Refrigerator shows E5 and may not cool correctly; fan operation may be erratic
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: Disconnect power before accessing internal fan assemblies. Moving fan blades can cause injury.
Troubleshooting steps:
- 1. Listen for the fan: With the door switch held closed (door open but switch pressed) and the unit powered, you should normally hear the evaporator fan running when the compressor is on. If E5 is present and the fan is silent or noisy, proceed.
- 2. Access the fan: Unplug the fridge. Remove freezer drawers and the rear inner panel to expose the evaporator and fan housing.
- 3. Check for ice and obstructions: Look for ice buildup around the fan blades or housing. If present, fully defrost the area using warm air (hair dryer on low) and towels. Do not overheat plastic parts.
- 4. Inspect the fan motor: Spin the blades by hand; they should rotate freely without grinding. Check the wiring connector for secure fit and no corrosion.
- 5. Electrical test: If you have a multimeter, test the fan motor for continuity across its terminals. An open circuit indicates a failed motor. Also check for supply voltage at the connector when the unit should be running (this test should be done only by someone competent with live electrical measurements).
- 6. Replace as needed: If the motor is defective or noisy, replace the evaporator fan motor assembly with a compatible Amica part. If the motor is good but not receiving power, the control board or wiring may be faulty and should be diagnosed by a professional.
Note: After repair, clear the error by unplugging for several minutes. Monitor for normal airflow and temperature over 24 hours.
Repair Difficulty
Required Part
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