Dishwasher displays E5 and stops, often early in the cycle, sometimes with partial fill.

Safety first: Disconnect the appliance from mains power and shut off the water supply.

• Access pressure system: Remove the left or right side panel (depending on model) to locate the pressure chamber and pressure switch assembly connected by a small rubber hose.
• Clean pressure chamber: Detach the chamber and rinse it thoroughly to remove grease, detergent residue, and limescale that can trap air and give false readings.
• Inspect pressure hose: Remove the thin hose between the sump/pressure chamber and the pressure switch. Blow through it to ensure it is clear. Replace if brittle, cracked, or blocked.
• Test pressure switch: With a multimeter, check continuity across the switch terminals while gently blowing into the pressure port. The contacts should change state. If not, replace the pressure switch.
• Check wiring: Inspect the harness from the pressure switch to the control board for pinched wires or corroded connectors. Repair or replace as needed.

If E5 persists after cleaning and component checks, the main control board may be misreading the signal and require replacement.