Wine cooler displays E3 and may not maintain the set temperature; compressor may short-cycle.

Safety first: Unplug the appliance before removing any kick plates or control trims.

E3 generally indicates a problem with the ambient (room) temperature sensor used by Café wine coolers to adjust operation based on surrounding conditions.

• Step 1 – Locate ambient sensor: On many Café wine coolers, the ambient sensor is located near the front toe-kick grille or behind the control panel area. Look for a small probe or plastic housing with two wires.
• Step 2 – Inspect for damage: Remove the toe-kick grille or control trim. Check the sensor and harness for signs of impact damage, rodent chewing, or corrosion.
• Step 3 – Check connections: Follow the sensor wires back to the main control board. Ensure the connector is fully seated and not loose or oxidized.
• Step 4 – Test sensor: With power disconnected, unplug the sensor and measure resistance. Compare to Café ambient thermistor specs. Replace the sensor if readings are open, shorted, or far off expected values.
• Step 5 – Replace sensor or board: If the sensor is faulty, install a new Café-compatible ambient thermistor and secure it in the same location. If the sensor tests good but E3 remains, the main control board may have a failed sensor input and will likely need replacement.

After replacement, restore power and verify that the error clears and the unit cycles normally.