Display shows E3 and the unit stops making ice; evaporator plate may be heavily frosted or not cold at all.
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 ice maker before removing covers or touching internal components.
Steps to address E3:
- Allow defrost: If the evaporator is encased in ice, leave the lid open and unplugged for 30–60 minutes to melt excess frost. Do not use sharp tools or heat guns.
- Locate the evaporator sensor: On Galanz ice makers, the evaporator NTC is usually clipped or glued to the side or back of the aluminum evaporator plate or tubing.
- Check sensor attachment: Ensure the sensor is firmly attached to the evaporator surface. If it has fallen off, reattach it using thermal tape or the original clip so it can accurately sense temperature.
- Inspect wiring: Follow the sensor wires back to the main control board. Look for cuts, pinches, or corroded connectors. Reseat the connector.
- Test the sensor: With a multimeter, measure resistance at room temperature. Compare to typical NTC values (often 5–50 kΩ). If the reading is infinite (open) or near 0 Ω, replace the evaporator temperature sensor (NTC).
- Control board check: If a new sensor does not clear E3, the control board may not be interpreting the signal. Inspect for burnt or cracked components and consider replacing the main control board.
When to call a technician: If you are unsure how to test NTC sensors or suspect a control board failure, seek professional service.
Repair Difficulty
Required Part
We may earn a commission from links on this page.