Understanding and Troubleshooting the Frigidaire Dishwasher ER Error Code: A Complete Guide
Having a Frigidaire dishwasher, chances are you’ve come to appreciate its reliability and ability to leave your dishes sparkling. Nevertheless, like all appliances, it is not immune to some common malfunctions. One of the most annoying issues you can be confronted with is the “ER” error code on the screen. This cryptic error code has you wondering what happened and how to fix it.
Relax this step-by-step guide will walk you through everything you want to know about the Frigidaire dishwasher ER error code, from what it means to how to fix it. Based on experience from high-ranking sources, e.g., Frigidaire technical support and professional repair advise, we will make you well prepared to tackle this issue in your stride.
What Is the ER Error Code?
FR error code of a Frigidaire dishwasher typically indicates there is a “Membrane Switch Failure” or a touchpad (keypad) and control board faulty communication.
Briefly, the main control board the heart of the dishwasher has detected a touch panel failure, i.e., an obstructed key, an excessively held key (for more than a minute), or a short circuit in the membrane switch. The fault is blocking the appliance from normal operation, and thus it will not start or finish a cycle.
The ER code may be displayed in combination with other indications, like “Washing,” “Drying,” or “Clean,” or other codes, like “S” (shorted keypad). It will depend on the model, but the root problem is the control interface.
Why Would the ER Error Code Display?
There are several things that can be the cause of the ER error code:
Stuck or Faulty Keypad: The touchpad key can get stuck or physically fault due to usage, water spillage, or dirt.
Miscommunication of Control Board: Malfuntion of the principal control board or loose wiring causes miscommunication for keypad signals.
Power Glitch or Surges: Power fluctuations may confuse electronics in the dishwasher and make them produce incorrect error codes.
Moisture or Corrosion: Long-term exposure to water and steam can cause touchpad or contact to degrade into shorts or failure.
Manufacturing Defects: The component of one of the manufacturing defects may be the culprit in most of the uncommon instances, especially if your dishwasher is relatively new.
Identifying the cause of the problem is the starting point to correct the same, and fortunately, there are a number of steps one can undertake to attempt troubleshooting without requesting the presence of a service person.
Early Troubleshooting Steps
Prior to attempting advanced repairs, start with these easy checks to eliminate probable sources of small problems:
Power Cycle the Dishwasher:
Disconnect the dishwasher’s power cord from the wall or switch off the circuit breaker for at least 5–10 minutes. This will reset the electronics and might erase temporary faults. Plug it in and check if the ER code appears again. Some people report that this trick works, especially after a power surge.
Check the Touchpad:
Press each control panel button lightly to see if any are sticky, not working, or jammed. Spills or garbage could be interfering with the keypad function. Clean the panel with a soft, damp cloth (don’t soak) and dry well.
Check for Other Symptoms:
Is the display lighting up? Do you notice the dishwasher try to start? If the appliance is completely dead, the issue could be beyond the touchpad. If the above steps do not clear the ER code, then it is time to begin digging into the appliance’s guts.
Advanced Troubleshooting: Keypad and Control Board
ER error typically points towards the touchpad or master control board. Troubleshoot them with the following steps:
Testing the Keypad:
Symptoms: If the buttons are working partially and non-working partially, then the culprit would be the touchpad. A completely non-responsive panel might also point towards a keypad failure.
Action: Check the connection between the keypad and the control board. You’ll need to access the control panel by removing the screws on the inner door (unplug the dishwasher first for safety). Look for loose or damaged ribbon cables.
Solution: If the connection is secure but the error remains, the keypad may need replacement. Frigidaire often sells the touchpad separately, though some models bundle it with the control panel.
Checking the Main Control Board:
Symptoms: When the keypad is fine but the ER code still exists, the control board might be reading the signals incorrectly or not at all.
Action: Locate the control board (which is often located behind the front panel or in the bottom of the dishwasher) and look for corrosion, burning, or loose connections in its wiring harness.
Solution: Resetting the board via a power cycle might work, but if the problem persists, replacing the control board could be necessary.
Step-by-Step Repair Guide
If you’re comfortable with DIY repairs, here’s a detailed process to fix the ER error:
Gather Tools:
Screwdriver (Phillips or flathead, depending on your model) Multimeter (to test electrical continuity) Replacement parts (keypad or control board, if needed)
Disconnect Power:
Safety first unplug the dishwasher or switch off the breaker.
Access the Control Panel:
Remove the dishwasher door and screws along the inside edge of the door panel. Lift the panel slowly to expose the touchpad and wires.
Test the Keypad Connection:
Disconnect the ribbon cable from the control board and ensure it is not damaged. Reconnect the ribbon cable securely and test the dishwasher again.
Test the Keypad
Test for continuity with a multimeter on the keypad’s circuits. Replace it if not (part numbers vary by model check your manual or Frigidaire’s website).
Check the Control Board:
If the keypad passes, open the control board cover and inspect for any obvious damage. Test its connections with a multimeter.
Replace Faulty Parts:
Reverse removal procedures to put in the new keypad or control board. Secure all connections.
Test the Dishwasher:
Restore power and run a short cycle. If the ER code is gone, you’ve fixed the issue!
Cost of Repairs
DIY: A replacement keypad typically costs $50–$150, while a control board ranges from $100–$200, depending on the model. Tools like a multimeter are a one-time investment (~$20). Professional Service: Expect to pay $150–$300 for parts and labor, plus a service call fee ($50–$100).
When to Call a Professional
If you’re not confident with electrical repairs or the ER code persists after replacing components, it’s time to call a technician. Persistent issues might indicate a deeper problem, like a wiring fault or a rare control board defect that requires specialized diagnostics.
Preventive Maintenance Tips
To avoid future ER errors:
Clean Regularly: Wipe down the control panel to prevent buildup.
Avoid Overloading: Don’t press buttons too hard or too long. Surge Protection: Connect the dishwasher to a surge protector in order to save it from power surges.
Check Warranty: If your appliance is under warranty (typically 1–5 years on parts), call Frigidaire for free repair.
Comments and discussion forums have a mixed bag of experience with the ER code. One Fixya user succeeded by resetting the breaker for 10 minutes, while another spent $120 on a control board realizing that the touchpad was the issue. Such instances show how crucial systematic troubleshooting is.
Conclusion
The Frigidaire dishwasher ER error code can be annoying, but it’s simple to resolve with the right approach. Start with a power reset, inspect the touchpad, and proceed with control board diagnostics if needed.
Do it yourself or hire a pro, this article provides you with the knowledge to have your dishwasher running smoothly again. Don’t let a flashing ER code ruin your day attack it with confidence and get back to sparkling clean dishes!