How to Resolve Frigidaire Washer Error Code E55 Quickly
Steven E / Tuesday April 1, 2025
If your Frigidaire washer displays the E55 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 E55 error code indicates the washer’s motor has overheated. When the washer’s control system detects that the motor is overheating, it triggers the E55 error code and responds by shutting down the wash cycle to prevent further overheating and potential motor burnout.
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 an electrical shock.
Troubleshooting steps
Step 1: Remove the rear panel and belt
- Locate the screws or clips holding the rear access panel in place. Use the appropriate screwdriver or pliers to remove the panel.
- This will provide full access to the motor and related components.
- Locate the belt that connects the motor to the tub pulley.
- Carefully release the tension on the belt by pushing down on the idler pulley or tensioner spring.
- Slip the belt off the motor pulley.
Step 2: Spin the pulley on the motor
- With the belt removed, try to manually spin the motor pulley. It should spin freely without any binding, grinding, or resistance.
- If the motor pulley feels stuck, does not spin freely, or makes any unusual noises, the motor is likely faulty and will need to be replaced.
- Manually try to spin the tub pulley. It should also spin freely without any binding or resistance.
- If the tub pulley does not spin freely, the issue may be with the tub bearings.
- You will need to remove the tub assembly to inspect and potentially replace the tub bearings.
Step 3: Test the motor winding resistance
- If both the motor and tub pulleys spin freely, it’s time to test the motor windings:
- Unplug the washer and locate the motor connector. Carefully disconnect the plug from the motor.
- Use a multimeter set to the resistance (Ohm) measurement function to measure the resistance between the following pairs of pins:
- Pin 1 to Pin 2
- Pin 1 to Pin 3
- Pin 2 to Pin 3
- All resistance readings should be between 4 and 6 ohms. If any readings are outside of this range, the motor will need to be replaced.
Step 4: Replace the speed control board
- If the motor winding resistance readings are correct, the issue may be with the speed control board.
- This part is usually located near the motor and will need to be accessed and replaced.
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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With nearly a decade of experience in providing top-notch customer service regarding appliance parts and repair, Steven enjoys sharing practical advice, troubleshooting tips, and interesting information to help readers stay informed.