E3
Hisense
Evaporator Sensor (Defrost Sensor) Fault
Display shows E3 and the refrigerator may not defrost properly, leading to ice buildup on the evaporator.
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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
Failed evaporator thermistor, Broken or iced-over sensor connection, Damaged harness in evaporator area, Faulty main PCB sensor circuit
How to Fix / Troubleshooting
Safety: Unplug the refrigerator. Be cautious of sharp evaporator fins and sheet metal.
- 1. Access the evaporator: Remove freezer drawers/shelves. Take off the rear interior panel of the freezer to expose the evaporator coil and wiring.
- 2. Inspect for heavy ice: If the evaporator is encased in ice, allow it to fully defrost (doors open, towels on floor, or use a hair dryer on low with care). Do not chip ice with sharp tools.
- 3. Locate the evaporator sensor: The thermistor is usually clipped to the evaporator tubing or mounted near the top of the coil with a plastic clip.
- 4. Check wiring and connections: Look for broken wires, loose connectors, or corrosion. Reseat the connector and ensure the sensor is firmly attached to the coil.
- 5. Test the sensor: Disconnect and measure resistance at a known temperature (e.g., after defrost at room temp). Compare to expected NTC values. Replace if open, shorted, or out of range.
- 6. Reassemble and test: After replacing the sensor, reassemble the panel, restore power, and monitor for reoccurrence of E3 and for proper defrosting over the next 24–48 hours.
Call a technician if the sensor and wiring are good but E3 persists, as the main PCB may be defective.
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Repair Difficulty
Hard
4/5
Required Part
Evaporator Thermistor
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