VERIFIED
Why the compressor depends on a sensor
The compressor does not decide for itself when to run. It follows temperature readings from the cabinet. If one of those readings is wrong, the compressor may run nonstop or sit idle, and the control may raise E36 when the numbers no longer make sense together. A cabinet sensor of this kind is a thermistor, a small part whose electrical resistance changes with temperature, which is how the control turns heat into a number.
Two faces of the same problem
- Overrunning: the compressor hums for hours, the sides feel warm and the energy bill creeps up, yet the cabinet feels cold or even freezes items.
- Underrunning: the cabinet warms quietly while the compressor rests, because the sensor insists all is well.
Both patterns point at the readings the control is acting on, but neither names the faulty part, because a wrong reading and a wrong response can look the same from outside.
Where owners meet it
E36 is reported in the hot months when the kitchen is already stressing the cabinet, and after electrical work in a house that left the refrigerator on a temporary extension. It also follows older installations in damp cellars where connectors have corroded over many years.
Measurement plan
The technician reads the sensor resistance and compares it with a reference thermometer, checks the connector and wiring, then looks at how the compressor responds to the control command. The final step is the electrical supply to the compressor under load, since weak voltage can mimic sensor trouble.
Owner observations that help
Keep a log of the real temperatures in both sections, preferably at the same hours each day. Note how long the compressor runs and how long it rests. Make sure the unit has clearance and the grille is dust-free, so heat does not distort the picture.
Why you should not tinker
The wiring that carries the sensor signal is thin and easy to damage, and the compressor circuit carries mains voltage. Neither is safe for a home experiment, and an incorrect part would cost more than a proper diagnosis.
What happens next
After testing, you get an explanation, a written estimate and a recommendation about which single part, if any, should be replaced. Work starts only when you agree.
If you have a smart plug that reports power use, a printout of the daily pattern can also help the technician see how the compressor cycles.
Ordering the visit
Share the model label, the pattern of long runs or long rests, and any recent electrical work in the house. That background lets the technician bring a suitable sensor and the instruments for a supply test, which can shorten the repair to a single trip.
Frequently asked questions
The compressor follows temperature readings, so a wrong reading leads to wrong running times.
Yes. A compressor that runs constantly often shows up first on the electric bill.
Not usually, but watch the temperatures and protect food if the cabinet warms.
Real temperatures in both sections at set times and the approximate run and rest periods.
Model compatibility: Bertazzoni reuses codes across series and model years, so E36 may mean something different on another appliance or generation. Confirm this against your model’s documentation and record your full model number before acting.
