THE WORK ORDER

We received a call from a café in Valrico, just outside Bloomingdale Ave. Their True T-49 double-door commercial refrigerator (model T-49-HC) was reporting an “E2 – Evaporator Fan Error” and not maintaining temp, with deli meats inching above safe holding range – never a risk worth taking. In our experience in the hot, humid suburbs like Valrico, the combination of Florida’s relentless humidity and our hard, mineral-rich water means scale and corrosion can sneak in where and when you least expect.

This café owner reported “a rattle noise and then a beep coming from the upper inside panel,” followed by a service light. That’s the classic True E2 error—typically pointing to an issue with evaporator fan operation or its thermistor sensor.

THE DIAGNOSIS

Once on site, technician logic kicked in. We verified the model and serial (True T-49-HC, SN: 10130972), then pulled the electrical diagram from True Manufacturing and started with the basics—check for airflow with pressed switch, listen, then test.

First, we unplugged the unit and checked the evaporator fan section behind the upper inner panel. Using a flashlight and a Fluke Multimeter, we checked the thermistor sensor resistance (should read between 5k-12k ohms at temps from 32°F to 41°F).

The fan motor sounded rough when spun by hand, and we noted a chalky, white buildup around its base and on the fan bracket—classic sign of scale from high local minerals leaching out into internal condensation. The Valrico/Bloomingdale area’s water is well-known for limescale. This silent killer doesn’t just attack ice machines; it corrodes contacts and bushings in evaporator fans, too.

While inspecting the wiring harness, we noticed the connector pins (especially the one carrying the fan tachometer signal) were gray and brittle, likely from years of micro-arcing and scale wicking into the insulators.

To confirm, we used needle probes to check voltage at the fan connector while in service mode—120V present, but no RPM feedback registering on the controller. Diagnosis: Failed evaporator fan motor and fouled sensor harness, likely caused by limescale and Florida humidity.

THE FIX

After disconnecting power, we removed the evaporator fan assembly (True part number 800382) and the adjacent thermistor sensor (part 951127). Inspection showed pitting and white crust where condensation and scale had built up over years. For this repair, we installed a new OEM True “high-humidity” sealed bearing fan motor kit—designed to resist corrosion from humid/marine environments, and a new harness with gold-plated contacts.

Critical to long-term reliability, we cleaned all mounting surfaces with Nu-Calgon Descaler and wiped down wiring connectors with electrical contact cleaner before connecting the new parts. Once reassembled, we sealed interior harness grommets with dielectric grease, helpful for units in the FishHawk/Valrico region where water vapor incursion is a known issue.

Before restoring the unit to service, we ran a sensor calibration cycle in the service menu: the repaired fridge passed all self-checks, and airflow/noise from the new fan was smooth and quiet.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS – TRUE T-49

Q: My True T-49 displays “E2” but the fan runs sometimes. What’s going on?

The E2 error is triggered by the controller not receiving a reliable RPM feedback signal from the evaporator fan motor. Often, intermittent operation points to a failing fan motor (worn bearings, water/corrosion damage), or an intermittent wiring harness connection. In the Valrico and Brandon area, local water can promote both—especially where fans “cycle” on and off harshly as scale causes resistance.

Q: How do I prevent scale buildup and corrosion in my commercial fridge?

First, have your commercial fridge descaled and deep-cleaned at least annually—a must in FishHawk and Bloomingdale, which have some of the hardest water in Hillsborough County. Use a professional-grade descaling solution; don’t just wipe surfaces, treat the fan and drainage lines as well. Some newer True fan motors are factory-sealed specifically for high-humidity/scale-prone regions—always opt for these when possible.

Q: What happens if I ignore E2 errors or don’t repair the fan?

Letting the evaporator fan error persist will cause warm spots and food safety risks (temps above 41°F), ice-up of evaporator coils, higher electric bills, and long-term controller damage. Over time, this could lead to compressor failure—a far costlier event, and one we see when maintenance is neglected in busy Valrico and Bloomingdale small businesses. Fixing the fan and sensor as soon as possible protects your stock and investment.

If you’re in Valrico area and your True T-49 is acting up – reach out to the pros. We’re always ready with the right fix, and a neighborly tip or two.

For more technical details on commercial refrigeration standards, check ENERGY STAR commercial fridge guidelines.