Frigidaire affinity dryers can fail, but it’s not every time they do that you should call an expert. Some issues are DIY-fixable if only you master the quick steps for running the Frigidaire affinity dryer diagnostic mode.
You can put a Frigidaire affinity dryer on diagnostic mode by plugging out the dryer for 5 minutes, holding down ‘Select’ + ‘Cancel’ for 6 seconds, turning the cycle selector five turns, and holding down ‘Options’ + ‘Cancel’ for 2 seconds.
After that, the dryer will flash all its LED lights and make a buzzer sound three times to indicate that it has entered diagnostic mode, also known as the service mode. The result is an error code if something is faulty with your affinity dryer.
You can then check out the meaning of the error code to know what’s wrong with your affinity dryer and fix it. This guide shall help you do all that. I’ll explain the diagnostic steps in detail and discuss the most typical error codes that may pop up.
Without further ado, let’s jump into the diagnostic steps!
Frigidaire Affinity Dryer Diagnostic Mode – Quick Steps
Below are the basic steps for putting a Frigidaire affinity dryer on diagnostic mode:
Step 1 – Unplug the Dryer
Pull the dryer out of the power socket and wait 5 minutes to plug it back in.
Step 2 – Press Select + Cancel
Locate the ‘Select’ and ‘Cancel’ buttons on the dryer’s control panel and press them consecutively. Hold the two buttons until you hear a buzzer sound. That should take roughly 6 seconds.
Step 3 – Turn the Cycle Selector
Locate the Cycle Selector knob and turn it five times counterclockwise.
Step 4 – Press Options + Cancel
Now identify the ‘Options’ and ‘Cancel’ buttons and hold them for about 2 seconds.
Step 5 – Wait for the Dryer to Enter Diagnostic Mode
Wait for the dryer to make a buzzer sound (three times) to indicate that the dryer has entered diagnostic mode. The dryer may also flash all its LEDs to show the same.
Once that’s the case, you can wait for the error codes that may pop up. Let’s talk about that next.
Frigidaire Affinity Dryer Diagnostic Mode Codes
If something is wrong with your Frigidaire affinity dryer and you successfully put it on diagnostic mode, an error code will pop up. Here are the most familiar Frigidaire affinity dryer error codes and their troubleshooting information:
1. Error Code E41
(Meaning – Program Timeout)
The error code E41 shows that the dryer has exceeded the maximum cycle drying time.
Fix
Try to reset the dryer. If that doesn’t work, talk to Frigidaire.
2. Error Code AD
(Meaning – Auto Dry Mode)
The code AD is not an error code. It pops up when the dryer is in Auto Dry (automatic dry) mode.
3. Error Code E02
(Meaning – Thermistor Failure)
The error code E02 will likely pop up when the thermistor malfunctions; in that case, the dryer may have difficulty heating up.
Fix
Consider replacing the thermistor. But to be sure, check (with a multimeter) if it has continuity. Replace if it doesn’t.
4. Error Code E52
(Meaning – Motor Fault)
The error code E52 pops up when the main motor starts to malfunction. In such a case, your Frigidaire affinity dryer won’t heat up or spin.
Fix
Consider replacing the dryer motor as it’s likely to be faulty.
5. Error Code E61
(Meaning – Heater Relay Fault)
If there’s an issue with the heater relay’s wiring, perhaps a short, the error code E61 will pop up. Sometimes, however, the error code appears when there’s an issue with the control board.
Fix
First, reset the dryer (details shared below). If the reset doesn’t work, replace the heater relay. However, replace the control board if the error code doesn’t disappear after that.
6. Error Code E63
(Meaning – Overheating Dryer)
Expect your Frigidaire affinity dryer to communicate the error code E63 when it starts to overheat. Often, that’s a result of vent or lint screen blockage.
Fix
Consider cleaning the lint screen to get rid of the excess lint clog. You can use soapy water and a dryer vent cleaning brush. Also, use the dryer vent cleaning brush to clean the vent if it’s lint-clogged.
7. Error Code E64
(Meaning – Heating Element Fault)
If there’s an issue with the dryer heating element, the error code E64 may pop up. In such a case, the dryer won’t get hot as the heating element is responsible for heating the inbound air and the entire dryer.
Fix
Replace the heating element, as it’s likely to be faulty.
8. Error Code E65
(Meaning – Restricted Airflow)
If there’s an issue with the airflow, primarily due to an obstructed lint filter, the error code E65 may appear. This is usually a reminder to check the lint filter and wash it clean.
Fix
Consider washing the lint filter with soapy water and a soft brush.
