E4
Koldfront
Evaporator Freeze Protection / Defrost Fault
Unit shuts down and displays E4, often after running for some time; may be accompanied by ice on the evaporator or very low airflow.
Advertisements
Safety Warning
This repair may involve working with high voltage components or water connections. Always unplug the appliance before removing any panels.
If you are not confident in your ability to perform this repair safely, we strongly recommend contacting a professional technician.
Advertisements
Possible Causes
Evaporator sensor reading out of range, restricted airflow from dirty filter, blower motor not running at full speed, low refrigerant charge
How to Fix / Troubleshooting
Safety first: Turn the unit off and unplug it before removing covers. Do not attempt to open the sealed refrigeration system yourself.
Steps to address E4:
- 1. Thaw the unit: Turn the air conditioner off and let it sit with the fan-only mode (if available) for 1–2 hours to melt any ice on the evaporator coil.
- 2. Clean the air filter: Remove the front grille and filter. Wash the filter with mild soap and warm water, rinse thoroughly, and let it dry completely before reinstalling.
- 3. Check indoor airflow: Ensure supply and return vents are not blocked by furniture, curtains, or covers. Verify that the blower fan is running smoothly and at normal speed.
- 4. Inspect evaporator sensor: With power disconnected, remove the front cover and confirm the evaporator thermistor is firmly attached to the coil and not dangling in free air.
- 5. Coil cleanliness: If the evaporator coil is clogged with dust, gently vacuum with a soft brush or use a coil cleaner designed for evaporator coils. Avoid bending fins.
- 6. Restart and test: Restore power and run the unit. If E4 returns quickly and the coil ices up again, there may be a refrigerant or blower motor issue.
- 7. Call a professional: Low refrigerant charge, a weak blower motor, or a faulty control board require an EPA-certified technician to diagnose and repair.
Advertisements
Repair Difficulty
Medium
3/5
Required Part
Evaporator Temperature Sensor (Freeze Sensor)
Check Price on Amazon
We may earn a commission from links on this page.
Advertisements