What E03 actually means
The temperature sensor in the freezer section has stopped giving the control board a sensible reading, so the fridge freezer can no longer regulate the freezer properly.
On this Teknix side-by-side the control board constantly reads a small probe inside the freezer compartment to decide when to run the compressor and when to defrost. E03 is shown in the freezer temperature display area and means that reading has gone out of range or disappeared altogether — usually an open or short-circuited sensor, or its plug. Because the board is now working blind on that side, it falls back on a default running pattern, so the freezer may run far colder than set, not cold enough, or ice up around the vents.
What E03 looks like on a Teknix fridge freezer
Most people find this page having searched for what the machine is doing rather than the code itself. On a Teknix fridge freezer, E03 usually shows up as one or more of these:
- Fridge freezer door won't open
- Door won't lock or click shut
- Door lock light flashing
- Door stuck shut with the load inside
- Won't start even with the door closed
- Not heating the water
- Washing coming out cold
- Cycle takes far longer than it should
Recognise any of those? That is this fault, and the rest of this page explains what causes it and what you can check yourself.
What usually causes it
- Failed freezer temperature sensor (the most common cause by a long way)
- A loose or corroded plug on the sensor lead, often where moisture has tracked in
- Wiring to the sensor damaged or chafed in the cabinet run
- A fault on the main control board misreading an otherwise healthy sensor
What you can safely check yourself
Work through these in order. Anything beyond this — panels off, testing parts, anything to do with the wiring — is an engineer's job, and not one to attempt with the machine plugged in.
- Switch off at the wall for a minute and back on — an intermittent fault will sometimes clear and tells us it is early-stage rather than a dead sensor.
- Check the freezer door is closing and sealing properly, and that nothing is holding it ajar; heavy frosting from a poor seal can sit around the sensor area.
- Note whether the freezer is actually too warm or too cold and whether food is still frozen solid — that is genuinely useful information for the engineer.
- Clear any packed-in food or ice blocking the air vents inside the freezer.
Which Teknix models show E03
E03 means the same thing on this model. If yours is not listed, the explanation above still applies — the code is set by the control board, not the model number.
THSBS1791INBIX
Common questions about Teknix E03
What does E03 mean on a Teknix fridge freezer?
The temperature sensor in the freezer section has stopped giving the control board a sensible reading, so the fridge freezer can no longer regulate the freezer properly. On this Teknix side-by-side the control board constantly reads a small probe inside the freezer compartment to decide when to run the compressor and when to defrost. E03 is shown in the freezer temperature display area and means that reading has gone out of range or disappeared altogether — usually an open or short-circuited sensor, or its plug. Because the board is now working blind on that side, it falls back on a default running pattern, so the freezer may run far colder than set, not cold enough, or ice up around the vents.
Can I fix Teknix E03 myself?
There are 4 checks you can safely do yourself first.
- Switch off at the wall for a minute and back on — an intermittent fault will sometimes clear and tells us it is early-stage rather than a dead sensor.
- Check the freezer door is closing and sealing properly, and that nothing is holding it ajar; heavy frosting from a poor seal can sit around the sensor area.
- Note whether the freezer is actually too warm or too cold and whether food is still frozen solid — that is genuinely useful information for the engineer.
- Clear any packed-in food or ice blocking the air vents inside the freezer.
This one usually needs an engineer once you have tried them.
How much does it cost to repair Teknix E03?
£66 including VAT for an engineer to come out and diagnose it, or £84 in total including VAT if it is put right on the visit and no parts are needed. Any parts needed are quoted on site before we fit them — you decide. Every repair carries a 90-day workmanship guarantee.
Tried the checks and it's still showing E03?
This one usually needs an engineer once you have tried the checks above. Then it wants someone who can open it up.
What it costs, before you call: the price is the same whatever the fault turns out to be — £66 including VAT for an engineer to come out and diagnose it, or £84 in total including VAT if it is put right on the visit and no parts are needed. Any parts needed are quoted on site before we fit them — you decide. Every repair carries a 90-day workmanship guarantee.
Our own engineers, not a call centre. We cover Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire and Leicestershire — most fridge freezer faults are seen same day or next day.
Call 0115 648 0929 Book online — postcode and number is all we need
Outside our area? The explanation above still stands — take it to a local engineer and tell them the code. Knowing it saves them time and you money.
Other Teknix fridge freezer codes
- Teknix E04 — The sensor that tells the fridge freezer when the frost on i…
- Teknix E09 — The fridge freezer has lost a sensible reading from the temp…
- Teknix E01 — The fridge section's temperature sensor is no longer giving …
- Teknix E02 — The fridge has lost a sensible reading from the sensor on th…
All Teknix fault codes and repairs →