E3
Brandt Defrost Sensor / Evaporator Thermistor Fault

Display shows E3 and the refrigerator struggles to maintain set temperature, often running continuously

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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

Defective evaporator thermistor, Thermistor dislodged from evaporator coil, Wiring harness damage in freezer back wall

How to Fix / Troubleshooting

Safety first: Disconnect power and wear cut‑resistant gloves when working near metal panels and sharp fins.

Step 1 – Access the evaporator area:

  • Empty the freezer compartment.
  • Remove the shelves and the rear inner panel (usually held by screws or clips).
  • Expose the evaporator coil and locate the small sensor clipped to the tubing or fins.

Step 2 – Check sensor placement and condition:

  • Ensure the sensor is firmly clipped to the evaporator; if it is hanging loose, reattach it properly.
  • Inspect the wiring for cracks, brittleness, or signs of overheating.

Step 3 – Test the evaporator thermistor:

  • With the unit still unplugged, disconnect the sensor connector.
  • Measure resistance with a multimeter; compare to expected values for the approximate coil temperature (consult service data if available).
  • Replace the sensor if readings are open, shorted, or far out of range.

Step 4 – Reassemble and test:

  • Secure the new or repositioned sensor to the evaporator coil.
  • Reinstall the rear panel and shelves.
  • Restore power and allow several hours of operation; the E3 code should clear automatically if the fault is resolved.
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Repair Difficulty

Hard 4/5

Required Part

Evaporator Thermistor
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