Vissani freezer displays E5 and may not defrost; heavy frost accumulates on the evaporator and back wall.

Safety: Unplug the freezer. The defrost heater and surrounding metal can be sharp and may have residual heat.

Steps:

• Defrost manually: Open the door and allow ice to melt. Use towels to absorb water. Do not chip ice with sharp tools.
• Access heater: Remove the rear interior panel to expose the evaporator. The defrost heater is typically a glass-encased or metal element mounted at the bottom or woven through the evaporator.
• Visual inspection: Look for burn marks, broken glass tube, or disconnected wires at the heater terminals.
• Test heater: Disconnect heater leads and measure resistance with a multimeter. A typical reading is 20–150 Ω. If it reads open (OL), the heater is bad.
• Check thermal fuse (if present): Some Vissani models include a thermal fuse in series with the heater. Test for continuity; replace if open.
• Inspect wiring and connectors: Repair any burned or loose connectors and ensure tight connections.
• Replace parts: Install a new defrost heater assembly (and thermal fuse if needed). Reassemble the panel and restore power.
• Board check: If the heater and fuse test good but E5 remains and the unit never enters defrost, the main control board or defrost relay may be faulty and require replacement.