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Error code reference

ADC Washer Error Code E5

Heating fault

ADC codesADC washer codes

Heating fault — despite activating the heating output, the water temperature has not increased within a pre-established period of time.

First step from the service manual

Press START to continue the program, or press ESC to end the program.

The complete diagnostic procedure includes additional test steps, resistance specifications, wiring diagram references, and component test points.

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What E5 means on a ADC washer

The E5 error code on an ADC washer indicates a heating fault. Specifically, the control board has activated the heating output but the water temperature sensor has not detected a sufficient rise in temperature within a predetermined time window. This tells the machine that the heating system is not performing as expected, and it halts or interrupts the cycle to prevent damage and to flag the issue for diagnosis.

The heating circuit in a washer typically involves several interconnected components: the heating element itself, the temperature sensor (NTC thermistor), the relay or triac on the control board that switches power to the element, and the wiring harness connecting all of these. If any one of these components fails, the system may send power to the heater but see no corresponding temperature increase. A burned-out heating element is the most common culprit, but a faulty temperature sensor that reports incorrect readings can produce the same symptom. A failed control board relay can also prevent current from actually reaching the element even when the board believes it has activated the output.

When E5 appears, the first recommended step is to press START to allow the program to continue, or press ESC to cancel the program. This gives the technician or user a choice: attempt to complete the cycle without confirmed heating, or stop and investigate. If the fault recurs consistently, further diagnosis of the heating element resistance, sensor continuity, wiring connections, and board output voltage should follow before replacing any components.

Source: manufacturer service documentation.

Common causes of E5

  1. 01

    Failed heating element

    Part replacement

    The heating element may have burned out and is no longer generating heat even when powered. Check the element for visible damage and test its resistance with a multimeter; an open circuit reading confirms failure.

  2. 02

    Faulty NTC temperature sensor

    Part replacement

    If the thermistor is giving incorrect temperature readings, the control board may believe the water is not heating even when the element is working. Test the sensor resistance and compare it against the expected value at a known water temperature.

  3. 03

    Defective control board relay or triac

    Part replacement

    The relay or triac responsible for switching power to the heating element may have failed, meaning the board signals heating but no current actually reaches the element. Inspect the board for burn marks and verify output voltage at the heater terminals during a cycle.

  4. 04

    Loose or damaged wiring connections

    Wiring / connection

    Corroded or loose terminals in the heating circuit can interrupt current flow to the element or sensor. Inspect all connectors in the heater and thermistor circuit for corrosion, loose pins, or melted insulation.

  5. 05

    Low water level preventing element from submerging

    Wiring / connection

    If the drum does not fill adequately, the heating element may be exposed rather than submerged, causing it to overheat and trip a thermal cutoff or simply fail to raise water temperature. Check the water inlet valve and pressure sensor for proper operation.

See the test procedure for each cause

Frequently asked questions about E5

What does E5 mean on a ADC washer?
E5 on an ADC washer indicates a heating fault. The machine activated its heating output but did not detect a rise in water temperature within the allowed time period. This points to a problem in the heating circuit, which can include the heating element, temperature sensor, control board, or wiring.
Can I fix E5 on my ADC washer myself?
Some causes of E5 are accessible to a knowledgeable DIYer. Checking wiring connections and testing component resistance with a multimeter are reasonable first steps. Replacing a heating element or thermistor is manageable with basic appliance repair skills, but diagnosing or replacing a faulty control board is more complex and may warrant professional service.
Is it safe to keep using my ADC washer when E5 is showing?
Continuing to run the washer with an E5 fault means your laundry will not be washed at the intended temperature, which can affect cleaning and sanitization. There is also a risk of the heating element running dry if a low water condition is the cause, which can cause further component damage. It is best to diagnose and resolve the fault before continued use.
Will resetting the ADC washer clear the E5 error?
Pressing ESC to end the program or pressing START to continue may temporarily dismiss the E5 alert, but if the underlying fault remains, the code will return the next time the machine attempts to heat water. A reset does not repair any of the components involved in the heating circuit.
How much does it cost to repair an ADC washer with an E5 error?
Repair costs vary depending on the faulty component. A replacement heating element typically runs in the range of $20 to $80 for parts, while a new NTC thermistor is generally $10 to $40. Control board replacement is the most expensive scenario, often ranging from $100 to $300 or more for parts alone. Professional labor will add to these figures depending on your location and the technician's rates.

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