Oven
E5
The E5 error code on a Samsung oven indicates a temperature sensor (thermistor) fault — the oven cannot accurately read its internal temperature, so it shuts down as a safety measure. It’s a moderate fault: the oven won’t operate until it’s resolved, but it’s often fixable without a call-out.
What does this error mean?
Samsung ovens use a thermistor — a small resistive sensor — to monitor the cavity temperature throughout cooking. When the oven’s control board receives a reading outside the expected resistance range (either too high, too low, or no signal at all), it throws an E5 code and disables heating. Essentially, the oven is telling you it can’t trust its own temperature data and is refusing to run blind.
Est. repair cost
£15–£35 DIY thermistor replacement; £80–£140 professional thermistor repair; £150–£280 if control board replacement is needed
🔍 Likely causes
🛠️ Step-by-step fix
Hard reset first: switch the oven off at the wall socket (or trip the circuit breaker), wait 5 full minutes, then restore power. If E5 clears and the oven runs normally, a temporary glitch or power surge was the cause — monitor it over the next few uses.
Check the oven’s physical condition: open the oven door and look inside the rear or top-rear cavity wall for the temperature sensor probe — a thin metal rod, usually held by one or two screws. Look for obvious burn marks, cracks, or a melted wire near it.
Test the thermistor resistance (if you own a multimeter): disconnect the oven from power, unscrew the sensor, and disconnect its plug. At room temperature (~20°C), a healthy Samsung thermistor typically reads around 10,000–11,000 ohms. A reading of zero (short circuit) or infinite resistance (open circuit) confirms a failed sensor.
Replace the thermistor if it fails the resistance test: genuine Samsung replacement sensors (part numbers vary by model — check your model number on the rating plate inside the door frame) cost £15–£35 online from UK suppliers such as 4ourhouse or Currys PC World Parts. Fitting requires only a screwdriver and takes around 20 minutes.
Inspect the wiring harness: with the oven unplugged, carefully trace the sensor cable to its connector on the control board. Press the connector firmly home, and look for any melted insulation or broken wires. Do NOT attempt to open the main control board housing — stop here and call a professional.
If the new sensor is fitted correctly and E5 persists, the control board is the likely culprit. This requires a professional diagnosis — do not attempt to replace the control board yourself unless you are a qualified electrician.
📞 When to call a professional
Call a qualified appliance repair engineer if the error persists after a hard reset and a confirmed sensor replacement, or if you find burnt or damaged wiring inside the oven. Tell the engineer: ‘My Samsung oven is showing error code E5 — I believe it’s a thermistor or control board fault.’ If your oven is a gas range (combined gas hob and electric oven), always use a Gas Safe registered engineer for any work involving the appliance.
⚖️ Repair or replace?
A thermistor replacement is a low-cost repair — expect to pay £15–£35 for the part DIY, or £80–£140 for a professional call-out including the part. If the control board has failed, professional repair rises to £150–£280, at which point the age of the oven matters: if it’s over 7–8 years old, replacement is likely better value. Samsung ovens retail from around £350–£700 new, so a control board repair on a younger oven still makes financial sense.