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Error code reference

Frigidaire Dryer Error Code E31

Moisture sensor fault

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What the E31 error code actually means

Your Frigidaire dryer is having trouble reading how wet your clothes are because the moisture sensors inside the drum are not working correctly. This could be caused by something stuck on the sensors, a loose wire connection, or a problem with the dryer's control board. The dryer displays E31 to let you know it cannot trust the dryness readings it is getting.

Diagnostic procedure

The full E31 procedure

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1
First diagnostic step
Check contact sensors for foreign objects and wiring. If no problems found, check wiring (quick connect at moisture bars and/or edge connector J3). If that doesn't fix the problem, replace the electronic control board.
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Most common causes of E31

Ranked by how often they cause this code
  1. 1Foreign object on sensor bars
  2. 2Loose or damaged wiring at quick-connect terminals
  3. 3Sensor bars contacting the drum bulkhead
  4. 4Contact sensor frequency too high (push-button models)
  5. 5Failed electronic control board

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Questions people ask about E31

What does E31 mean on a Frigidaire dryer?
E31 on a Frigidaire dryer signals a moisture sensor fault. The control board has detected an abnormal reading from the sensor bar circuit inside the drum, which could be caused by a short across the bars, an open wiring connection, a foreign object on the sensors, or on push-button models, a sensor frequency that is too high. The dryer triggers this code because it cannot reliably determine how dry the load is.
Is it safe to keep using my dryer when E31 is displayed?
Running the dryer with an active E31 fault is not recommended. Because the moisture sensor cannot accurately measure dryness, the dryer may run longer than necessary, which increases energy consumption and can overheat loads. It is best to resolve the fault before returning the dryer to regular use.
How much does it cost to repair a Frigidaire dryer showing E31?
Repair costs vary depending on the root cause. If the issue is just debris on the sensor bars or a loose wiring connector, the fix may cost nothing beyond your time. If the moisture sensor bars or associated wiring need replacement, parts and labor could range from roughly $50 to $150. A control board replacement, the most expensive scenario, typically runs between $150 and $350 or more depending on the model and whether you use a technician.
Can I fix the E31 error myself, or do I need a technician?
Many E31 faults can be resolved without a technician. Start by inspecting the moisture sensor bars inside the drum for debris, dryer sheet buildup, or anything bridging the two bars, and clean them if needed. Next, check the wiring quick-connects at the sensor bars and the edge connector J3 for loose or corroded pins and reseat them. If those steps do not clear the fault, a control board replacement is the next step, which is more involved but still within reach for experienced DIYers.
Will resetting the dryer clear the E31 error code?
A reset may temporarily clear the E31 code, but if the underlying cause is not addressed, the fault will return. Unplugging the dryer for a few minutes can reset the control board, but the error will reappear once the dryer detects the same abnormal sensor condition again. A lasting fix requires inspecting and correcting the sensor bars, wiring, or control board.

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