Error Code 10 | Frigidaire Washing Machine Troubleshooting
Tracy Beard / Wednesday August 23, 2023
The Error Code 10 on your Frigidaire washing machine can be frustrating, but this guide will help you troubleshoot and resolve the issue. By methodically checking various components, you can identify the cause and get your washer running smoothly again.
What Causes the Error Code 10?
Error Code 10 indicates the washing machine fill time is too long. Here are the most common causes:
- Restricted water flow
- Low water pressure
- Faulty water inlet valve
- Malfunctioning pressure sensor/switch
- Issues with control board timing
Error Code 10 Troubleshooting Steps
Follow these steps to troubleshoot Error Code 10:
Check The Incoming Water Supply
- Ensure hot and cold water taps are fully opened. Turn the knobs completely counterclockwise to make sure both taps are allowing maximum water flow. Partially closed taps can restrict water flow and lead to slower fill times.
- Inspect inlet hoses for kinks and clogs. Check along the entire length of the hoses, including connections at the faucet and back of the washer. Straighten out any kinked sections. Examine the screens on the washer inlets and remove any accumulated debris. Clogged hoses or screens prevent proper water flow.
- Clean debris from inlet screens. Over time, small particles can accumulate on the inlet screens attached to the hot and cold water connections on the back of the washer. Remove the hoses and thoroughly flush the screens under running water to remove any built-up sediment. This allows for optimal water flow.
Check Water Pressure
- Pressure should be at least 30 psi for proper washer operation. Use a water pressure gauge to check the psi coming into the hot and cold water lines. Low water pressure under 30 psi can lead to delayed fill times in the washer and cause Error Code 10.
- Low pressure causes slower fill times. When pressure is too low, the filling process takes longer as water slowly dribbles into the washer. Optimal pressure enables the washer to fill to the appropriate level efficiently.
- If necessary, contact your plumber to investigate and resolve household water pressure issues. There may be a problem with the home’s main water supply lines or regulator causing low pressure. Fixing the root issue will restore normal fill times.
- Consider installing a water pressure booster pump if household pressure cannot be adjusted. The pump can increase incoming water pressure to the level needed for proper washer function.
Check the Water Inlet Valve
- Disconnect the power and see if the water stops flowing. Unplug the washer or shut off the breaker supplying power to it. Then try to run a fill cycle. If water continues flowing into the tub, the inlet valve is likely stuck open and will need replacing.
- If water continues flowing, the valve is likely faulty. The inlet valve acts as a gate, controlling water flow into the tub. If water keeps flowing with the power disconnected, the valve is failing to close properly when it should. This indicates damage, and the valve will need to be replaced.
- Shut off water supply lines before replacing the inlet valve. Turn off the hot and cold taps and disconnect the hoses. Remove the faulty valve and install the new replacement part. Reattach the hoses and restore power once done.
- Test by running a full wash cycle. The new inlet valve should function properly, opening when needed to allow the correct amount of water to flow in. Monitor fill times to confirm that Error Code 10 is resolved.
Check Pressure Sensor Switch
- Use a multimeter to test terminal continuity. Locate the pressure sensor/switch wires and disconnect them. Touch the multimeter probes to the terminals in pairs and check for continuity. Note the readings.
- Compare readings with and without air pressure. Reconnect the pressure tube but leave it detached from the tub. Blow into the tube to create pressure while testing continuity. Compare these results to the original readings without pressure.
- Readings should be opposite with and without pressure. The pairs showing continuity should switch when pressure is introduced. If readings don’t change, the switch is likely faulty and the cause of Error Code 10.
- Replace if readings are inconsistent. If the terminal continuity pattern doesn’t match the expected results, the pressure sensor/switch will need to be replaced. Purchase the specific replacement part for your washer model.
- Reconnect all tubes and wires once the new part is installed. Run the washer through a full cycle to verify normal operation before using it again.
Check The Control Board
- The main control board manages wash timing. The control board coordinates all the internal components during the operating cycles. It oversees the wash timing, including the water fill time.
- Replace the control board if all else fails. If you’ve checked all other parts like the inlet valve, pressure switch, inlet hoses, etc. and the problem persists, the main control board may need replacement. Faulty programming or a malfunction in the board can lead to wash timing issues.
- Locate the control board model number. The replacement board must be an exact match for your specific model. Refer to the service manual or inside of the control panel for the correct part number.
- Transfer control settings after installing the new board. Set the new board to match your previous settings – cycle selections, soil level, temperature, etc. Programmable control boards will need to be reprogrammed.
- Run test cycle. Verify the fill time error is resolved after fitting the replacement control board. Monitor for any other issues during the test run.
Reset The Washing Machine
- Unplug the power, wait 1 minute, then replug. Disconnect the washer from the power source completely. Give it ample time to clear any residual power before reconnecting. This resets the computer and memory.
- Clears error code. Once any electrical charge dissipates, it will clear out any error codes from the computer including E10. The reset gives the machine a fresh start to operate normally.
- Check for error code return. Run a wash cycle after resetting to see if the E10 code comes back. The reset procedure may temporarily clear the code, but if the source issue is not addressed, the error can return.
- Reset after repairs or troubleshooting. Only reset the washer after you’ve corrected any underlying problems, such as inlet valve replacement or hose cleaning. Resetting first will just cause the error code 10 to keep returning until fixed.
- Retry reset if needed. In rare cases, it may take more than one power reset to clear an error code from the computer’s memory.
Test the Washer
- Run full cycle. After completing troubleshooting and repairs, run the washer through an entire normal cycle. Use typical settings and a reasonable load size to thoroughly test all functions.
- Confirm the issue is fixed and the error doesn’t reappear. Carefully monitor the test cycle for any problems, especially the water fill time. Make sure the E10 error does not pop up again during testing. The fill should be completed in the appropriate amount of time.
- Check for leaks. As the washer runs, check around and under it for any water leaks just in case an underlying issue still exists. It should operate leak-free.
- Repeat the test cycle if needed. If any problems occur during the first test run, do not attempt to use the washer normally until the testing process is complete without incident. Repeat as needed.
- Try different settings. For thorough testing, run additional cycles on different settings – varying water temperature, spin speed, wash type, etc. The washer should function properly on all settings without errors.
Conclusion
Resolving error codes quickly is crucial for restoring normal function to your Frigidaire washing machine. Error Code 10 specifically indicates an issue with the water fill time being too long. By methodically troubleshooting the various possible causes, you can identify and fix the underlying problem.
- Check the water supply, hoses, pressure, inlet valve, pressure sensor, and control board to pinpoint the trigger.
- Replace any faulty parts like the inlet valve or pressure switch.
- Thoroughly test the washer after repairs by running complete cycles.
Following the steps outlined in this guide will help you get your Frigidaire washer back up and running optimally. Diagnosing error codes on your own saves time and money compared to calling in a repair person. With some diligent troubleshooting, you can determine the cause and solution for Error Code 10.
For more appliance repair tips and troubleshooting guides, be sure to check out AppliancePartsPros.com. We have extensive resources on DIY fixes for dryers, refrigerators, dishwashers, washing machines, ranges, and more. Our website, Facebook page, and YouTube channel provide useful articles, videos, part schematics, and other materials to help you troubleshoot and repair your appliances.
Hello there! I’m Tracy, and I’m thrilled to be part of the Appliance Parts Pros team. With two years of service and hands-on experience here, I’ve had the privilege of helping numerous customers troubleshoot their home appliances and find DIY repair solutions.