Wine cooler displays E3 and temperature is unstable or inaccurate

Safety: Unplug the appliance before removing any interior panels. Use insulated tools.

E3 typically refers to a lower-zone or secondary compartment temperature sensor fault.

• Step 1 – Verify zone: If your KitchenAid model is dual-zone, confirm that the lower zone is the one misreading or not holding temperature.
• Step 2 – Access lower sensor: Remove lower shelves and pull off the lower rear interior panel. The thermistor is usually clipped to the evaporator tubing or mounted on the back wall.
• Step 3 – Visual inspection: Look for corrosion, water droplets inside the sensor housing, or brittle/cracked insulation. Ensure the sensor is firmly clipped in place and not dangling.
• Step 4 – Test resistance: Disconnect the sensor and measure resistance at room temperature. Compare to the expected NTC curve. If the reading is far off, replace the sensor.
• Step 5 – Check harness and board: If the sensor tests good, inspect the harness from the sensor to the main control board for continuity. If continuity is good and E3 persists, the control board lower-zone input is likely faulty and should be replaced by a technician.