Freezer shows E5; may not defrost and ice accumulates on evaporator and air ducts

Safety first: Unplug the freezer. The defrost heater operates at mains voltage and can cause shock if energized. Allow ice to melt before working near the heater to avoid slipping and damage.

Steps to troubleshoot E5:

• Access defrost components: Remove the inner rear panel to expose the evaporator coil. The defrost heater is typically a metal or glass-encased element mounted along the bottom or woven through the coil.
• Visual inspection: Look for breaks, burn marks, or bulging on the heater. Check the defrost thermostat/thermal fuse (often clipped to the coil) for signs of overheating.
• Test heater continuity: Disconnect heater leads. Use a multimeter on continuity or low-ohms setting. A good heater usually reads a few tens of ohms. OL (open) indicates a failed heater.
• Check defrost thermostat/fuse: With the coil cold (below freezing), the defrost thermostat should show continuity. If it is open when cold, it is defective.
• Replace failed parts: Install a new Midea-compatible defrost heater and/or defrost thermostat/thermal fuse as needed. Ensure all connections are tight and insulated.
• Inspect control board: If heater and thermostat test good, the defrost relay or triac on the main PCB may be faulty. Look for burnt spots or a stuck relay. Board replacement is typically required.

Warning: Do not bypass the defrost thermostat or thermal fuse; this is a fire and overheat hazard.