Skip to main contentGet Started
Error code reference
Frigidaire Dryer Error Code E5B
Heater fault (no heating)
Avg. service call
$285
National average. Trip fee plus diagnostic plus labor. Before parts.
MyPros+ 3-day pass
$9.95
Same diagnostic steps, on your phone. Start now.
You keep in your pocket
~$275
Even before you buy the part.
Skip the service call. Fix it yourself.
Full procedure unlocks instantly.
What the E5B error code actually means
Your Frigidaire dryer is showing E5B because it detected that no heat was produced during a drying cycle. The dryer's temperature sensor noticed the temperature wasn't rising the way it should, which triggered this error. This usually means something in the heating system, such as a relay, wiring connection, or heating component, has stopped working.
Diagnostic procedure
The full E5B procedure
Step 1 is visible so you can confirm you are on the right page. The remaining steps, the ones that tell you whether to actually replace a part, unlock with any pass.
MyPros+ · DiagnosticsStep 1 preview
1
First diagnostic step
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.
More steps, wiring diagram references, and verified part numbers
Includes expected resistance and voltage values, connector pinouts, and supersession notes for replacement parts.
Unlock E5B procedure $9.95
Or subscribe: $29/month for unlimited access to all codes plus Max AI diagnostics.
Most common causes of E5B
Ranked by how often they cause this code
- 1Failed heater relay (RL2) on control board
- 2Open wire between incoming power line and relay RL2
- 3Faulty electronic control board
- 4Blown thermal fuse or failed heating element
- 5Gas valve or igniter failure (gas models only)
Most DIYers save hundreds by diagnosing before ordering parts.
Get Started
$29/month · Cancel anytime · Or $9.95 3-day pass
Questions people ask 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
78,000+ service manuals · 160,000+ error codes · 55+ brands
Get Started$29/month · Cancel anytime · Or $9.95 3-day pass