A3
Hotpoint-Ariston Evaporator Defrost Sensor / Evaporator NTC Fault

Error A3 on display; freezer struggles to maintain temperature and may run continuously.

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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 evaporator NTC sensor, Sensor dislodged from evaporator coil, Corroded or loose connector at control board, Wiring harness damage in cabinet

How to Fix / Troubleshooting

Safety first: Always unplug the appliance before removing covers or touching wiring. Avoid damaging refrigerant lines.

  • Access evaporator area: Remove freezer drawers and the rear internal panel (evaporator cover) if accessible. This may require removing a few screws.
  • Inspect for heavy ice: If the evaporator is a solid block of ice, the sensor may be misreading. Perform a full manual defrost by unplugging the unit and allowing all ice to melt. Do not chip ice with tools.
  • Check sensor mounting: Locate the evaporator NTC clipped to the evaporator tubing. Ensure it is firmly attached and not hanging loose. Re-clip it securely to the coil.
  • Check wiring and connector: Follow the sensor wires to the connector. Look for corrosion, broken insulation, or loose pins. Clean and reseat the connector.
  • Test and replace: If you have a multimeter and the service data, test the NTC resistance. If out of specification, replace the evaporator NTC with the correct Hotpoint-Ariston part.
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Repair Difficulty

Hard 4/5

Required Part

Evaporator NTC Sensor
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