Microwave shows E5 and will not start; sometimes appears after a power surge or outage.

Safety first: Unplug the microwave before inspection.

• Power cycle: Unplug the unit for at least 10–15 minutes to allow internal capacitors to discharge, then plug back in and test.
• Check outlet and surge protection:
  • Verify the wall outlet voltage is stable using another appliance.
  • If the microwave is on a surge protector or extension cord, plug it directly into a properly grounded wall outlet.
• Inspect control board (visual only):
  • Remove the outer cabinet.
  • Locate the main control board behind the keypad.
  • Look for burn marks, bulged capacitors, or obvious damage.

If E5 remains and there is evidence of board damage or relay failure, the main control board should be replaced. This repair is moderately complex and may be best handled by a technician.