E5C
Frigidaire
Electric heater relay or control fault (overheating or stuck relay)
Frigidaire electric dryer heats intermittently or overheats; E5C appears on the display.
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Safety Warning
This repair may involve working with high voltage components or water connections. Always unplug the appliance before removing any panels.
If you are not confident in your ability to perform this repair safely, we strongly recommend contacting a professional technician.
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Possible Causes
Stuck heater relay on main control board, Shorted heating element to ground, Restricted airflow causing overheat, Failed high-limit thermostat not opening
How to Fix / Troubleshooting
Safety First: Unplug the dryer and shut off power at the breaker before inspection.
- Check airflow:
- Clean lint filter, lint housing, and exhaust vent thoroughly.
- Ensure the vent hose is not crushed or kinked.
- Inspect heating element for grounding:
- Remove rear panel and access the heater housing.
- Disconnect heater wires.
- Measure resistance from each heater terminal to the metal heater housing; any continuity indicates a grounded element that must be replaced.
- Check thermostats:
- Test the high-limit thermostat and cycling thermostat for proper continuity and operation.
- Inspect main control board:
- Locate the heater relay on the control board.
- Look for welded contacts (relay stuck closed) or burnt areas.
- If the heater continues to heat when the dryer is off or in air-fluff, the relay is likely stuck and the control board must be replaced.
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Repair Difficulty
Hard
4/5
Required Part
Main Control Board
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