How you can clear the E66 error from a Frigidaire washer

If your Frigidaire washer is displaying the E66 error, you’re not alone. This is a fairly common problem that can often be resolved with some DIY troubleshooting. Let’s walk through the process so you can fix the issue yourself and save the cost of a service call.

If you find out that you need any replacement parts for your Frigidaire washer while you’re troubleshooting, you can enter your model number at AppliancePartsPros.com to order them. Most orders arrive in just two business days, and we have thousands of free guides to show you how to install your new parts.

Important: The troubleshooting information in this article is based on general service manuals and may not apply to your specific appliance model. While we strive to offer helpful advice for DIY appliance repairs, variations in models and configurations can lead to differences in troubleshooting steps, error codes and part replacements. For the most accurate guidance, we strongly recommend consulting the technical sheet for your specific appliance model.

What does the E66 error code mean?

The E66 fault code usually means there’s a problem with the heating element relay on the main control board of the washing machine. This relay supplies power to the heating element, which is used to heat the wash water during certain cycles.

When the E66 error shows up, it means the control board has detected a failure or malfunction with the heating element relay. This may be caused by the relay itself failing, an issue with the wiring or connections to the heating element, or a problem with the heating element itself.

Since the E66 error tells the user that the washing machine is unable to properly activate the heating element, this can prevent the wash water from reaching the desired temperature, which can negatively impact the cleaning and efficiency of the wash cycle.

Read more: Surprising Things That Can & Can’t Go in the Washer

Safety precautions

When working on any appliance, remember to keep safety first. Here are some tips to keep in mind:

• Always power off and unplug your appliance or switch off the circuit breaker before you attempt any maintenance or replacement work. This keeps you safe by eliminating any risk of electric shock.
• If the appliance has recently been used, give it plenty of time to cool down before working on it.
• Turn off the water supply at the outlet before beginning repairs. Keep towels ready to catch any residual water in the system when removing parts.
• Take your time while working to prevent accidents and personal injuries. Rushing is the enemy of precision.
• Work in a well-lit area so you can see and access appliance parts.
• Keep your workspace free of clutter and other obstacles. Keep children and pets away from the work area.
• Never work on internal parts with wet hands. Make sure the work area is completely dry.
• Check the user manual to see if there are specific installation or safety instructions related to your appliance or replacement part.
• Be gentle when handling or removing parts. Excessive force might damage the appliance or cause personal injury.
• Wear insulated work gloves to protect your hands from sharp metal parts and debris.
• When working with wires, avoid touching any exposed wires or terminals. If you need to touch a wire, use a non-conductive tool or wear insulating gloves to prevent electrical shock.
• Always take photos or make a note of wiring terminals or other connections before disconnecting them to make reassembly easier.
• Don’t test live voltage with a multimeter if you’re unfamiliar with how to prevent short-circuiting.

Read more: Seven Steps to Master Your Laundry Day: A Complete Guide

How to troubleshoot the E66 error code

Follow these steps to resolve the E66 fault code on your Frigidaire washing machine.

Step 1: Access the heating element

1. Make sure the washer is unplugged from the power supply and that the water supply is turned off.
2. Find the access panel or door to the heating element. Carefully remove the panel or open the door.
3. Closely look over the heating element to see if there are any signs of damage like cracks.
4. Make sure the element is properly installed and the connections are secure.

If the element has visible damage, you’ll need to replace it. If the element looks good, continue to the next step.

Step 2: Check the heating element wiring

1. Inspect the wiring from the control board to the heating element terminals. Look for any signs of damage, loose connections, or oxidation on the wire terminals. If you see any damage, replace the wiring.
2. Set a multimeter to continuity mode and use the meter probes to test the wiring for continuity. The meter should make a beeping sound if there’s continuity.

If the wiring doesn’t have continuity, it’ll need to be replaced. If the wiring looks and tests OK, continue troubleshooting.

Step 3: Test the heating element

1. Set a multimeter to resistance mode (Ω).
2. Use the meter probes to measure the resistance across the two terminals of the heating element. You should see a resistance reading of approximately 14 Ohms.
3. Disconnect the heater terminals and use the probes to measure the resistance between the ground and each of the heater terminals. The resistance should read as an open circuit (infinite resistance) when the terminals are disconnected.

If the resistance of the heating element isn’t around 14 Ohms, or if there’s continuity (low resistance) between the ground and heater terminals, then the heating element needs to be replaced.

If the resistance readings for the heating element are correct (around 14 Ohms) and the ground/terminal resistance is an open circuit, then you can replace the main control board as a last resort.

Read more: How does a front load washer work?

More for you

Thank you for reading! We hope this guide helped you get your washer working again.

If you have any other appliance repair needs or projects, don’t hesitate to explore our other troubleshooting guides and videos.

If you need replacement parts or some extra help with ordering them, grab your model number and head over to AppliancePartsPros.com, where you can chat with a pro, read our DIY blog and more.

Don’t forget to subscribe to us on YouTube and follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram!