Wine cooler shows E5 and compressor may not start or may short-cycle

Safety: Disconnect power before accessing the rear of the wine cooler. The compressor and condenser can be very hot.

Steps to address E5:

• Check ventilation: Ensure there is adequate clearance around the wine cooler, especially at the rear and sides. For built-in Caple models, verify the ventilation grille is not blocked and that the cabinet cut-out follows Caple's installation guidelines.
• Clean condenser: Remove the rear lower cover to access the condenser coil. Use a soft brush and vacuum to remove dust and lint. Blocked condensers cause overheating and overload trips.
• Inspect compressor start device: With power unplugged, remove the plastic cover on the side of the compressor. Check the PTC start relay and overload protector for burn marks, cracks, or loose terminals.
• Test start relay: Shake the PTC gently; if it rattles excessively or shows signs of melting, replace the compressor start relay/overload assembly.
• Allow cooling: If the compressor is extremely hot, allow it to cool for 30–60 minutes, then reconnect power and observe. If E5 returns quickly, there may be an underlying compressor or control issue.
• Control PCB: If the compressor does not receive power even though the unit calls for cooling, the main control PCB or its relay may be faulty and require replacement.

Note: A compressor that repeatedly overheats or hums and clicks off may be failing internally. Compressor replacement requires a refrigeration engineer.