Frigidaire · Dishwasher

E1

Thermistor Open Circuit

Severity

Medium

If your Frigidaire Dishwasher is displaying the error code E1, the control board has detected a fault identified as "Thermistor Open Circuit". Understanding the root cause helps you avoid an unnecessary service call.

Owner's Summary

Your Frigidaire dishwasher's temperature sensor has an open circuit, meaning no temperature reading is reaching the control board. The board disables the heater as a safety measure. Replacing the inexpensive thermistor resolves this in most cases.

Symptoms

Frigidaire dishwasher not heating water, cycle running cold, E1 error

Common Causes

Open circuit NTC thermistor
Corroded thermistor connector
Wiring harness break
PCB analog input failure

How to Fix

1 Test thermistor resistance at room temperature — should read approximately 10k ohms
2 Inspect thermistor connector for corrosion and clean with contact cleaner
3 Test wiring harness continuity
4 Replace thermistor if open circuit
5 Replace main PCB if thermistor and wiring test good

Tools You'll Need

Multimeter Electrical Contact Cleaner Flashlight

These are simple, low-risk fixes most homeowners can do with tools already in a basic toolbox.

Technical Explanation

E1 on Frigidaire indicates the control board reads infinite resistance from the thermistor input — an open thermistor condition. The board defaults the heater relay to open to prevent uncontrolled heating and posts E1 at cycle start.

Is It Safe to Keep Using?

No immediate safety risk. Cold cycles still work. Fix within a week.

Technician's Pro Tip

Frigidaire and Electrolux dishwashers share the same platform — thermistors from one brand often cross-reference to the other. Check both brands when sourcing replacement parts as pricing can differ significantly for identical components.

Related Codes

E1 — Samsung Dishwasher

Water Supply Error

High

E2 — Samsung Dishwasher

Water Temperature Too High

Medium

E3 — Samsung Dishwasher

Water Not Heating

Medium

Frequently Asked Questions

What does error code E1 mean on a Frigidaire Dishwasher?

Code E1 on a Frigidaire Dishwasher indicates "Thermistor Open Circuit." In practice, the most common trigger is open circuit NTC thermistor. Severity is rated medium, and typical repair costs range from $15 to $200.

Can I fix E1 myself, or do I need a technician?

Many cases of E1 can be resolved without a technician. The first step to try: test thermistor resistance at room temperature — should read approximately 10k ohms. If that doesn't clear the code, work through the remaining steps in the "How to Fix" section above before assuming a part needs replacing.

Is it safe to keep using my dishwasher with code E1 showing?

No immediate safety risk. Cold cycles still work. Fix within a week.

How much does it cost to repair E1 on a Frigidaire Dishwasher?

Repair costs for code E1 typically range from $15 to $200. Thermistor: $15–$40; PCB: $80–$200. Costs on the low end usually reflect a DIY fix with no parts required, while the high end reflects a part replacement plus professional labor.

Estimated Repair Cost USD

$15 – $200

Thermistor: $15–$40; PCB: $80–$200