Dehumidifier beeps and shows E3, will not dehumidify

Safety: Disconnect power before removing covers. Do not spray water or cleaner directly into the control panel.

How to troubleshoot E3:

• Power cycle: Unplug for several minutes and plug back in. If E3 reappears, continue.
• Locate the humidity sensor: On many Black+Decker dehumidifiers, the humidity sensor is mounted behind the front grille or near the air intake, often on a small plastic bracket or on a small daughter board connected to the main PCB.
• Inspect for contamination: Dust or moisture on the sensor can cause incorrect readings. Gently blow off dust with dry compressed air. Do not touch the sensor element with fingers or wet cloth.
• Check the connector: Ensure the humidity sensor plug is fully seated on the control board. Look for corrosion or bent pins and correct as needed.
• Replace the humidity sensor: If the sensor is physically damaged or E3 persists, order a compatible humidity sensor assembly for your Black+Decker model. Remove the old sensor (usually one or two screws or clips), transfer the new one, and reconnect the harness.
• Board-level fault: If a new sensor does not clear E3, the main control board may not be reading the sensor correctly. Board replacement is more advanced and may require a technician.