Display shows E3; freezer may not defrost properly, leading to ice buildup on the evaporator and reduced cooling.

Safety first: Unplug the freezer. The defrost heater and wiring are near sharp metal and can retain moisture—use caution.

• Access evaporator and heater: Remove freezer drawers and the rear inner panel to expose the evaporator. The defrost heater is typically a metal or glass-encased element attached to or beneath the evaporator.
• Visual inspection: Look for burnt spots, broken heater tubing, or melted connectors. Check the defrost thermal fuse/thermostat (often clipped to the evaporator tubing) for signs of overheating.
• Test heater resistance: Disconnect heater leads and measure resistance with a multimeter. A typical heater may read 50–300 Ω depending on model. Infinite resistance indicates an open heater that must be replaced.
• Check thermal fuse/thermostat: Test for continuity at room temperature. A blown thermal fuse or open thermostat (when cold) will interrupt the circuit and trigger E3.
• Inspect wiring and connectors: Ensure all connectors are tight and free of corrosion. Repair any burnt or loose terminals.
• Replace faulty components: Replace the defrost heater and/or defrost thermal fuse/thermostat if defective. If all components test good but E3 persists, the main PCB defrost relay or control logic may be faulty and should be replaced by a professional.