E3
De Dietrich
Refrigerator Evaporator Sensor Failure
Refrigerator shows E3 and may not defrost properly; frost accumulates on the rear wall of the refrigerator compartment.
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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 NTC clipped to refrigerator evaporator, Sensor dislodged from evaporator coil, Broken wiring in door or cabinet harness, Faulty main PCB sensor input
How to Fix / Troubleshooting
Safety first: Disconnect mains power. Be cautious when working around sharp evaporator fins.
Procedure:
- 1. Empty the refrigerator section: Remove shelves and drawers to access the rear inner panel.
- 2. Remove the rear liner panel: Unscrew and gently pull off the panel. If it is frozen in place, defrost with warm air (hair dryer on low) and towels to catch water.
- 3. Locate the evaporator NTC: It is usually clipped to the evaporator tubing or embedded in a small plastic housing attached to the coil.
- 4. Check placement and condition: Ensure the sensor is firmly clipped to the coil and not hanging loose. Inspect the cable for cuts or crushed sections.
- 5. Test the sensor: Disconnect the NTC and measure resistance at the current temperature (likely around 0–5°C after defrost). Compare to expected NTC curve. Replace if open/shorted or clearly out of range.
- 6. Inspect wiring to PCB: Follow the harness to the cabinet pass-through and to the main PCB. Check for pinched or corroded connectors. Repair or replace as needed.
- 7. Replace the sensor: Clip the new NTC in the same position on the evaporator, ensuring good thermal contact. Avoid bending the aluminum fins excessively.
- 8. Reassemble and test: Refit the panel, restore power, and allow 24 hours to confirm proper defrosting and that E3 does not reappear.
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Repair Difficulty
Hard
4/5
Required Part
Refrigerator Evaporator NTC Sensor
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