E3
De Dietrich Ambient Temperature Sensor (NTC) Failure

Display shows E3 and the ambient temperature reading is incorrect or dashes are shown; cooling performance may be erratic.

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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

Defective ambient NTC sensor, Sensor lead damaged near front grille, Loose connector at control PCB, Sensor contaminated by moisture or dust

How to Fix / Troubleshooting

Safety: Unplug the wine cooler before removing the toe-kick or rear panel. Avoid pulling on wires directly.

The ambient sensor allows De Dietrich wine coolers to adjust operation based on room temperature.

  • Locate the sensor: It is often mounted behind the front grille or near the air intake at the bottom or rear of the unit.
  • Visual inspection: Remove the grille or panel and look for a small probe or plastic-encased sensor on a two-wire harness. Check for dust buildup, corrosion, or physical damage.
  • Check connections: Trace the harness back to the main control board and ensure the plug is fully seated and not oxidized.
  • Test resistance: With the sensor unplugged, measure resistance at room temperature. Compare to typical NTC values (5–20 kΩ at ~25°C). If readings are far off or unstable when you move the cable, the sensor is faulty.
  • Replace sensor: Install a new ambient NTC sensor of the correct specification. Secure it in the same location, away from direct heat sources or compressor exhaust.
  • Re-test: Restore power, clear the error by turning the unit off and on, and verify that the displayed ambient temperature is reasonable and that the cooler cycles normally.
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Repair Difficulty

Medium 3/5

Required Part

Ambient NTC Temperature Sensor
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