E5
Danby Ambient Temperature Sensor Failure

Danby refrigerator shows E5 and may run continuously or cycle erratically.

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Safety Warning

This repair may involve working with high voltage components or water connections. Always unplug the appliance before removing any panels.

If you are not confident in your ability to perform this repair safely, we strongly recommend contacting a professional technician.

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Possible Causes

Failed ambient thermistor, sensor dislodged from proper location, damaged harness to control board, faulty main control board sensor input

How to Fix / Troubleshooting

Safety: Disconnect power before accessing control compartments or wiring.

Steps to address E5:

  • Locate the ambient sensor: On many Danby models, the ambient thermistor is located near the front grille, behind the control panel, or in the machine compartment where it senses room temperature.
  • Inspect sensor and wiring: Check for physical damage, corrosion, or loose connectors. Ensure the sensor is not touching hot components like the compressor or condenser coil.
  • Test the thermistor: Remove the sensor from the circuit and measure resistance at room temperature. Compare to the expected NTC value. Replace if open, shorted, or out of range.
  • Check harness to main board: Trace the wires to the main control board and look for pinched or broken sections. Repair or replace as needed.
  • Replace faulty parts: Install a new OEM Danby ambient thermistor if needed. If the sensor and wiring are good but E5 persists, the main control board may be defective and should be replaced by a technician.
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Repair Difficulty

Medium 3/5

Required Part

Ambient Temperature Sensor (Thermistor)
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