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Appliance Fix Guide

Frigidaire Refrigerator error code

Frigidaire Refrigerator Error E3

Freezer thermistor (temperature sensor) is open.

Freezer thermistor (temperature sensor) is open.

Updated Aug 18, 2026
✅ WORTH FIXINGParts under $100
Frigidaire refrigerator repair guide for error E3
Error codeE3Refrigerator

Try these first

Start here before buying a part or taking the appliance apart.

  1. 1
    Check 1

    Unplug the refrigerator.

  2. 2
    Check 2

    Remove the back panel inside the freezer to expose the evaporator coils.

  3. 3
    Check 3

    Locate the defrost thermostat, which is a small, round device clipped to the evaporator tubing.

A quick explanation

What does E3 mean?

Freezer thermistor (temperature sensor) is open.

The answer you came for

How to fix Frigidaire refrigerator error E3

Start with the safest checks and work from simple to technical.

  1. 1

    Step 1

    1. Unplug the refrigerator from the wall outlet to cut all power.

  2. 2

    Step 2

    2. Empty the freezer of all food, shelves, and the ice maker assembly to access the rear interior panel.

  3. 3

    Step 3

    3. Unscrew and remove the rear panel inside the freezer. This will expose the silver evaporator coils, which may be covered in frost.

  4. 4

    Step 4

    4. Locate the defrost bi-metal thermostat. It is a small, round component clipped directly onto the copper tubing of the evaporator coils.

  5. 5

    Step 5

    5. Disconnect the wires leading to the old thermostat. You may need to cut them and strip the ends if there is no plug.

  6. 6

    Step 6

    6. Using wire connectors, attach the new thermostat's wires to the wires in the freezer. Ensure the connections are secure and waterproof.

  7. 7

    Step 7

    7. Firmly clip the new thermostat onto the evaporator tube, re-install the rear panel, and restore power.

Read the additional checks from the current guide

How to Fix E3 Error (Step-by-Step) Unplug the refrigerator from the wall outlet to cut all power.Empty the freezer of all food, shelves, and the ice maker assembly to access the rear interior panel.Unscrew and remove the rear panel inside the freezer. This will expose the silver evaporator coils, which may be covered in frost.Locate the defrost bi-metal thermostat. It is a small, round component clipped directly onto the copper tubing of the evaporator coils.Disconnect the wires leading to the old thermostat. You may need to cut them and strip the ends if there is no plug.Using wire connectors, attach the new thermostat's wires to the wires in the freezer. Ensure the connections are secure and waterproof.Firmly clip the new thermostat onto the evaporator tube, re-install the rear panel, and restore power.Turn the appliance off, wait about 2 minutes, then turn it back on.

What to Check Next on This Frigidaire Refrigerator Focused repair path: refrigerator door, airflow, sensor, defrost, dispenser, and control checks. Do not treat this as a reset-only problem if the code keeps returning; use what the appliance does during the failed part of the cycle to choose the next check. Confirm the doors close fully, the gaskets seal, and the display is not reacting to a door left open or a blocked switch. Check for blocked vents, heavy frost, stalled fans, warm compartments, or recent power interruptions before replacing electronic parts. If the code involves temperature or airflow, inspect the evaporator fan, thermistor, defrost path, wiring, and control connections. If the symptom follows a door or dispenser event, check the switch, harness, hinge wiring, and connector seating first. Use the full Frigidaire refrigerator model number before buying parts because sensors, boards, fans, and switches are model-specific. Check, inspect, clean, test, measure, remove, reconnect, clear, and replace parts only when the symptom supports that path. If these checks point toward a part, verify the complete Frigidaire model number from the appliance tag before ordering. The same error wording can use different valves, sensors, pumps, motors, heaters, locks, switches, or control boards depending on the exact model. &tag=appliancefixg-20Verified Compatible Alternatives:Defrost Bi-metal Thermostat

If the code comes back

Do not keep replacing parts based only on the code. Repeat the safe checks above. If the fault remains, stop and arrange qualified service rather than ordering from the code alone.

What may be causing it?

  • The defrost bi-metal thermostat has failed.
  • The sensor attached to the evaporator has failed.

These are possibilities to investigate, not proof that one part has failed.

Recommended part

Recommended part for this error code

Defrost Bi-metal Thermostat

Price noted in the current guide: $25-$60

Why this part is shown: It is associated with Frigidaire Refrigerator error E3 in the current guide. The error code alone does not prove this part has failed.

Compatibility varies by model. Confirm that the Amazon listing includes your complete refrigerator model number before ordering.

Amazon part link View recommended part on Amazon

You can open the recommendation now. Check model compatibility on the Amazon page before purchasing.

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Replacement options

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Delivery and service options, fees, and availability vary by item, seller, and delivery ZIP code. Confirm available services at Amazon checkout.

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Make the money decision

Repair or replace calculator

Use the age and total repair estimate to get a simple comparison. This is guidance, not a guarantee.

Safety first

Disconnect power before opening panels or touching internal parts.

When to stop
  • Stop if you see burned wiring, melted connectors, water near electrical parts, or a gas smell.
  • Do not perform live-voltage testing unless you are trained and equipped for it.
  • Use the exact model manual or service information before replacing electronic controls.

Free quick sheet

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