could lead to overworking components or incomplete ice production. Power the unit down until the fault is diagnosed and repaired.
Will resetting the ice maker clear the L Evap T Short error?
A reset may temporarily clear the displayed code, but the error will return if the underlying wiring or thermistor fault has not been repaired. The control board checks the thermistor circuit continuously during operation and will re-trigger the fault as soon as it detects the short again. Resetting without repairing the root cause is not a solution.
How much does it cost to repair the L Evap T Short error on a U-Line ice maker?
Repair costs vary depending on what is found during diagnosis. If only the thermistor or its cable requires replacement, parts typically range from $20 to $80 depending on the specific component, with labor adding $75 to $200 if a technician performs the repair. If the control board is at fault, board replacement is significantly more expensive, often ranging from $150 to $400 or more for parts alone. Getting a firm quote after diagnosis is the best approach.

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