Display shows E3 and unit stops mid-cycle during regeneration
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: Place the softener in BYPASS, shut off power, and relieve pressure by opening a nearby faucet.
Steps to troubleshoot E3 (position sensor):
- 1. Inspect cam and sensor: Remove the control head cover. Locate the valve cam and the small position sensor or microswitch assembly. Check for broken plastic tabs, loose screws, or a sensor that has shifted out of alignment.
- 2. Clean and reseat: If the cam or sensor is dirty with iron or scale, clean gently with a soft brush and cloth. Reseat the sensor so it aligns with the cam marks or magnet as per Aquasana’s alignment marks.
- 3. Check wiring: Ensure the sensor harness is firmly connected to the control board and not pinched by the cover.
- 4. Manually index the valve: With power off, gently rotate the cam to the service position (usually marked). Then power up and initiate a manual regeneration to see if the error clears.
- 5. Replace faulty parts: If the cam is cracked or the sensor tests open/shorted, replace the cam position sensor/microswitch or the valve cam assembly as needed.
If E3 persists after these steps, the control board may not be reading the sensor correctly and may require replacement by a professional.
Repair Difficulty
Required Part
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