Frigidaire Washer Error Code E71

E71 indicates an NTC thermistor open circuit fault. The NTC is the water temperature sensor, and the control board has detected that the sensor circuit is not completing properly. This could be caused by a failed thermistor, a wiring connection problem, or a faulty control board. The washer stops operation until the fault is resolved.

Running the washer while E71 is active is not recommended. Without a functioning temperature sensor, the control board cannot properly regulate water temperature, which could lead to wash cycles running at incorrect temperatures and potentially damaging clothing or failing to clean properly. The washer is designed to halt operation under this fault for that reason.

A power reset may temporarily clear the error code from the display, but if the underlying fault in the thermistor circuit still exists, the code will return once the washer attempts to run a cycle and checks the sensor again. A reset alone is not a fix. The thermistor, wiring, and connector J4 should all be physically inspected and tested before assuming the problem is resolved.

Some E71 repairs are within reach for a knowledgeable DIYer. Inspecting and reseating the harness connectors at the thermistor and at edge connector J4 requires no special tools and costs nothing. Testing NTC resistance with a multimeter at room temperature, where the reading should be approximately 50K ohms, is also straightforward. If the thermistor or control board needs replacement, the difficulty increases depending on part accessibility on your specific model.

Repair cost depends on the root cause. An NTC thermistor is generally an inexpensive part, typically in the range of $10 to $40. If the control board is at fault, that part typically runs between $100 and $250 or more depending on the model. Adding professional labor costs can bring total repair bills to anywhere from $80 to $350 or higher depending on your location and service provider.