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Error code reference

Frigidaire Dryer Error Code E5B

Heater fault (no heating)

Frigidaire codesFrigidaire dryer codes

Heater fault (no heating) — the temperature reading of the control thermistor has not changed in a certain amount of time.

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 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 Frigidaire dryer

The E5B error code on a Frigidaire dryer indicates a heater fault caused by the control thermistor reading a temperature that has not changed over a defined period of time. In a properly functioning dryer, the thermistor should detect rising and fluctuating temperatures as the heater cycles on and off. When the thermistor sees a flat, unchanging temperature reading, the control board interprets this as a failure of the heating system and displays E5B. This code points specifically to a no-heat condition rather than an overheating situation.

The heating circuit on these dryers involves a heater relay, designated RL2, on the electronic control board. On electric models, this relay switches 240V to the heating element, while on gas models it operates at 120V to control the igniter and gas valve circuit. Diagnosing E5B starts by checking whether RL2 is receiving and passing voltage. If 240V or 120V is present across the relay terminals during a heat cycle, the relay itself or the control board is the likely culprit. If no voltage is present at the relay output, the fault lies upstream in the wiring or supply circuit.

Common root causes include an open wire between the incoming power line and relay RL2, a failed heater relay on the control board, a faulty electronic control board, or a break further along the heater circuit such as a blown thermal fuse, failed heating element, or defective gas valve component. The diagnostic procedure systematically isolates the fault by testing voltage at specific points in the circuit, starting at the relay and working back toward the power supply or forward into the heater circuit depending on the readings obtained.

Source: manufacturer service documentation.

Common causes of E5B

  1. 01

    Failed heater relay (RL2) on control board

    Part replacement

    Relay RL2 on the electronic control board is responsible for switching power to the heater circuit. If the relay contacts fail open, no voltage reaches the heater even when the board commands it to energize. Testing for voltage across RL2 terminals during a heat cycle will confirm this fault.

  2. 02

    Open wire between incoming power line and relay RL2

    Wiring / connection

    If voltage is present at the relay COM terminal but zero volts appear at the relay output, and disconnecting the NO terminal wire still shows zero volts between COM and neutral, an open wire in the supply path to the relay is indicated. Visually inspect and test continuity on this wiring segment.

  3. 03

    Faulty electronic control board

    Part replacement

    If the relay output measures the correct voltage (240V on electric models or 120V on gas models) during a heat cycle but the heater still does not operate, the control board is not properly commanding the relay and should be replaced. This scenario points to an internal board failure rather than a wiring or heater component issue.

  4. 04

    Blown thermal fuse or failed heating element

    Part replacement

    If voltage is present at the relay output but heat is still absent, the fault lies further along the heater circuit. A blown thermal fuse or an open heating element on electric models will interrupt current flow even with proper relay operation. These components require continuity testing after disconnecting power.

  5. 05

    Gas valve or igniter failure (gas models only)

    Part replacement

    On gas dryers, if 120V is confirmed at the RL2 relay output but no heat is produced, the igniter, flame sensor, or gas valve coils downstream in the circuit may have failed. Each component should be tested individually for proper resistance and function.

See the test procedure for each cause

Frequently asked questions about E5B

What does E5B mean on a Frigidaire dryer?
E5B on a Frigidaire dryer means the control board detected a heater fault because the thermistor temperature reading did not change over a set period of time. This indicates the dryer ran a cycle without producing heat. The fault can originate in the heater relay on the control board, the wiring supplying the relay, or components further along the heater circuit such as a thermal fuse or heating element.
Can I fix E5B on my Frigidaire dryer myself?
Some parts of the diagnosis can be done by a knowledgeable DIYer, such as checking for visible wiring damage or testing the thermal fuse for continuity after disconnecting power. However, portions of the diagnostic process involve measuring live 240V or 120V circuits, which carries serious shock risk and should only be performed by someone trained in electrical safety. Replacing the control board or heating components is generally manageable if you are comfortable with appliance disassembly.
Is it safe to keep using my dryer when E5B is showing?
When E5B is active, the dryer is not producing heat, so it will not dry clothes effectively. While running the dryer in this state is unlikely to cause additional damage in most cases, continuing to operate a dryer with an undiagnosed electrical fault is not recommended. It is best to diagnose and repair the fault before regular use resumes.
Will resetting the dryer clear the E5B error code?
Resetting or cycling power to the dryer may temporarily clear the E5B code, but the error will return if the underlying heating fault is not repaired. The code is triggered by the thermistor detecting no temperature change during operation, so any subsequent heat cycle with the same fault will cause E5B to reappear. A reset is useful for confirming the fault is persistent, but it does not fix the problem.
How much does it cost to repair a Frigidaire dryer showing E5B?
Repair costs depend on which component is at fault. A thermal fuse is typically an inexpensive part, often in the range of $5 to $20, and is a straightforward replacement. A heating element generally costs between $20 and $60 in parts. An electronic control board is the most expensive possibility, often ranging from $100 to $250 or more depending on the model. Adding professional labor costs can bring the total repair bill to anywhere from $100 to $400 or higher.

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