Display shows E3 and refrigerator struggles to maintain set temperature, compressor runs abnormally

Safety first: Unplug the appliance. Be cautious of sharp metal edges when working around the evaporator.

Procedure:

• Access evaporator area: Empty the freezer and remove the rear interior panel to expose the evaporator coil.
• Locate the sensor: The evaporator sensor is typically clipped to the coil tubing or mounted on the evaporator frame.
• Check for ice damage: If the coil is heavily iced, allow it to fully defrost (doors open, towels on floor) before handling the sensor. Do not chip ice with sharp tools.
• Inspect sensor and wiring: Look for cracked sensor body, brittle insulation, or wires pulled tight by ice expansion.
• Test sensor: Disconnect and measure resistance with a multimeter. Compare to expected NTC values for the current temperature. Replace if open, shorted, or far out of spec.
• Reposition correctly: Clip the new or existing sensor firmly to the coil in the original location so it accurately senses evaporator temperature.

Warning: If you see signs of refrigerant oil or a punctured coil, stop and call a licensed refrigeration technician. Do not attempt sealed system repairs yourself.