Fridge
E5
The E5 error code on a Whirlpool fridge signals a fault with the fridge compartment temperature sensor (NTC sensor), meaning your fridge cannot accurately monitor its internal temperature. It’s a moderately serious fault — your fridge may stop cooling correctly, risking food spoilage.
What does this error mean?
The E5 code tells you the fridge’s internal temperature sensor (sometimes called an NTC or thermistor) is sending a reading that’s either out of range, erratic, or has failed entirely. Without an accurate temperature reading, the control board cannot regulate the compressor and cooling cycle properly. This can cause the fridge to over-cool, under-cool, or shut down cooling altogether.
Est. repair cost
£10–£25 DIY NTC sensor replacement; £80–£180 for a professional repair including labour
🔍 Likely causes
🛠️ Step-by-step fix
Reset the fridge: Unplug it from the wall socket, wait 10 minutes, then plug it back in. If the E5 code clears and does not return within an hour, a power glitch was likely the cause.
Check the door seal: Run your fingers around the entire fridge door gasket. If it’s torn, stiff, or not sealing flat, cold air escapes and the sensor can give erratic readings. A replacement door seal costs £15–£35 and clips on without tools.
Defrost the fridge manually: If the back wall inside the fridge compartment is heavily iced over, unplug the fridge and leave the doors open for 4–6 hours with towels on the floor. Ice build-up around the sensor can trigger E5. Once defrosted, plug back in and monitor.
Locate and inspect the temperature sensor: The NTC sensor is usually a small probe clipped to the back wall or evaporator cover inside the fridge compartment. Check that its wiring connector is firmly seated and the cable is not visibly damaged or kinked. Reseat any loose connector by pressing it firmly until it clicks.
Test and replace the NTC sensor: If the above steps don’t clear E5, the sensor itself has likely failed. Replacement Whirlpool-compatible NTC sensors are available for £10–£25 online (search your model number + ‘NTC sensor’). Unplug the fridge, unclip the old sensor, unplug its connector, and fit the new one in reverse order — no specialist tools needed.
If E5 returns after replacing the sensor: Stop DIY work. The fault now points to the main control board or a wiring harness issue, both of which require a qualified appliance engineer.
📞 When to call a professional
Call an appliance engineer if the E5 error persists after you have reset the fridge, manually defrosted it, and replaced the NTC sensor. Tell the engineer: ‘My Whirlpool fridge is showing error code E5, I’ve replaced the NTC temperature sensor and the code keeps returning — I suspect the main control board or wiring harness.’ Do not attempt to open or test the control board yourself.
⚖️ Repair or replace?
A professional repair for an E5 fault — typically a sensor replacement or control board repair — costs £80–£180 in the UK including labour. If your fridge is under 8 years old and was a mid-range or premium model (originally £500+), repair is worthwhile. If it’s over 10 years old or a budget model under £400, replacing with a new fridge is often better value given parts availability and future reliability.