Display shows E3 and unit stops heating; may occur shortly after startup
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.
Possible Causes
How to Fix / Troubleshooting
Safety first: Turn OFF electrical power and close water supply. Allow the heater to cool completely before servicing.
Steps:
- 1. Check water flow: Open a hot water tap fully. If flow is weak, clean inlet filter screens and ensure all isolation valves are fully open.
- 2. Inspect for scale: If you have hard water and the unit has not been descaled, mineral buildup may be restricting flow. Follow Electrolux instructions to flush the heat exchanger with a descaling solution using service valves and a pump.
- 3. Locate overheat thermostat / thermal cut-out: Usually mounted on the heat exchanger body. Check for manual reset buttons (some models have a small red reset). Press gently to reset if tripped.
- 4. Test continuity: With power OFF, disconnect the thermostat or thermal fuse and check continuity with a multimeter. Replace if open and not resettable.
- 5. Verify flow sensor operation: Inspect the flow sensor/turbine assembly for debris. Clean or replace if the turbine is stuck or damaged.
- 6. After corrections: Restore power and test. Monitor temperature to ensure it is stable and within normal range.
Note: Repeated E3 errors after descaling and thermostat replacement may indicate a control board or sensor calibration issue; contact Electrolux service.
Repair Difficulty
Required Part
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