If an E5 error code is displayed on your Whirlpool refrigerator it means that there is an issue with the temperature sensor in the freezer compartment.
Newer refrigerator models have features that you can use for functions beyond just cooling your stored food at a safe temperature.
Built-in ice makers are one of these added features, but in the case of Whirlpool refrigerators, the “E5” error code indicates that there is an issue with the thermostat that is located in the ice maker. To clear this error, you have to replace the ice maker.
Why added features on your refrigerator can be beneficial
Modern refrigerators can do much more than just keep your food cold. Newer refrigerator models now include a wide range of additional product features.
This includes refrigerator models that come with different door configurations so that they can fit easily and function within a variety of spaces, models with built-in water, and ice dispensers so that you can have filtered water and large amounts of clear ice at your disposal when you need it.
On top of that, it includes an increase in energy efficiency which is brought about by new kinds of refrigerant that will save you a lot of money in the long term.
E5 error code Whirlpool refrigerator
The newer model Whirlpool refrigerators also come with some of these features. However, unfortunately, the more moving parts that your refrigerator has, the more chances there are that something could go wrong and an error could occur within the system.
The E5 error code is a great example of this principle. If the E5 error code has appeared on your Whirlpool refrigerator, this indicates that the temperature in the freezer compartment of your refrigerator is incorrect.
This is usually due to an issue with the freezer defrost sensor. You may also hear technicians refer to this part as the freezer thermostat or thermistor.
This freezer thermostat is inside the ice maker of the refrigerator and this means that you most likely need to replace the entire ice maker if you experience this error.
If you want to double-check that this component is really what is causing the E5 error code on your Whirlpool refrigerator, you can run through the “58” test sequence in the Whirlpool diagnostics program to check whether the temperature sensor is faulty or not.
How to complete diagnostics tests to determine whether the freezer thermostat is the problem
Before you jump right into replacing the ice maker in your Whirlpool refrigerator in order to get the E5 error code cleared from the appliance, you may want to complete a diagnostics test first, to confirm that the freezer thermostat really is the problem.
To do this, you need to press and hold the first two buttons on the display panel of your refrigerator. You then need to use the “+” or “-” buttons to scroll to test 58.
Once this diagnostics test has started running, you must look at the right-hand number appearing on the display panel.
In this case, a “1” indicates that the temperature is colder than the harvest temperature and “0” is warmer than the harvest temperature. You will now have to scroll to test “45” which fills your ice maker with new water.
When you scroll back to test “58” after your ice maker has been filled and it does not indicate a “00”, this means that the thermostat is broken, because it cannot discern that the new water is warmer than it should be.
Why is it important to take note of the E5 error code?
Error codes like the E5 error code are meant to warn you that something is not right with the way that the components of your refrigerator are functioning.
This way, you can investigate the problem or call a professional technician to investigate it for you before any serious damage is done to your refrigerator and you need to replace the entire appliance.
When the freezer thermostat in your Whirlpool refrigerator is broken, this can lead to you only having half-frozen ice in your ice maker and it can even cause your compressor to work harder than it should, so it is safest to solve this issue as soon as possible.
Replacing the ice maker on your Whirlpool refrigerator
Since the best way to clear the E5 error code on a Whirlpool refrigerator is to install a new ice maker in your appliance, it will be helpful to know where to start with this process.
You can contact a professional repair technician if you are uncomfortable with replacing this component on your own, or you can do it yourself by ordering a replacement ice maker that matches your Whirlpool refrigerator model, and installing it.
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