Display shows F3 and the freezer may not defrost properly, causing ice build-up on the back wall.

Safety first: Unplug the freezer. Be cautious of sharp evaporator fins and any ice build-up.

How to check:

• 1. Access the evaporator area: Remove baskets and the inner rear panel of the freezer to expose the evaporator coil and defrost components.
• 2. Locate the defrost sensor: The evaporator NTC is usually clipped to the evaporator tubing or attached to the evaporator plate with a metal clip or plastic holder.
• 3. Inspect for damage: Look for broken wires, cracked sensor casing, or heavy ice encasing the sensor. If the sensor is encased in ice, allow it to thaw completely before testing.
• 4. Test resistance: Disconnect the sensor and measure resistance with a multimeter. At 0°C, many NTC sensors read around 15–35 kΩ. If the reading is open or shorted, the sensor is defective.
• 5. Replace the sensor: Unclip the old sensor, install the new one in the same position for accurate temperature sensing, and route the wires along the original path. Avoid contact with sharp fins.
• 6. Reassemble and test: Refit the rear panel, plug the freezer back in, and monitor for the F3 code. It may take one full defrost cycle (several hours) for the code to clear.
• 7. If F3 remains: Check wiring continuity from the sensor to the control board. If wiring is intact, the control board may need replacement.

Note: Do not chip ice off the evaporator with sharp tools; this can puncture the refrigerant circuit.