Frigidaire Washer Error Codes
Frigidaire (Affinity / Electrolux-platform) washers report faults as E-codes. The big three are fill (E10/E11), drain (E20/E21) and door lock (E41/E42). Here's each code, what the control is sensing, and the fix that clears most of them without a part.
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E10 / E11
Means: Water-fill problem — the washer didn't fill to the expected level in time. Usually a closed tap, kinked hose or clogged inlet screen; sometimes the inlet valve.
Fix: Check both supply taps are fully open, straighten the inlet hoses, and clean the mesh inlet screens where the hoses meet the washer. If fill is still slow, test the water inlet valve.
E13
Means: Water leak detected — the control sensed water in the base or a pressure/level inconsistency pointing to a leak.
Fix: Unplug and check the door gasket, drain hose connections, and the pump/sump area for leaks. Dry the base pan; a one-off spill can latch E13 until reset.
E20 / E21
Means: Water not draining — the washer couldn't empty within the allowed time. The drain pump, filter or hose is the usual blockage.
Fix: Clean the drain pump filter (behind the lower front panel), check the drain hose for kinks and clogs, and make sure the standpipe isn't blocked. Clear any coins/lint from the pump.
E41 / E42 / E43
Means: Door-lock circuit fault — the door latch isn't locking, unlocking, or reporting its state to the control.
Fix: Push the door firmly closed and restart. Unplug for 1 minute. If the lock still won't engage, the door-lock assembly (interlock) needs replacing.
E5E / E57–E5F
Means: Motor-control / high-current fault — the motor control board detected excess current, a stalled motor, or lost communication with the main board.
Fix: Unplug for 1 minute to reset. Remove an overloaded or jammed load. If the code returns, the motor control board or motor wiring needs testing.
How Frigidaire E-codes are grouped
On Frigidaire front-loaders an E followed by two digits points to a specific system. In order of how often you'll see them:
- Drain (E20/E21): the single most common family. Nine times out of ten it's a clogged pump filter or a kinked/blocked drain hose — both are free DIY fixes.
- Fill (E10/E11): the mirror image — water came in too slowly. Taps, hoses and inlet screens first, inlet valve last.
- Door lock (E41/E42): the washer won't start a cycle because it can't confirm the door is locked. Often just a firm push; sometimes a failed interlock.
- Leak (E13) and motor (E5x): less common but worth a reset first — a one-time glitch can latch them.
First response for most codes
- Unplug the washer for one minute to reset the control.
- For drain codes: open the lower panel, unscrew the pump filter over a towel, and clear debris.
- For fill codes: confirm taps are open and clean the inlet screens.
- Restart on a Rinse+Spin to confirm the code is gone.
When to call a technician
If a drain code survives a cleaned filter and clear hose, the drain pump motor may be seized. A fill code with open taps and clean screens points to the inlet valve. Repeated E41/E42 or any E5x motor code after a reset means the door-lock assembly or the motor control board needs professional testing.
Not your code? Look up any error on our appliance error code finder.
FAQ
What is the most common Frigidaire washer error code?
Drain codes E20 and E21 are the most common, and they're usually a clogged pump filter or a kinked drain hose — both free to fix. Clean the filter behind the lower front panel first.
How do I reset a Frigidaire washer?
Unplug the washer (or switch off its breaker) for one full minute, then restore power. This resets the control board and clears one-time faults before you restart a cycle.
Why won't my Frigidaire washer door unlock after an error?
The door stays locked until the drum stops and any water drains. If an E41/E42 code is showing, the door-lock assembly may have failed; after a drain code, wait for the washer to finish emptying before the latch releases.