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Thermador · T18IF905SP 18 in Column Freezer with 5.1 cu ft Capacity and LED Lighting

Thermador T18IF905SP 18 in Column Freezer with 5.1 cu ft Capacity and LED Lighting E3 Error Fix: Compressor Overload

The compressor has triggered an overload condition due to overheating or electrical faults. This stops the compressor from running, leading to loss of cooling and potential freezer shutdown.

critical2 fixes available✨ Free fix available

Quick Answer

Error E3 on the Thermador T18IF905SP 18 in Column Freezer with 5.1 cu ft Capacity and LED Lighting means: Compressor Overload. The top-ranked community fix is “Replace Compressor Start Relay and Overload Protector” (hard difficulty, ~90 min, DIY cost: $50-$75). 2 community-ranked fixes available below.

Published February 2026 · 2 fixes · refrigerator

Content is based on manufacturer service documentation, community repair experience, and OEM technical bulletins. Always verify with your owner's manual.Learn about our editorial standards.

Root Cause Analysis

Refrigerant Issue → Compressor FailedPrimary

Electrical Fault

When to Call a Professional

While many refrigerator repairs can be done safely at home, consider hiring a qualified technician if:

The repair involves electrical wiring, gas lines, or refrigerant
You've tried the top-ranked fix and the error persists
You smell gas, see sparking, or notice water leaking
The repair requires specialized tools you don't have
Your appliance is still under manufacturer warranty

Average professional repair cost for this issue: $250-$350.

Other Thermador Models with Error E3

DWHD660WFM 24 in 42 dBA Sapphire Series Dishwasher with Star Dry and WiFi Connectivity

dishwasher · 2 fixes

ME302WS Masterpiece Wall Oven

oven · 1 fix

T30IR905SP 30 in Column Refrigerator with 15.5 cu ft Capacity, WiFi, and ThermaFresh System

refrigerator · 2 fixes

T36BB925SS 36 in 20.9 cu ft Freedom® Collection Built-In French Door Refrigerator with ThermaFresh System

refrigerator · 2 fixes

Other Thermador T18IF905SP 18 in Column Freezer with 5.1 cu ft Capacity and LED Lighting Error Codes

Evaporator Sensor Failure

2 fixes

E10

Ice Maker Water Valve Fault

2 fixes

E11

Freezer Door Gasket Leak

Drain Pump Failure

Main Temperature Sensor Short Circuit

2 fixes

E14

High Limit Thermostat Open

2 fixes

E15

Door Heater Circuit Fault

2 fixes

E16

Ice Maker Fill Tube Frozen

2 fixes

People Also Ask About Thermador T18IF905SP 18 in Column Freezer with 5.1 cu ft Capacity and LED Lighting Error E3

What does error code E3 mean on a Thermador T18IF905SP 18 in Column Freezer with 5.1 cu ft Capacity and LED Lighting?

Error code E3 on the Thermador T18IF905SP 18 in Column Freezer with 5.1 cu ft Capacity and LED Lighting means: Compressor Overload. The compressor has triggered an overload condition due to overheating or electrical faults. This stops the compressor from running, leading to loss of cooling and potential freezer shutdown.

How do I fix error code E3 on my Thermador T18IF905SP 18 in Column Freezer with 5.1 cu ft Capacity and LED Lighting?

The most successful fix is "Replace Compressor Start Relay and Overload Protector" (hard difficulty, ~90 minutes). Estimated DIY cost: $50-$75. HomeMD has 2 community-ranked fixes for this error.

Is error code E3 on a Thermador T18IF905SP 18 in Column Freezer with 5.1 cu ft Capacity and LED Lighting serious?

This error is rated critical severity. It is generally not urgent and can often be resolved with a simple DIY fix.

Can I fix Thermador T18IF905SP 18 in Column Freezer with 5.1 cu ft Capacity and LED Lighting error E3 myself?

Yes — the top-ranked community fix ("Replace Compressor Start Relay and Overload Protector") is rated hard difficulty and takes about 90 minutes. Tools needed: Phillips screwdriver, Needle-nose pliers.

How much does it cost to repair Thermador T18IF905SP 18 in Column Freezer with 5.1 cu ft Capacity and LED Lighting error E3?

DIY cost: $50-$75. Professional repair typically costs $250-$350. Many homeowners save money by trying the top-ranked community fix first.

What other error codes does the Thermador T18IF905SP 18 in Column Freezer with 5.1 cu ft Capacity and LED Lighting have?

The Thermador T18IF905SP 18 in Column Freezer with 5.1 cu ft Capacity and LED Lighting has 8 other known error codes, including: E1 (Evaporator Sensor Failure), E10 (Ice Maker Water Valve Fault), E11 (Freezer Door Gasket Leak), E12 (Drain Pump Failure), E13 (Main Temperature Sensor Short Circuit), and 3 more.

Which other Thermador models have the E3 error?

Error code E3 also appears on 4 other Thermador models: DWHD660WFM 24 in 42 dBA Sapphire Series Dishwasher with Star Dry and WiFi Connectivity, ME302WS Masterpiece Wall Oven, T30IR905SP 30 in Column Refrigerator with 15.5 cu ft Capacity, WiFi, and ThermaFresh System, T36BB925SS 36 in 20.9 cu ft Freedom® Collection Built-In French Door Refrigerator with ThermaFresh System. The fix may vary by model, so check each model's specific page for tailored repair steps.

What other error codes does the Thermador T18IF905SP 18 in Column Freezer with 5.1 cu ft Capacity and LED Lighting have?

The Thermador T18IF905SP 18 in Column Freezer with 5.1 cu ft Capacity and LED Lighting has 8 other known error codes:

E1 — Evaporator Sensor Failure (2 fixes)
E10 — Ice Maker Water Valve Fault (2 fixes)
E11 — Freezer Door Gasket Leak (2 fixes)
E12 — Drain Pump Failure (2 fixes)
E13 — Main Temperature Sensor Short Circuit (2 fixes)
E14 — High Limit Thermostat Open (2 fixes)
E15 — Door Heater Circuit Fault (2 fixes)
E16 — Ice Maker Fill Tube Frozen (2 fixes)

Which other Thermador models have the E3 error?

Error code E3 also appears on 4 other Thermador models:

DWHD660WFM 24 in 42 dBA Sapphire Series Dishwasher with Star Dry and WiFi Connectivity (dishwasher) · 2 fixes
ME302WS Masterpiece Wall Oven (oven) · 1 fix
T30IR905SP 30 in Column Refrigerator with 15.5 cu ft Capacity, WiFi, and ThermaFresh System (refrigerator) · 2 fixes
T36BB925SS 36 in 20.9 cu ft Freedom® Collection Built-In French Door Refrigerator with ThermaFresh System (refrigerator) · 2 fixes

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