Manitowoc E23 Error Code
T3 temperature sensor fault
What does Manitowoc E23 mean?
E23 indicates a fault with the T3 temperature sensor, which monitors the evaporator inlet refrigerant temperature. T3 is used by the control board to track the freeze cycle's thermal progression. An open or shorted T3 reading prevents the board from making correct decisions about freeze and harvest timing. Mineral scale on the probe or a failed thermistor are the primary causes.
Symptoms
- Machine shuts down with E23 in the event log.
- T3 sensor reading in diagnostics shows -22°F (open) or 475°F (shorted).
- Freeze cycles may be abnormally long or short before E23 triggers.
- Evaporator inlet temperature cannot be confirmed during service diagnostics.
Common causes
- Failed T3 thermistor with open or shorted element.
- Heavy mineral scale on the T3 probe surface causing heat transfer error or physical probe displacement.
- Loose or corroded T3 connector at the control board.
- Damaged wiring harness between T3 and the control board.
- Control board T3 input circuit failure.
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Diagnostic steps
Read T3 value in diagnostics
Navigate to Menu → Services → Diagnostics → Temp Sensors and record the T3 reading. Values of -22°F (five minutes into freeze) indicate an open thermistor; 475°F indicates a short.
Clean the T3 probe and evaporator
Run a clean-and-sanitize cycle with Manitowoc nickel-safe cleaner. Soak the T3 probe in Manitowoc cleaning solution for 10 minutes to dissolve scale. Scale is the most common cause of thermistor displacement and false readings.
Inspect T3 wiring and connector
Power off and inspect the T3 connector at the control board for corrosion or loose pins. Trace the harness to the probe location on the evaporator inlet line and check for damaged insulation.
Measure T3 thermistor resistance
Disconnect T3 from the board and measure resistance with a digital multimeter. Compare the value against the service manual resistance/temperature chart. Replace if outside 10% of specification.
Replace T3 thermistor
Install the Manitowoc-specified T3 replacement thermistor. Mount it on the evaporator inlet line per the wiring diagram and confirm the diagnostic reading returns to a valid range.
When to call a professional
If thermistor and wiring replacement do not clear E23, the control board input is faulty. A factory-trained technician is required to confirm board failure and source the correct replacement to avoid repeat visits.
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Other Manitowoc Error Codes
Long freeze cycle exceeded limit
Long harvest cycle exceeded 3.5 minutes
Input power loss detected
High condenser temperature
High pressure control opened (HPCO tripped)
Starving TXV or low refrigerant charge
TXV fault - flooding or valve issue
Evaporator #1 flooding
Evaporator #2 flooding (dual circuit)
Refrigeration fault or curtain fault
Curtain switch fault - open for 12+ hours
Fan cycle control fault / low liquid line temp
Sources: www.techtownforum.com, www.partstown.com, www.easyice.com