Frigidaire Washer Error Code E3

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.