Display shows E5, refrigerator may not defrost or may over-defrost, leading to warm temperatures or excessive frost.

Safety First: Unplug the refrigerator. The defrost heater area may have sharp metal edges.

Steps:

• Access the evaporator and heater: Remove freezer drawers and rear panel to expose the evaporator and heater assembly.
• Visual inspection: Look for burnt spots on the heater, melted connectors, or a tripped/failed defrost thermostat (bi-metal).
• Test heater continuity: Disconnect heater leads and measure resistance. An open circuit indicates a failed heater that must be replaced.
• Test defrost thermostat: When cold (below freezing), the thermostat should show continuity. If open when cold, replace it.
• Check wiring: Inspect and repair any burnt or broken wires in the defrost circuit.
• If heater and thermostat are good, the main control board may not be energizing the heater. Replace the board if confirmed by the tech sheet diagnostics.