Dehumidifier shows E5 and shuts down compressor operation

Safety: Unplug the unit. The compressor and condenser coil can be very hot; allow them to cool before touching.

Steps:

• Clean condenser area: Remove the rear or side panel to access the condenser coil (the warm coil). Vacuum dust and debris from the fins. Ensure nothing is blocking the hot air outlet.
• Check fan operation: Plug the unit back in and run it briefly with covers in place. Confirm that the condenser fan is spinning at normal speed. If the fan is not running or is very slow, unplug and inspect the fan motor and capacitor (if fitted).
• Inspect fan motor: With power off, spin the fan blade by hand. It should move freely without grinding. Stiff or seized movement indicates a bad fan motor that must be replaced.
• Check wiring and connectors: Inspect the compressor and fan wiring harnesses for burnt connectors or loose plugs on the main PCB and relay board.
• Thermal protector: Many compressors have an inline thermal protector. If it is open due to overheating, allow the unit to cool fully (30–60 minutes) and try again. Repeated trips indicate a deeper issue (fan, condenser blockage, or compressor failure).
• Professional service: If the fan is good and airflow is clear but E5 persists, the compressor itself may be failing or drawing excessive current. This requires a refrigeration technician to test and possibly replace the compressor.