Display shows E3 and the temperature setpoint cannot be maintained; unit may short-cycle or run continuously.
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: Unplug the wine cooler before removing the control panel or top cover.
Steps:
- 1. Locate ambient sensor: On many La Sommeliere models, the ambient NTC is located near the front control panel or behind a small grille at the top/front of the cabinet to sense room temperature.
- 2. Remove control panel bezel: Carefully pry off or unscrew the front control panel (depending on model). Avoid damaging the ribbon cable to the display.
- 3. Inspect sensor and wiring: Find the small probe or thermistor on a two-wire lead. Check for broken leads, corrosion, or a loose connector on the PCB. Reseat the connector.
- 4. Test resistance: Measure the sensor resistance at room temperature and compare to the expected NTC value (often 5k–10kΩ at 25°C). Replace if open or shorted.
- 5. Replace sensor: If defective, install a new La Sommeliere ambient NTC sensor. Route the wires away from sharp edges and hot components.
- 6. Reassemble: Refit the control panel, ensuring no wires are pinched. Restore power and verify that E3 clears and that the displayed temperature is stable.
Tip: If the cooler is installed in a very hot or very cold environment, relocate it to within the manufacturer’s specified ambient temperature range, as extreme conditions can also trigger sensor-related errors.
Repair Difficulty
Required Part
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