Dehumidifier displays E3 and shuts down or fails to start the compressor; fan may operate.
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: Unplug the unit before removing the control panel or front grille.
Steps:
- Power cycle: Disconnect power for 5 minutes and restart. If E3 reappears, continue.
- Locate humidity sensor: On Honeywell dehumidifiers, the RH sensor is usually behind the front grille or integrated into the control panel area, exposed to room air via small vents.
- Clean sensor area: Use compressed air or a soft brush to remove dust and lint from the sensor opening. Do not spray liquids directly into the sensor.
- Check wiring: Remove the control panel cover and verify the sensor harness is firmly connected to the main PCB. Look for corrosion or broken wires.
- Replace sensor: If the sensor is visibly damaged or E3 persists after cleaning and reseating, replace the humidity sensor assembly with a Honeywell‑compatible part.
- Control board: If a new sensor does not clear E3, the main control board is likely faulty and should be replaced.
Tip: After replacement, verify that the displayed humidity changes when you introduce moist air (e.g., by briefly exhaling near the intake) to confirm sensor operation.
Repair Difficulty
Required Part
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