Wine cooler shows E3 and interior light and display may remain on but compressor does not run correctly; temperature control unreliable.

Safety: Turn off the circuit breaker or unplug the appliance before accessing the control panel or top cover.

Steps to address E3:

• 1. Locate ambient sensor: On many Gaggenau wine coolers, the ambient sensor is positioned near the control panel or behind the front grille/top panel to measure room temperature.
• 2. Remove control panel trim: Carefully pry off or unscrew the control panel bezel as per the service manual. Avoid damaging the touch controls or display ribbon cable.
• 3. Inspect sensor and wiring: Look for a small probe or plastic-encased sensor with two wires. Check for broken insulation, loose connectors, or corrosion from humidity.
• 4. Test sensor resistance: Disconnect the sensor from the board and measure resistance at room temperature. Compare to Gaggenau’s NTC chart. Replace if open, shorted, or far out of spec.
• 5. Replace ambient sensor if needed: Install the new sensor in the same location and orientation. Route wiring away from sharp edges and hot components.
• 6. Evaluate control board: If the sensor tests good and wiring is intact, the main control board may be misreading the ambient input. Visual inspection for burnt components can help, but replacement is usually the only remedy.
• 7. Reassemble and test: Refit the control panel, restore power, and verify that the error clears and that the unit cycles normally in response to room temperature.

Note: Incorrect ambient readings can cause the wine cooler to overcool or undercool, so resolving E3 promptly protects your wine collection.