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Error code reference

Frigidaire Washer Error Code E3

Lid is open during a cycle that requires the lid to be closed.

Frigidaire codesFrigidaire washer codes

Lid is open during a cycle that requires the lid to be closed.

First step from the service manual

Close the lid; if lid is closed, check if the lid lock or PCB has failed.

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

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What E3 means on a Frigidaire washer

The E3 error code on a Frigidaire washer indicates that the control board has detected an open lid condition during a cycle phase that requires the lid to be closed and locked. The washer's lid lock assembly includes both a mechanical latch and an electrical switch or sensor that continuously communicates lid status to the main PCB (printed circuit board). When the control expects a confirmed closed-and-locked lid but receives an open signal instead, it halts the cycle and displays E3 to prevent unsafe operation, particularly during the spin phase where an open lid poses a serious safety hazard.

The lid lock assembly is the most commonly involved component in this fault. It contains a switch or sensor that sends a low-resistance closed-circuit signal to the PCB when the lid is properly latched. If the lid lock mechanism is worn, the strike plate is misaligned, or the internal switch has failed, the circuit may remain open even with the lid physically down. Wiring harness issues between the lid lock and the control board, such as a loose connector or a broken wire, can produce the same false-open signal.

If the lid is confirmed closed and the error persists, the fault may lie with the lid lock assembly itself or with the main PCB. A failed PCB may misread a valid closed signal or fail to send the lock command entirely. Diagnosing the lid lock involves checking for continuity through the lock switch and verifying that connector pins are seated securely at both the lock assembly and the board.

Source: manufacturer service documentation.

Common causes of E3

  1. 01

    Lid not fully closed

    Wiring / connection

    The most straightforward cause is a lid that is not fully latched. Laundry piled near the top of the drum or a warped lid can prevent a complete close, leaving the lock switch in an open state.

  2. 02

    Failed lid lock assembly

    Part replacement

    The lid lock mechanism contains an internal switch that wears out over time. If the switch loses continuity even when the lid is latched, the PCB receives a constant open-lid signal and triggers E3.

  3. 03

    Misaligned lid strike plate

    Part replacement

    The plastic or metal strike that engages the lid lock latch can shift or break, preventing the lock from mechanically engaging and closing the internal switch circuit.

  4. 04

    Loose or damaged wiring harness connector

    Wiring / connection

    The wire harness that runs from the lid lock to the main PCB can develop a loose pin or a broken wire, interrupting the signal even when the lock assembly itself is functioning correctly.

  5. 05

    Defective main PCB

    Part replacement

    If the control board has failed, it may be unable to correctly read the lid lock signal or may fail to send the lock command, causing a persistent E3 even when the lid lock assembly tests correctly.

See the test procedure for each cause

Frequently asked questions about E3

What does E3 mean on a Frigidaire washer?
The E3 code means the washer detected that the lid was open during a cycle phase requiring it to be closed. The control board monitors the lid lock switch continuously and stops the cycle when it reads an open-lid signal. This can result from an actually open lid, a faulty lid lock assembly, a wiring issue, or a defective PCB.
How do I fix the E3 error on my Frigidaire washer?
Start by firmly closing the lid and restarting the cycle. If the error returns, inspect the lid lock assembly for visible damage, check that the strike plate is properly aligned, and confirm the wiring connector at the lid lock is fully seated. If the error persists after those checks, the lid lock assembly likely needs to be replaced, and the PCB should be tested as a secondary suspect.
Is it safe to continue using my washer when E3 is displayed?
No, you should not attempt to run the washer while E3 is active. The code exists specifically to halt operation when the lid is open or when the lock cannot be confirmed, preventing injury from a spinning drum with an unlatched or unsecured lid. Resolve the underlying cause before running another cycle.
Will resetting the washer clear the E3 error code?
A reset may temporarily clear the display, but if the lid lock switch or wiring issue is still present, E3 will return as soon as the washer reaches a cycle phase that requires a confirmed closed lid. A reset is useful for ruling out a one-time control glitch, but it does not fix a hardware fault in the lid lock or PCB.
How much does it cost to repair the E3 error on a Frigidaire washer?
If only the lid lock assembly needs replacement, parts typically run in the range of $20 to $60 depending on the specific model, and the repair is often straightforward enough for a DIYer. If the main PCB is the cause, control boards can cost anywhere from $100 to $250 or more for parts alone, making professional diagnosis worthwhile before purchasing the board.

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