E6
RCA Main Control Board Communication or Relay Fault

RCA freezer displays E6; interior lights and fans may work but compressor does not run.

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Safety Warning

This repair may involve working with high voltage components or water connections. Always unplug the appliance before removing any panels.

If you are not confident in your ability to perform this repair safely, we strongly recommend contacting a professional technician.

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Possible Causes

Failed compressor relay on main control board, Corrupted control board firmware, Loose harness connection to control board, Shorted low-voltage circuit on board

How to Fix / Troubleshooting

Safety first: Unplug the freezer before removing the control board cover. Avoid touching board components with bare hands to reduce static damage.

Steps to troubleshoot E6:

  • 1. Power cycle: Unplug the unit for 10 minutes, then plug it back in. If E6 clears and does not return, it may have been a transient error.
  • 2. Access control board: On many RCA freezers, the main board is behind a rear exterior panel or in the top control housing. Remove screws and gently lower the cover.
  • 3. Inspect for damage: Look for burnt spots, bulging capacitors, or darkened areas near the compressor relay. Any visible damage usually means the board must be replaced.
  • 4. Check harness connections: Verify that all multi-pin connectors are fully seated and locked. Gently unplug and replug each connector to clean contacts.
  • 5. Verify power in/out (advanced): With the unit plugged in and extreme caution, a technician can check for proper line voltage into the board and switched voltage out to the compressor and fans. If input is present but output is missing, the board relay is likely bad.
  • 6. Replace control board if needed: If wiring and external components test good but E6 persists, install an RCA-compatible main control board. Transfer any jumper settings or wiring exactly as on the original.
  • 7. Reassemble and test: Reinstall covers, restore power, and confirm that the compressor starts and the E6 code is cleared.

Note: Board-level repairs (soldering components) are not recommended for most homeowners; replacing the entire board is the standard fix.

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Repair Difficulty

Professional Required 5/5

Required Part

Main Control Board
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