E4
Amana Outdoor Temperature Sensor Short Circuit

Thermostat displays E4 and may shut down heating or cooling, outdoor temperature reading is incorrect or missing

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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

Shorted outdoor temperature sensor, Sensor cable pinched or rubbed through causing conductor-to-conductor short, Water intrusion into sensor housing, Shorted sensor input on furnace/air handler control board

How to Fix / Troubleshooting

Safety first: Turn off power to both indoor and outdoor units at the breaker before working on wiring or sensors.

  • Step 1 – Power reset: Turn off the HVAC breakers for 2–3 minutes, then restore power. If E4 returns immediately, proceed with inspection.
  • Step 2 – Inspect outdoor sensor cable: Trace the sensor cable from the Amana outdoor temperature sensor back to the furnace/air handler. Look for crushed, pinched, or chewed sections. Repair or replace damaged cable.
  • Step 3 – Check sensor housing: Examine the sensor body for cracks or water intrusion. If the sensor is wet inside or corroded, it is likely shorted and must be replaced.
  • Step 4 – Test resistance: With power off, disconnect the sensor leads at the control board. Measure resistance across the sensor. A near-zero ohm reading indicates a shorted sensor. Replace with a new Amana-compatible outdoor sensor.
  • Step 5 – Inspect control board terminals: If a known-good sensor still reads as shorted when connected, the sensor input on the Amana control board may be damaged. This requires board replacement by a professional.

When to call a professional: If you suspect a failed control board or cannot safely access the furnace/air handler compartment, contact an HVAC technician.

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Repair Difficulty

Hard 4/5

Required Part

Amana Outdoor Temperature Sensor
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