Daewoo Air Conditioner Error Code E3

E3 on a Daewoo air conditioner signals a compressor or compressor electrical parts error. The unit measures indoor coil temperature after startup and expects a change of at least plus or minus 2 degrees Celsius within 5 minutes. If that change does not occur, the system triggers E3 and displays the fault as the ON lamp blinking twice repeatedly with 0.5-second intervals. The compressor is either not running, not receiving power, or the refrigerant system is not functioning correctly.

No. The E3 error causes the unit to shut down as a protective measure, and attempting to override or repeatedly restart it without diagnosing the root cause can cause further damage to the compressor or electrical components. Leave the unit off until the fault is diagnosed and corrected.

Repair costs vary widely depending on the cause. Replacing relay RL1 on the power PCB is typically a lower-cost repair, often in the range of $75 to $200 including labor. A failed compressor is the most expensive scenario, with replacement costs commonly ranging from $400 to $900 or more depending on the unit size and parts availability. A refrigerant recharge, if a leak is found and repaired, generally falls in the $150 to $400 range.

Some basic checks are accessible to a knowledgeable DIYer, such as inspecting the wiring connections between the indoor and outdoor units for loose or corroded terminals. However, diagnosing relay RL1 on the power PCB, measuring terminal block voltage, and evaluating the compressor itself require electrical test equipment and some technical skill. Any work involving refrigerant must be performed by a certified technician.

A power reset may temporarily clear the E3 display, but the error will return if the underlying fault is not repaired. The control system re-evaluates coil temperature every time the compressor starts, so if the compressor, relay, or wiring issue is still present, E3 will be triggered again within 5 minutes of the next startup.