Whirlpool air conditioner displays E5 and may shut down or fail to start cooling.

Safety: Unplug the unit before inspection. High voltage and stored charge in capacitors can be dangerous. If you are not comfortable working around live circuits, contact a technician.

Basic checks for E5:

• Verify power supply: Use a plug-in voltage tester or multimeter to confirm the outlet voltage is within the range specified on the unit's rating plate (typically 115V or 230V ±10%). Avoid using long, undersized extension cords.
• Inspect power cord and plug: Look for burn marks, melted plastic, or loose blades. Replace a damaged power cord assembly immediately.
• Check for overheating: Ensure the condenser coil is clean and the unit has proper clearance for airflow. Overheating can cause the compressor to draw excessive current.
• Reset protection: Unplug the unit for at least 15 minutes to allow internal overloads to reset, then plug back in and test.

Advanced checks (technician recommended):

• Test the compressor run capacitor with a capacitance meter; replace if out of tolerance.
• Measure compressor winding resistance and check for shorts to ground.
• Verify current draw with a clamp meter against the nameplate rating.

If E5 persists after basic checks, the compressor or control board may be failing. Professional diagnosis is strongly recommended.