Electrolux Dryer Error Code E31

E31 means the dryer's contact sensor, which measures moisture in your laundry, is reporting a frequency reading that is too high. This points to either a physical interference at the sensor bars inside the drum or a defective electronic control board. The dryer triggers this code to alert you that the moisture-sensing system is not operating within its normal parameters. Diagnosing the sensor and its wiring first is the recommended starting point.

It is best to avoid running the dryer until the E31 fault is resolved. A malfunctioning moisture sensor can cause the dryer to run longer than necessary or behave unpredictably, which increases energy use and puts additional wear on components. Addressing the root cause before resuming normal use is the safer approach.

If the fix is simply cleaning the sensor bars, there is no parts cost involved. Replacing a contact sensor typically runs in the range of $20 to $60 for the part, while a new electronic control board can cost anywhere from $100 to $250 or more depending on the model. Adding professional labor, a service call for this type of repair generally falls in the range of $150 to $350 total.

Start by opening the dryer door and locating the sensor bars inside the drum, typically near the lint filter area. Clean the bars with a cloth lightly dampened with rubbing alcohol to remove any fabric softener residue or lint buildup, then check for any foreign objects resting against the sensor. If the error returns after cleaning and a visual inspection of the wiring shows no damage, the electronic control board will need to be replaced.

A reset may temporarily clear the E31 code, but if the underlying cause is not corrected, the error will return. A soft reset by unplugging the dryer for a few minutes can be useful as a first step to confirm the code reappears, helping to confirm it is an active fault rather than a one-time glitch. Permanently resolving E31 requires cleaning or replacing the contact sensor, repairing the wiring, or replacing the control board.