Get Rid of Error Code E26 on Your Frigidaire Washer

If your Frigidaire washer displays the E26 error, this is a fairly common problem that can often be resolved with some straightforward troubleshooting steps. We’ll walk you through the most likely causes and how to fix the issue yourself without the need to call in a repair technician. 

If you find out that you need any replacement parts for your appliance 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.

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 error code mean?

The E26 error code on a Frigidaire washing machine indicates an issue with the recirculation pump relay. This relay is responsible for controlling the recirculation pump, which is used to circulate water during the wash and rinse cycles. It helps circulate the wash water during the wash and rinse cycles, ensuring the clothes are thoroughly cleaned. The recirculation pump relay is what controls the operation of this pump.

When the E26 error code appears, it means the main control board is not detecting the proper operation of the recirculation pump relay.

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 attempting any maintenance or replacement work. This keeps you safe by preventing any risk of injury from electric shock.
• Wear insulated work gloves to protect your hands from sharp metal parts, pinching hazards and debris.
• Take your time and don’t rush while working to prevent accidents and personal injuries.
• Work in a well-lit area so you can clearly see and access the interior parts.
• Clear your workspace of clutter and other obstacles. Keep children and pets away from the work area.
• Never work on internal parts with bare wet hands. Make sure the work area is completely dry.
• Check your user manual to see if there are specific installation or safety instructions for your part or appliance. 
• Be gentle when handling or removing parts. Excessive force might damage the appliance or cause injury.
• Wear safety glasses when working with chemicals, dust or cleaning large debris to prevent injury. 
• If the appliance has recently been used, give it plenty of time for any heating parts to cool down before working on it. 
• Take pictures or make a note of wiring terminals or other connections before disconnecting to prevent any problems with reassembly.
• 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.

Troubleshooting steps

Step 1: Visual inspection

1. Unplug the washing machine and remove the outer panels to access the internal components.
2. Visually inspect the wiring harnesses between the main control board and the recirculation pump, as well as the wiring between the main control board and the recirculation board.
3. Check for any signs of damage, such as fraying, cuts, burns, or loose connections.
4. Replace any wiring that looks damaged and reconnect any loose connectors. 

Step 2: Wiring continuity check

1. Use a multimeter to test the continuity of the wiring between the main control board and the recirculation pump.
2. Disconnect the wiring harness at both ends and set your multimeter to the continuity or resistance setting.
3. Probe the corresponding terminals on each end of the wiring harness. You should read close to 0 ohms, indicating a continuous circuit.
4. Repeat this process for the wiring between the main control board and the recirculation board.

Step 3: Recirculation pump test

1. Disconnect the wiring harness from the recirculation pump.
2. Use your multimeter to measure the resistance across the pump’s terminals.
3. Refer to the manufacturer’s specifications for the expected resistance range. If the reading is outside of this range or indicates an open circuit, the pump will need to be replaced.

Step 4: Main control board test

1. If the wiring continuity tests pass and the recirculation pump tests good, the issue is likely with the main control board.
2. Unfortunately, there is no easy way to definitively test the main control board without specialized equipment.
3. At this point, the recommended troubleshooting step is to replace the main control board and see if that resolves the E26 error code.

Step 5: Reassembly and testing

1. Once you’ve completed the troubleshooting steps, reassemble the washing machine, reconnect all the wiring, and plug the unit back in.
2. Run a test cycle to verify the issue has been resolved and the E26 error code no longer appears.

Additional information

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.

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