Display shows H3 and freezer may not defrost properly or may overcool.
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.
Possible Causes
How to Fix / Troubleshooting
Safety First: Unplug the freezer before removing the evaporator cover or working near the evaporator coil.
H3 indicates the control is not receiving a valid signal from the evaporator temperature sensor.
- Step 1 – Access evaporator area: Remove baskets and shelves. Take off the rear interior panel (evaporator cover) by removing screws and gently pulling it forward.
- Step 2 – Locate the evaporator thermistor: It is usually clipped to the evaporator tubing or mounted on the evaporator cover with two wires leading to a connector.
- Step 3 – Inspect for ice and damage: Check for heavy frost buildup around the sensor and wiring. Look for broken insulation, corrosion, or a loose connector.
- Step 4 – Test thermistor: Disconnect the thermistor and measure resistance. Compare to the temperature/resistance chart (often ~10kΩ at 77°F, higher at colder temps). Replace if open, shorted, or out of spec.
- Step 5 – Check harness: Follow the harness from the evaporator to the control board. With power off, verify continuity and repair any damaged sections.
- Step 6 – Replace control board: If the thermistor and wiring are good but H3 persists, replace the electronic control board.
After repair, reassemble the evaporator cover carefully to avoid air leaks that can cause frost issues.
Repair Difficulty
Required Part
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