Dehumidifier shows E3 and compressor will not run
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 first: Unplug the unit before accessing the control panel or internal components.
- Step 1 – Power reset: Disconnect power for 5–10 minutes, then restart. If E3 returns, proceed.
- Step 2 – Locate humidity sensor: On many Danby models, the RH sensor is mounted behind the front grille or near the air intake, connected by a small harness to the control board.
- Step 3 – Inspect sensor and wiring: Remove the front panel/control panel to access the sensor. Check for dust buildup, moisture damage, or corrosion. Ensure the connector is fully seated on the board.
- Step 4 – Clean gently: If the sensor is dusty, gently blow off dust with dry compressed air. Do not use liquid cleaners on the sensor element.
- Step 5 – Replace sensor: If E3 persists, replace the humidity sensor assembly with a Danby-compatible part. Mount it in the same location to ensure accurate readings.
When to call a technician: If a new humidity sensor does not resolve E3, the main PCB may be defective and should be evaluated by a service professional.
Repair Difficulty
Required Part
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