Freezer shows F3, may defrost too often or not defrost properly, frost buildup on evaporator cover.

Safety: Unplug the freezer before removing panels or working near the evaporator and defrost heater.

Steps:

• Access evaporator area: Remove baskets and the rear interior panel to expose the evaporator coil and defrost components.
• Locate defrost sensor: The defrost/evaporator thermistor is usually clipped to the evaporator tubing or attached with a metal clip or tie-wrap.
• Check placement: Ensure the sensor is firmly attached to the evaporator coil. If it has fallen away, reattach securely using the original clip or a suitable replacement.
• Test sensor: Disconnect the thermistor and measure resistance at the current temperature (often around 0 to -10 °C if recently running). Compare to Fisher & Paykel specifications; open or short readings indicate failure.
• Inspect wiring: Look for brittle, cracked, or corroded wires leading from the sensor to the harness. Repair any damaged sections and ensure connectors are tight.
• Replace faulty parts: Install a new evaporator/defrost thermistor if readings are out of range. If the sensor and wiring are good but F3 remains, the main control board may need replacement.

Tip: After repair, manually defrost any heavy ice buildup with the unit unplugged and doors open before returning to service.