Bertazzoni Wine Refrigeration / Wine Cellars E3 Error: Upper defrost probe fault
What Does E3 Mean? The E3 fault code on Bertazzoni wine columns — specifically the REF24WCBPNV and REF18WCBPRV models — indicates an open-circuit fault on the upper-zone evaporator (defrost) NTC probe. This probe monitors the evaporator coil temperature during the defrost cycle and sends the termination signal to the control board when the coil is […]
Quick Assessment
Answer to continue safely
Is it safe to keep using?
Maybe. The unit can continue to run, and the upper zone may maintain its temperature normally in the short term. However, defrost cycle management is compromised and frost will progressively reduce cooling capacity. Schedule service within a few days.
Can I reset the code?
No. E3 is a hardware fault that cannot be cleared by power-cycling or any panel input. Only replacing the defrost probe or repairing the harness will resolve the fault.
When to stop immediately?
Stop if you notice: Upper zone temperature begins drifting above its set point — frost accumulation has degraded cooling capacity, Heavy frost is visible on the upper-zone rear wall or evaporator area.
Symptoms You May Notice
Upper zone cooling gradually becomes less effective over days or weeks
Without a reliable defrost-termination signal from the evaporator probe, frost accumulates progressively on the upper-zone evaporator coil. The thickening frost layer insulates the coil, reducing heat exchange and slowly degrading the upper zone's ability to maintain its set-point temperature.
Upper zone evaporator area at the rear of the cabinet shows visible frost buildup
If you inspect the rear wall of the upper zone you may see unusually heavy frost accumulation that does not clear between defrost cycles. This is the physical result of the defrost termination signal being absent.
E3 flashes on the display every 10 seconds with buzzer alarm
The control board outputs the E3 fault code in a repeating pattern alongside the buzzer. The alarm fires at the same 10-second interval as E1 and E2, and continues until the fault is resolved.
Possible Causes
Evaporator defrost probe wire broken or connector pulled from harness
The NTC thermistor mounted on or near the upper-zone evaporator coil to monitor defrost cycle temperature has a broken wire or a disconnected harness connector, creating the open-circuit condition the board detects as an E3 fault.
Requires ProfessionalProbe element cracked or corroded
Repeated thermal cycling from defrost heat events can eventually crack the probe housing or corrode its terminals, breaking continuity and preventing the defrost-termination signal from reaching the control board.
Requires ProfessionalSafe Checks You Can Do
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1
Note the E3 code and monitor upper zone cooling performance
Record the E3 fault code and check the upper zone temperature on the display. If the zone is still maintaining its set-point temperature, the defrost probe failure is early-stage and frost accumulation has not yet degraded cooling capacity. Book service promptly rather than urgently.
Monitor the upper zone temperature daily. If it begins drifting above the set point over the next few days, the frost buildup is advancing and the service call should be escalated.
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2
Move temperature-sensitive wine as a precaution
As a precaution, move any particularly valuable or temperature-sensitive bottles from the upper zone to secondary storage. The upper zone cooling will degrade over time as frost builds — moving wine now protects against a future temperature event.
Less sensitive red wines stored for long-term ageing can remain in the upper zone for a short period if the zone temperature is still stable.
When to Call a Professional
Contact a qualified technician if:
- E3 requires access to the upper-zone evaporator area and resistance testing of the defrost probe — a Bertazzoni technician task on built-in wine columns
- Persistent frost buildup may require a forced manual defrost cycle before probe replacement to allow safe access to the evaporator coil
Need Professional Help?
Find qualified technicians in your area for proper diagnostics and repair.
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