Freezer displays E4 and may stop cooling or run continuously; compressor operation is erratic.
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 warning: Unplug the freezer and allow the compressor area to cool before working. Avoid contact with hot pipes and capacitors.
Diagnostic and repair steps:
- Access compressor compartment: Move the freezer away from the wall. Remove the lower rear metal cover to expose the compressor, condenser, and control board area.
- Locate the discharge/condenser sensor: This thermistor is usually clipped to the compressor discharge line or attached to the condenser tubing. It will have two small wires leading back to the control board.
- Inspect physical condition: Check that the sensor is firmly attached to the pipe and that its insulation is intact. Reattach any loose clips or brackets.
- Test the sensor: Disconnect the sensor from the harness and measure resistance with a multimeter. Compare to expected NTC values. If the reading is open, shorted, or far off spec, replace the sensor with a Sharp-compatible discharge/condenser thermistor.
- Check wiring: Inspect the harness from the sensor to the main PCB for heat damage, melted insulation, or chafing against metal edges. Repair or replace as needed.
- Control board check: If the sensor and wiring are good but E4 persists, the main control PCB may be misreading the sensor. Inspect for visible damage and replace the PCB if necessary.
After repair: Reinstall the rear cover to ensure proper airflow over the condenser. Restore power and monitor compressor operation and error display for several hours.
Repair Difficulty
Required Part
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