If your Frigidaire washer displays the E66 error, you’re not alone—this issue is relatively common and often fixable with some basic troubleshooting. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you resolve the problem and avoid the expense of a professional repair.
What Does the E66 Error Code Indicate?
The E66 error typically signals an issue with the heating element relay on the washer’s main control board. This relay supplies power to the heating element, which warms the water during certain cycles.
When this error appears, it means the control board has detected a malfunction in the heating element relay. Potential causes include:
- A failure of the relay itself.
- Faulty wiring or poor connections to the heating element.
- A defective heating element.
This malfunction prevents the washing machine from properly heating the water, which can affect cleaning performance and the overall efficiency of the wash cycle.
Common Symptoms of the E66 Error
When the E66 error code appears on your Frigidaire washer, you may notice the following symptoms beyond the error message:
- Cold Wash Water: The machine may fail to heat the water during wash cycles, leading to reduced cleaning performance.
- Incomplete Cycles: The washer might pause or stop unexpectedly, as some cycles require heated water to progress.
- Error Code Displayed: The control panel will consistently show the E66 code, preventing the washer from functioning normally.
- Longer Wash Times: The machine might take longer to complete a cycle due to its inability to heat the water efficiently.
Safety Precautions Before You Begin
When troubleshooting or repairing appliances, safety should always come first. Follow these guidelines to work safely:
- Power Off: Always unplug the washer or switch off the circuit breaker before starting any repairs. This eliminates the risk of electric shock.
- Let It Cool: If the washer was recently used, allow it time to cool down to avoid burns.
- Turn Off Water Supply: Shut off the water supply to the washer and have towels ready to catch any residual water.
- Work Deliberately: Take your time to avoid accidents and ensure precise repairs.
- Ensure Good Lighting: Use adequate lighting to clearly see parts and connections.
- Declutter the Workspace: Remove any obstacles, and keep children and pets away from the area.
- Stay Dry: Never work on internal parts with wet hands or in a damp environment.
- Consult the Manual: Refer to the washer’s user manual for specific safety or installation instructions.
- Handle Parts Gently: Use care when removing or replacing components to prevent damage.
- Wear Protective Gear: Use insulated work gloves to protect your hands from sharp edges and debris.
- Avoid Exposed Wires: Never touch exposed wires or terminals. Use non-conductive tools or insulated gloves if necessary.
- Document Connections: Take photos or label wires before disconnecting to simplify reassembly.
- Multimeter Use: If testing live voltage with a multimeter, ensure you’re familiar with safe handling to avoid short circuits.
How to Troubleshoot the E66 Error Code on a Frigidaire Washing Machine
Step 1: Initial Inspection
- Unplug the washing machine from the power supply.
- Turn off the water supply to ensure safety.
- Locate the access panel or door to the heating element and carefully remove it.
- Inspect the heating element for visible damage such as cracks or signs of wear.
- Verify that the heating element is properly installed with secure connections.
- Replace the heating element if any damage is visible. If no damage is evident, proceed to the next steps.
Step 2: Check Heating Element Wiring
- Inspect the wiring from the control board to the heating element terminals for signs of damage, loose connections, or oxidation.
- Replace any wiring that appears damaged.
- Set a multimeter to continuity mode.
- Place the multimeter probes on the ends of the wires to test for continuity.
- If the multimeter does not beep, indicating no continuity, replace the wiring.
- If the wiring passes the continuity test, proceed to the next section.
Step 3: Test the Heating Element
- Set the multimeter to resistance mode (Ω).
- Place the multimeter probes across the two terminals of the heating element.
- Check for a resistance reading of approximately 14 Ohms.
- Disconnect the heater terminals and test the resistance between the ground and each of the heater terminals.
- Verify that the resistance between the ground and heater terminals reads as an open circuit (infinite resistance).
- If the heating element does not meet the expected resistance values or shows continuity between the ground and heater terminals, replace the heating element.
Step 4: Replace the Main Control Board (If Necessary)
- If all tests indicate the heating element and wiring are functioning correctly but the E66 error persists, replace the main control board as a final step.
Preventing Future Errors
Once you’ve resolved the E66 error, taking preventative measures can help avoid similar issues down the line. Consider the following tips:
- Regular Maintenance: Clean your washer’s internal components, including the heating element, to prevent buildup or blockages that may cause malfunctions.
- Inspect Connections: Periodically check wiring and connections for wear or damage and address any issues immediately.
- Use Proper Settings: Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for cycle settings to avoid overloading the washer or using incompatible options.
- Avoid Overloading: Excessively heavy loads can strain internal components, including the heating element, leading to premature failure.
- Monitor Performance: Pay attention to unusual noises, error codes, or inconsistent water temperatures. Addressing small issues early can prevent larger problems.
Conclusion
Taking care of the E66 error code on your Frigidaire washer is simpler than it might seem. With some basic tools and a little patience, you can troubleshoot and resolve the issue yourself, saving money and getting your washer back in action. Remember to stay safe, follow the steps carefully, and keep an eye on your washer for any future hiccups. A little regular maintenance goes a long way in keeping your appliance running smoothly.