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Error code reference

Electrolux Dryer Error Code E5B

Temperature reading of control thermistor has not changed in a certain amount of time (Heater Fault

Electrolux codesElectrolux dryer codes

Temperature reading of control thermistor has not changed in a certain amount of time (Heater Fault - no heating).

First step from the service manual

Position cycle selector to NORMAL, temperature selector to HIGH HEAT and touch START. Measure voltage across terminals on relay RL2 (heater relay) on electronic control. If meter reads 240V on electric models and 120V on gas models, replace electronic control. If meter reads zero, remove power from dryer. Disconnect wire going to NO terminal on the relay RL2. Reconnect power and measure voltage drop between terminal COM on relay RL2 and neutral. If meter reads zero, wire between incoming line and relay RL2 is open. If meter reads 120V, check the rest of the heater circuit.

The complete diagnostic procedure includes additional test steps, resistance specifications, wiring diagram references, and component test points.

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What E5B means on a Electrolux dryer

The E5B error code on an Electrolux dryer indicates that the control thermistor has detected no change in temperature over a defined period of time, which the control board interprets as a heater fault with no heating occurring. The control thermistor continuously monitors drum air temperature throughout a cycle, and if the readings remain static when they should be rising, the control board flags this as a heating failure. This can occur on both electric and gas models, though the root cause and voltage characteristics differ between the two.

Diagnosing E5B begins at the heater relay, designated RL2, on the electronic control board. With the cycle selector set to NORMAL, temperature selector set to HIGH HEAT, and the dryer running, a technician measures voltage across the RL2 relay terminals. On electric models, 240V across these terminals with no heating points directly to the electronic control as the faulty component. On gas models, the expected voltage is 120V. A reading of zero volts at RL2 requires further upstream investigation.

When RL2 measures zero volts, the next step is to disconnect power, remove the wire from the NO terminal on RL2, restore power, and measure voltage between the COM terminal on RL2 and neutral. A zero volt reading at COM indicates an open wire between the incoming power line and the relay. A reading of 120V means the relay and control are functioning correctly, and the fault lies further downstream in the heater circuit, such as in a thermal fuse, cycling thermostat, gas valve coil, or heating element.

Source: manufacturer service documentation.

Common causes of E5B

  1. 01

    Open thermal fuse or cycling thermostat

    Part replacement

    A blown thermal fuse or failed cycling thermostat in the heater circuit will cut voltage to the heating element or gas valve, causing zero heat output. These components are checked after confirming 120V is present at the COM terminal of relay RL2.

  2. 02

    Failed heater relay RL2 on the electronic control board

    Part replacement

    If the control board is commanding heat but the relay contacts on RL2 are not closing, no voltage will reach the heater circuit. This is suspected when the board appears to function normally but RL2 output voltage reads zero.

  3. 03

    Faulty electronic control board

    Part replacement

    If voltage measured across the RL2 relay terminals reads 240V on an electric model or 120V on a gas model while the dryer is running with no heat, the electronic control board itself is the diagnosed faulty component and requires replacement.

  4. 04

    Open wiring between incoming power line and relay RL2

    Wiring / connection

    If voltage at the COM terminal of RL2 measures zero after disconnecting the NO terminal wire and restoring power, there is a break or open connection in the wiring between the incoming power supply and the relay. Inspect the wiring harness and terminal connections in this segment of the circuit.

  5. 05

    Failed heating element or gas valve coil

    Part replacement

    On electric models, a broken heating element will prevent any heat output even when voltage is correctly supplied. On gas models, a failed gas valve coil will prevent the valve from opening. Both are located further downstream in the heater circuit and are checked after upstream voltage tests clear.

See the test procedure for each cause

Frequently asked questions about E5B

What does E5B mean on a Electrolux dryer?
E5B means the dryer's control thermistor detected no change in temperature over a set period of time, indicating the dryer is running but not producing heat. The code points to a fault somewhere in the heating system. Diagnosis starts at the heater relay RL2 on the electronic control board to pinpoint whether the problem is the control board itself, upstream wiring, or a component further along in the heater circuit.
Can I reset the E5B error code to clear it?
Resetting the dryer by cutting power may temporarily clear the code, but E5B will return as soon as the dryer completes another cycle without detecting a temperature rise. The underlying heating fault must be diagnosed and repaired for the code to stay cleared. Simply resetting without fixing the root cause will not restore heat to the dryer.
Is it safe to run my Electrolux dryer while it shows E5B?
Running the dryer with an active E5B code means the dryer is tumbling without heat, so your clothes will not dry properly. While the dryer is not immediately dangerous in this state, continuing to run cycles without resolving the fault wastes energy and puts unnecessary wear on the motor and drum components. It is best to diagnose and repair the heating fault before resuming normal use.
How much does it cost to fix an E5B error on an Electrolux dryer?
Repair costs depend on which component has failed. Thermal fuses and cycling thermostats are generally inexpensive parts, typically in the range of $10 to $40 for the part, with labor costs added if you hire a technician. A replacement electronic control board is the most expensive possibility, often ranging from $100 to $300 or more for the part alone. Getting the circuit properly diagnosed before ordering parts will help avoid unnecessary expenses.
How do I diagnose an E5B fault on my Electrolux dryer?
Diagnosis starts with setting the cycle selector to NORMAL, the temperature selector to HIGH HEAT, and measuring voltage across the terminals of relay RL2 on the electronic control board while the dryer is running. On electric models, a reading of 240V at RL2 with no heat present means the control board needs replacement. A reading of zero volts requires checking voltage at the COM terminal of RL2 after disconnecting the NO terminal wire, which will determine whether the issue is an open wire upstream or a fault further along in the heater circuit such as a thermal fuse, thermostat, heating element, or gas valve component.

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