Frigidaire Front-Load Washer Codes E5A, E5B and E5C: Heat Sink Too Hot
The codes E5A, E5B and E5C all report a high temperature on the heat sink, the metal block that carries heat away from the power electronics driving the drum motor. They are used on the Frigidaire…
- Code
- E5A-E5C
- Appliance
- Washer
- Brand
- Frigidaire
- Warranty
- 30-day workmanship
What E5A-E5C means
The codes E5A, E5B and E5C all report a high temperature on the heat sink, the metal block that carries heat away from the power electronics driving the drum motor. They are used on the Frigidaire front-load washers with the horizontal-axis electronic control, from the 3.0 cu ft Frigidaire and Gallery models to the Affinity 6000 and 7000 washers. The washer stops when the heat sink gets too hot. Owners see the cycle halt, sometimes after a long or heavy run. On a Frigidaire dryer, E5B means something else entirely, a no-heat condition, so this page is for washers only.
Common causes of E5A-E5C
- Control board running hot after a heavy or repeated load
- Motor drag raising the heat the electronics must handle
- Heat sink temperature sensor or its wiring
- Poor airflow around the control in a tight alcove
1. Turn the washer off and let it rest with the door open. 2. Check that nothing blocks the area around the washer cabinet, so air can move. 3. Remove part of the load and make sure the drum turns freely by hand. 4. Restart with a smaller load. If the code returns, stop using the washer.
- A hot heat sink can mean the electronics are failing, the motor is dragging or the temperature reading is wrong.
- We check the drum and motor load first, then the control board and its sensor, and give you a written price before work.
- Older control boards can be costly, and we say plainly when a repair is not worth it.
Other Washer codes
Are E5A, E5B and E5C different problems?
The manufacturer lists all three as the same heat sink condition. We read the full code when we visit and test the drive circuit the same way for each.
Is E5B on my dryer the same thing?
No. On a Frigidaire dryer E5B points to a no-heat condition, which is a different product and a different repair. This page covers washers. We would not apply anything from the dryer code to your washer.
Can I use the washer once it cools?
It may run, but if the cause is a dragging motor or a weak board, the code returns. We would rather test it than risk the control.
Still seeing E5A-E5C?
A technician diagnoses it on site and gives you the price in writing before any work starts.