Vestfrost refrigerator shows E5; compressor may not start or may run briefly then stop.
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 appliance before accessing the compressor compartment. Capacitors and mains wiring can be hazardous.
Steps to address E5 (compressor start fault):
- Access the compressor area: Remove the rear lower service panel to expose the compressor, start relay, and overload protector.
- Listen and observe: After plugging in (briefly), you may hear a click from the relay and a hum followed by another click. Unplug again before touching anything.
- Inspect the start relay and overload: Remove the plastic cover on the compressor terminals. Check for burnt smell, melted plastic, or loose connections on the PTC relay and overload protector.
- Test the compressor windings: With the unit unplugged and relay removed, measure resistance between the three compressor pins. You should see three readings that correspond to start, run, and common windings (none should be open or shorted to the compressor shell). If windings are open or shorted to ground, the compressor is faulty.
- Replace start relay/overload: If the compressor windings test OK but the relay or overload shows signs of damage or rattles when shaken, replace them with the correct Vestfrost-specified start device kit.
- Check supply voltage: Ensure the outlet provides stable voltage within the range specified on the rating plate. Avoid extension cords.
Important: Compressor replacement requires refrigerant handling and must be performed by a certified refrigeration technician.
Repair Difficulty
Required Part
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