E3 error displayed; machine may run briefly then stop, often with no ice production and a warm evaporator plate.
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 removing covers. Avoid touching the refrigeration lines with tools that could puncture them.
- Access the evaporator area: Remove the top or side cover according to the Swan model's service instructions to expose the metal evaporator plate or grid.
- Locate the NTC sensor: Look for a small probe or thermistor clipped or bonded to the evaporator surface, usually with two thin wires leading back to the control board.
- Check for dislodgement: Ensure the sensor is firmly attached to the evaporator plate and has not fallen away. Re-clip or secure it with thermal tape if loose.
- Inspect wiring and connector: Follow the sensor wires to the control board. Confirm the connector is fully seated and free of corrosion or moisture. Clean gently if needed.
- Basic continuity check (for skilled users): With the sensor disconnected and the unit unplugged, use a multimeter set to resistance to verify the sensor is not open (infinite resistance) or shorted (near 0 ohms). A typical NTC will show several kΩ at room temperature.
If the sensor is open/shorted, replace the evaporator temperature sensor. If the sensor tests good but E3 persists, the control PCB may be defective and should be replaced by a technician.
Repair Difficulty
Required Part
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