Microwave stops mid-cycle and displays E05; may be accompanied by a hot exterior cabinet.
Safety Warning
This repair may involve working with high voltage components or water connections. Always unplug the appliance before removing any panels.
If you are not confident in your ability to perform this repair safely, we strongly recommend contacting a professional technician.
Possible Causes
How to Fix / Troubleshooting
Safety: Unplug the microwave and allow it to cool completely before further checks. Do not cover vents or operate the unit empty.
Ventilation and usage checks:
- Ensure that all installation clearances specified in the SMEG manual are respected. Move the unit away from walls or cabinets if necessary.
- Inspect side, rear, and top vents for dust, grease, or obstructions. Clean with a soft brush and vacuum.
- Confirm that you are not running the microwave for excessively long periods at maximum power without rest, especially in built-in models.
Reset:
- After cooling for at least 30 minutes, plug the microwave back in.
- Run a short test (30–60 seconds) with a cup of water. If E05 reappears quickly, stop using the unit.
Technician-level checks:
- Test the cavity temperature sensor (NTC) for correct resistance at room temperature and replace if out of specification.
- Check the cavity thermal cut-out for continuity and replace if open.
- Verify that the cooling fan operates correctly during cooking.
- Inspect the control PCB for faults in the temperature sensing circuit.
Persistent E05 indicates a sensor or control fault that should be addressed by a qualified technician.
Repair Difficulty
Required Part
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