Essentials freezer displays E4 and may not defrost properly, leading to ice buildup.

Warning: The defrost heater operates at mains voltage. Always unplug the freezer before testing or replacing it.

Steps to address E4:

• 1. Access the evaporator: Remove the interior rear panel to expose the evaporator coil and defrost heater (usually a metal or glass-encased element at the bottom or woven through the coil).
• 2. Visual inspection: Look for burned spots, broken heater sections, or melted connectors at the heater terminals.
• 3. Test heater continuity: Disconnect the heater wires and measure resistance across the heater terminals. A typical reading is between 20–200 Ω depending on the model. An open circuit (OL) indicates a failed heater.
• 4. Check wiring and connectors: Inspect the harness from the heater to the main control PCB. Repair any burnt or brittle wires and replace damaged connectors.
• 5. Replace the heater: If open or visibly damaged, install a new defrost heater element designed for your Essentials model. Secure it in the same mounting clips and ensure it does not touch plastic parts.
• 6. Reassemble and test: Refit the rear panel, restore power, and allow the freezer to run for 24 hours. Monitor for normal frost pattern and absence of rapid ice buildup.

Note: If the heater tests good but E4 persists, the main control PCB or defrost relay may be defective and should be checked by a technician.