Freezer
E5
The E5 error code on an Indesit freezer indicates a fault with the evaporator temperature sensor, and while it sounds alarming, it’s often a fixable problem that doesn’t always require a costly engineer visit.
What does this error mean?
The E5 code tells you that the freezer’s control board has detected an abnormal reading from the evaporator sensor — the component that monitors the temperature of the internal cooling coil. This either means the sensor itself has failed, its wiring has become damaged or disconnected, or the evaporator has iced over so severely that temperatures are out of range. When the board can’t trust the sensor data, it throws the E5 fault and may reduce or stop cooling to protect the appliance.
Est. repair cost
£8–£20 DIY (sensor + connector); £80–£150 professional repair including call-out and labour
🔍 Likely causes
🛠️ Step-by-step fix
Reset the freezer: Unplug it from the mains for 5 minutes, then plug back in. If the E5 code clears and cooling resumes, monitor it for 24 hours — an intermittent fault may not immediately return.
Check the door seal: Run your hand around the door edge when the freezer is running. Any cold air escaping means the seal needs replacing. A replacement Indesit door gasket typically costs £15–£35 and clips or screws into place without tools.
Manually defrost the freezer: If there’s visible ice build-up on the back inner wall, switch the freezer off, remove all food to a cool bag, and leave the door open for 24–48 hours with towels on the floor. Restart and check if E5 clears — a blocked evaporator is a common culprit.
Inspect the evaporator sensor wiring: With the freezer unplugged, remove the inner back panel (usually 2–4 screws). Locate the sensor — a small probe clipped to the evaporator coil with a wire leading to a plug connector. Check the connector is firmly seated and the wire isn’t pinched or burnt. Reseat the connector firmly.
Test or replace the evaporator sensor: A working NTC thermistor should read approximately 5,000–10,000 ohms at room temperature on a multimeter. If it reads open circuit or zero, the sensor has failed. Replacement sensors for Indesit freezers cost £8–£20 online — match the part number from your model plate inside the door.
If none of the above resolves the fault, the control board may be at fault. Do not attempt to repair or replace the PCB yourself — this requires a qualified appliance engineer.
📞 When to call a professional
Call an appliance engineer if the E5 error returns after a manual defrost and sensor replacement, or if you’re not comfortable removing the inner back panel. When booking, tell the engineer: ‘My Indesit freezer is showing an E5 error — I believe it’s an evaporator sensor or defrost system fault.’ This helps them arrive with the right parts and reduces call-out time.
⚖️ Repair or replace?
A professional repair for an E5 fault typically costs £80–£150 including labour and parts. If your freezer is under 7 years old and the fix is a sensor or defrost component, repair is almost always the better value. For freezers over 10 years old — particularly if the compressor is also noisy — a replacement freestanding freezer from £180–£350 is likely the smarter long-term spend.