E5 error appears, cooker will not start or aborts during heating; often associated with power or internal electronics issues.

Safety first: Unplug the multicooker before any disassembly. Capacitors on the PCB can retain charge; avoid touching exposed contacts.

Steps to troubleshoot E5:

• 1. Power reset: Disconnect the cooker from mains for at least 10 minutes. Plug back in and check if E5 clears. Sometimes a transient fault can be reset this way.
• 2. Inspect for moisture ingress: Check around the control panel and lid area for signs of liquid spills that may have run down into the electronics. If moisture is suspected, leave the unit unplugged and open (if possible) in a dry, warm room for 24 hours.
• 3. Open base and inspect PCB: Remove the base cover and visually inspect the main control board. Look for burnt components, cracked solder joints, or corrosion around connectors.
• 4. Reseat connectors: Gently unplug and replug all connectors to the PCB (heating element, NTC sensors, lid switch, etc.). Ensure each is fully seated and oriented correctly.
• 5. Check for obvious damage: If you see a blown component (e.g., burnt resistor, cracked IC, bulging capacitor), the PCB will likely need replacement rather than repair at home.
• 6. Replace main PCB if necessary: If E5 persists after connector checks and there is no visible damage you can safely repair, obtain a compatible Steba main control board for your model and swap it, transferring each connector one by one to avoid mistakes.

Note: Board-level repair (soldering components) should only be attempted by experienced electronics technicians. For most users, replacing the entire PCB or using authorized service is recommended.