9. Error Code E66
(Meaning – Tripped Thermal Limiter Fuse)
The thermal limiter fuse on the outlet exhaust pipe can trip when it’s faulty or due to a wiring issue, and when it does, the error code E66 may pop up.
Fix
Test the thermal limiter fuse with a multimeter (View on Amazon). Replace it if it lacks continuity.
10. Error Code E68
(Meaning – Control Panel Fault)
You can expect your Frigidaire affinity dryer to display the error code E68 when there’s an issue with the control panel. It could be due to a stuck keypad or an inoperative control panel.
Fix
Try to free any stuck key by tapping gently around the sides. However, if the issue is an inoperative control panel, first try to reset the dryer, but if that doesn’t work, replace the control panel.
11. Error Code E9E
(Meaning – Power Supply Fault)
A Frigidaire affinity dryer will always sense when there’s a power supply problem. One way it relays the message is through the error code E9E. That shows you should check the power supply.
Fix
Check if your dryer is getting adequate power. Ensure the power cord isn’t loose. It should also be working, and so should the socket. Also, check the other appliances, as it could be a drop in your house’s overall voltage supply.
12. Error Code Loc
(Meaning – Active Control Lock)
You can expect your Frigidaire affinity dryer to display the code Loc when you activate Child Lock. Such a setting renders the control panel inoperative, which means your dryer won’t start in such a case.
Fix
You can deactivate the Control Lock on your Frigidaire affinity dryer by pressing ‘Options’ + ‘Select’ for about 10 seconds.
13. Error Code R11
(Meaning – Electronic Control Board or ECB Fault)
The error code R11 will likely pop up when the electronic control board has an issue or malfunctions.
Fix
Reset the dryer to reawaken the electronic control board.
Frigidaire Affinity Dryer Diagnostic Mode Reset
I have mentioned the Frigidaire affinity dryer reset a lot under the error codes. Generally, you can use the reset approach to clear some error codes and fix minor glitches. Here’s how to go about it:
- Unplug the dryer
- Wait for about 5 minutes or up to 10 to plug it back in
- Alternatively, turn off the house breaker for 5 minutes to turn off the dryer’s power supply
People Also Ask
1. How Do You Unlock a Frigidaire Affinity Dryer?
If the Control Lock function is active, you cannot operate your Frigidaire affinity dryer until you unlock it. that’s possible by pressing ‘Options’ + ‘Select’ for about 10 seconds. Alternatively, you can hard reset your Affinity dryer. That involves unhooking it from the power supply for 5-10 minutes.
2. What Causes a Frigidaire Affinity Not to Heat Up?
A Frigidaire affinity dryer won’t heat up for several reasons. First, it could be that the dryer isn’t getting enough power. That could happen due to a loose or damaged power cord, a defective electric outlet, or just the use of an extension. But still, it could be a power fluctuation.
If the issue has nothing to do with a failed power supply, it most likely has to do with restricted airflow. Check for a lint screen or dryer vent obstruction in such a case. Excess lint could obstruct both components and stop your dryer from getting hot.
Other issues you may want to check when your affinity dryer won’t get hot include a non-heating setting such as Air Fluff or a low-heat level, a defective heating element, a non-spinning motor, a malfunctioning timer, or a dead control board.
3. Why Does My Frigidaire Affinity Dryer Not Start?
The power supply is the first to check when your Frigidaire dryer won’t start. You cannot expect the dryer to start running if it doesn’t receive any power or the power supply is inadequate. In that case, check for issues like a blackout, a tripped breaker, a loose or damaged power cord, a blown-up thermal fuse, and a defective socket.
But sometimes, the dryer won’t start despite having power. If so, check for issues like an unlatched dryer door, a Delayed Start setting, an error code, or a faulty start switch. In that case, ensure the door latches firmly, cancel any Delayed Start setting, clear an existing error code, and replace a defective start switch, depending on the problem.
4. Why Is My Frigidaire Dryer Not Drying?
Your Frigidaire affinity dryer won’t dry for different reasons. First, it could be that your dryer isn’t getting hot enough, which could be an inadequate power supply or restricted airflow.
In the first check, you could be using an extension cord, your house’s voltage supply is low, or the power cord is loose. And in the second case, the lint screen or the dryer vent could be lint-obstructed.
Don’t forget to check for issues like a non-heating setting like Air Fluff and a defective heating element (which won’t heat the dryer).
Concluding Thought On Frigidaire Affinity Dryer Diagnostic Mode:
Now you know the basics of putting your Frigidaire Affinity dryer in diagnostic mode. At least that’ll enable you to obtain an error code that will hint at what’s wrong with your dryer and eventually troubleshoot it. You’ll save time and money by troubleshooting the dryer DIY since you won’t have to hire an expert technician.