Refrigerator shows E5 and may have issues with fan operation or air circulation between compartments.
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 first: Disconnect power before accessing the fan. Fan blades can be sharp.
Check for ice blockage:
- Open the freezer and listen for the fan when the door switch is pressed (with power on, if safe). If you hear humming or scraping, ice may be blocking the fan.
- Unplug the unit, remove the rear freezer panel, and inspect the fan area for ice buildup.
- Defrost ice using warm air and towels; do not chip ice with sharp tools.
Inspect the fan:
- Spin the fan blades by hand; they should move freely without grinding.
- Check the wiring connector to the fan motor and reseat it.
Test operation:
- Reassemble the panel, restore power, and listen for the fan starting after a few minutes of compressor operation.
Note: If the fan does not run even after clearing ice and checking connections, the fan motor or control board may need replacement. This is best confirmed with voltage tests by a technician.
Repair Difficulty
Required Part
We may earn a commission from links on this page.