E3 appears during preheat or cooking; unit stops heating and beeps.

Safety first: Unplug the cooker and allow it to cool completely. Do not attempt to restart until it is cool to the touch.

• Check for burnt-on residue: Remove the inner pot and inspect the heating plate. Clean any burnt food or oil with a soft cloth and mild detergent. Do not scratch the plate.
• Verify ventilation: Ensure the cooker is used on a hard, flat surface with at least 10 cm clearance around all sides and underneath. Blocked vents can cause overheating.
• Inspect the NTC sensor: Access the base as described for E2. Check that the sensor is firmly clipped to the heating plate and not touching bare metal edges that could cause a short.
• Test the NTC: Measure resistance at room temperature. A very low resistance (near 0Ω) suggests a shorted sensor. Replace if readings are abnormal.
• Check thermal fuse/thermostat: Many Salter units have a thermal cutoff attached to the heating plate wiring. Inspect for discoloration or deformation. Test continuity; if open, it must be replaced, but also identify the cause of overheating.

After cleaning and ensuring proper airflow, reassemble and test. If E3 persists, replace the NTC sensor and inspect the thermal protection components.