Troubleshooting E51, E52, E53 and E54 errors on an electric Frigidaire dryer

If your electric Frigidaire dryer displays error codes E51, E52, E53, or E54, there’s likely a fault in the drive motor or related control components. These codes cover various motor faults, from failed windings to defective relays and sensors.

Let’s walk through some troubleshooting tips to diagnose and resolve error codes E51 through E54 on your Frigidaire dryer.

If you need a part or you have any other questions, you can grab your model number and go to AppliancePartsPros.com to find what you need. Most orders arrive in two business days.

Disclaimer: The error code information provided 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.

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How the motor drive works

The belt loops around the tumbler/drum and the small motor pulley that is attached to the electric motor. The belt is looped around the drum and on the Idler pulley in a manner that puts tension on the belt using spring action to keep the belt tight.

When the motor runs, the motor pulley drives the belt and pulls the tumbler/drum which tumbles the clothes inside. The other end of the motor will have the blower attached to it or another pulley that turns the blower belt. Voltage passes through the motor run and start windings to generate rotational force.

As the motor rpm (revolutions per minute) increases, the centrifugal switch activates. At this point, the power to the start winding drops out and the centrifugal switch holds power to the run windings as long as the motor continues to rotate. The centrifugal switch, when closed, supplies power to one side of the heating element.

READ MORE: 9 Ways to Improve Your Dryer’s Performance

What causes E51, E52, E53 and E54 motor errors?

By pinpointing the root cause, you can determine what needs to be repaired – the motor, switch, relay, or electronics:

E51 – Typically means the motor relay is stuck or has failed and power can’t properly engage/disengage the motor.

E52 – This is a motor fault, it means the motor has stopped or is not starting. This may mean the motor is overloaded and overheating. There may also be failures in the windings or high friction.

E53 – This means the control board is reading low voltage from the motor.

E54 – This typically means the board is unable to accurately sense motor feedback. There may be a bad connection or an issue with the sensor.

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Troubleshooting an E51 error – motor relay failure

The E51 code signifies the motor relay is either stuck closed or open or has failed. The motor relay acts like an ON/OFF power switch for the motor and is driven by the main control board.

To diagnose:

1. Power cycle the dryer by turning it off and back on to see if the error code disappears.
2. If you’re still seeing the E51 error, unplug the dryer to keep yourself safe and prevent electric shock.
3. Use a multimeter to check relay RL2 for continuity.
4. Check the connections on the relay circuit board. Test the contacts and coil to isolate the failure.
5. If the coil tests bad, the control board likely has a damaged driver circuit for the relay. You may need to replace the control board.

READ MORE: How To Use A Multimeter To Test Appliance Parts

Troubleshooting an E52 error – motor fault

The E52 code usually indicates a dryer motor failure – either a mechanically locked rotor that’s unable to turn or windings that are repeatedly overheating during use.

Here’s how to test it:

1. Remove the belt and/or drum and check that the rotor spins freely by hand. Sticky bearings indicate mechanical friction issues.
2. Check that centrifugal switch contacts open/close properly while spinning the rotor by hand.
3. Use a multimeter to check the windings for continuity. If you’re experiencing balance issues, your dryer may have shorted motor coils.
4. Look over the motor for burned windings or damaged circuits. Faulty insulation can cause rapid overheating.
5. Replace the faulty motor or other bad component.

If the motor tests ok but you’re still seeing an E52 message, the control board may be providing bad diagnostic data.

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Troubleshooting an E53 error – low voltage from motor

The E53 code usually means the control board can’t sense the motor state or the centrifugal switch has failed. Centrifugal sensors help the control electronics to regulate the dryer motor’s operation.

Here’s how to test it:

1. With the dryer disconnected from power, use a multimeter to test the switch contacts for continuity while at rest and while manually spinning the motor.
2. Make sure the switch correctly makes and breaks contact during motor spin-up/wind-down. If not, you’ll need to adjust or replace it.
3. Check the wiring from the switch to the control. Any open connections will prevent status signals.
4. If centrifugal components check OK but the code still appears, you’ll need to replace the main control board.

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Troubleshooting an E54 error – motor sensing issues

An E54 code typically means the main control board has detected a fault in the motor feedback circuits.

This may be due to:

• A bad wire connection from the motor sensors
• A shorted or corroded harness
• Damaged sensor windings
• Defective control board input

To diagnose:

1. Check the sensor wiring and connectors on the motor. Look for shorts, damage, corrosion, etc. Repair damaged wires and restore connections as needed.
2. Spin the motor by hand while checking the sensor signal wire voltage levels. Make sure the levels match the specifications on the wiring diagram, which can be found on the model’s tech sheet
3. If the centrifugal switch shows the correct make/break signal but the control board still shows the E54 error, replace the control board.

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More tips

Thank you for reading! We hope this guide helped you resolve the error codes on your electric Frigidaire dryer.

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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