E3
Insignia Temperature Sensor (Thermistor) Fault

Display shows E3 and the ice maker stops, often during the freezing stage.

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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.

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Possible Causes

Open or shorted evaporator thermistor, Disconnected thermistor harness, Damaged sensor from ice buildup, Faulty control board input circuit

How to Fix / Troubleshooting

Safety first: Unplug the ice maker before accessing internal components. Avoid using sharp tools on the evaporator.

  • Allow defrost: Leave the lid open and unit unplugged for 30–60 minutes to melt any heavy ice buildup around the evaporator and sensor.
  • Locate the thermistor: The thermistor is usually a small bead or bullet-shaped sensor clipped to or near the evaporator plate or ice tray, with two thin wires leading to the control board.
  • Inspect the sensor and wires: Look for broken insulation, pinched wires, or a sensor that has come loose from its clip. Reseat the clip so the sensor contacts the metal surface properly.
  • Check connection at the board: Remove the rear/bottom panel, find the thermistor connector on the main PCB, and ensure it is firmly plugged in.
  • Test with a multimeter: At room temperature, the thermistor should show a stable resistance (often 5–50 kΩ depending on design). If it reads open (OL) or 0 Ω, replace the thermistor.
  • If E3 persists with a new sensor: The control board’s sensor circuit may be defective and the main control board may need replacement.
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Repair Difficulty

Hard 4/5

Required Part

Evaporator Thermistor
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