Error E5 on Teka refrigerators

What error E5 means on a Teka refrigerator

Error E5 on Teka refrigerators usually indicates a freezer defrost sensor fault. In other words: the electronics are not receiving a reliable reading from the sensor that controls the defrost cycle in the freezer area and, to prevent the system from running “blind,” it triggers the warning.

When the freezer defrost cycle isn’t controlled properly, the most typical side effects start to appear:

• Increasing ice/frost build-up in the freezer or in air ducts (on No Frost models)
• Performance loss: it takes longer to freeze or cold air is distributed less evenly
• The unit may run longer than normal, because ice acts like an “insulator” and reduces heat exchange

In short: E5 is usually an alert that the refrigerator can’t manage the freezer defrost cycle correctly, and that ends up affecting the appliance’s overall behavior.

How to clear E5 and what to check so it doesn’t happen again

To deal with E5 methodically, the ideal approach is: perform a full reset, check whether ice is affecting the system, and if the warning returns, focus the diagnosis on the sensor/connectors. That way you don’t waste time repeating tests without addressing the cause.

1. Perform a complete power reset
   • Unplug the refrigerator or switch off the circuit breaker
   • Wait 5–10 minutes
   • Power it back on and see if the error disappears

   If E5 was triggered by a temporary control state, this reset may fix it.

2. Check door sealing and moisture entry (key in defrost issues)
   • Make sure drawers aren’t preventing proper closure
   • Inspect the freezer gasket: if it doesn’t seal well, moisture gets in and ice forms faster
   • Avoid long door openings while the temperatures stabilize
3. Check for abnormal ice and clear the system
   • If you see excessive frost, it may be blocking airflow and making the problem worse
   • If your model allows it and it’s safe, perform a full manual defrost (switch it off for several hours with the doors open)
   • Don’t use sharp objects to remove ice: you can damage ducts or the evaporator

   Defrosting won’t fix a failed sensor, but it does remove a factor that distorts readings and performance.

4. Ensure airflow inside the freezer
   • Don’t block internal grilles or air outlets (especially on No Frost models)
   • Leave space so cold air can circulate between items
   • Avoid stacking food against walls where air channels run
5. Determine whether E5 is persistent or comes and goes
   • Constant E5 after a reset: usually points to the sensor or a connection
   • Intermittent E5: consistent with a loose connection or moisture in a connector/wiring
6. When it’s best to call a technician
   • E5 returns after a reset and the unit keeps showing abnormal ice build-up
   • The freezer loses performance or a temperature alarm appears
   • You notice the refrigerator runs too much and won’t stabilize

   At that point, the usual approach is to check the freezer defrost sensor, connectors, and wiring continuity. If everything checks out, the next step is to inspect the defrost assembly and the electronics interpreting the signal.

If E5 was a one-off, the reset may be enough. If it persists or returns with recurring ice, the most effective solution is to inspect the freezer defrost system to restore thermal stability and prevent performance from dropping