Display shows E3; ice maker runs briefly then shuts down; fan may run but compressor cycles off quickly.
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 ice maker before removing the rear or side panels. The condenser area may be hot.
Steps to resolve E3:
- Locate ambient sensor: On Vestfrost ice makers, the ambient or condenser sensor is usually clipped near the condenser coil or air intake grille.
- Visual inspection: Check that the sensor body is intact and not melted or cracked. Inspect the cable for discoloration or brittleness from heat.
- Clean condenser area: Use a soft brush or vacuum to remove dust from the condenser coil and fan area. Overheating can stress the sensor and electronics.
- Test sensor resistance: Disconnect the sensor from the PCB and measure resistance at room temperature. Compare to Vestfrost's NTC chart. Replace the ambient NTC sensor if readings are open, shorted, or clearly out of spec.
- Check connectors: Clean any oxidized pins with contact cleaner and reseat firmly.
- PCB diagnosis: If a new sensor does not clear E3, the main control PCB may be faulty. Replacement of the main control PCB is recommended, typically by a professional.
Tip: Ensure the unit has adequate ventilation around the condenser to prevent future overheating and sensor failures.
Repair Difficulty
Required Part
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