E5 error appears and the cooker refuses to start or aborts during heating.

Safety first: If the cooker is hot, do not force the lid open. Unplug the unit and allow pressure to drop naturally. Keep clear of the steam vent.

After depressurizing:

• Open the lid and check the maximum fill line. If food was above this line, reduce the quantity next time.
• Avoid using thick, foamy foods (e.g., oatmeal, split peas) on high pressure without following T-fal's specific guidelines.

Clean the pressure components:

• Remove and clean the steam release valve, anti-block shield, and float valve.
• Ensure the float valve moves freely up and down and that its silicone cap is not swollen or torn.
• Clean the lid channels with warm soapy water, rinse, and dry.

Reassemble all parts correctly and test with water only. If E5 recurs with just water, the pressure sensor or control board may be misreading and require service.