Frigidaire · Dishwasher

E2

Thermistor Short Circuit

Severity

Medium

The error code E2 on your Frigidaire Dishwasher indicates a specific system failure categorized as "Thermistor Short Circuit". This guide walks you through the most likely causes and the correct repair sequence.

Owner's Summary

Your Frigidaire dishwasher's heater is running too long because the temperature sensor is telling the board the water is always cold. The sensor has shorted internally and needs to be replaced. Unplug the machine until this is fixed to avoid damage.

Symptoms

Frigidaire dishwasher overheating, steam from door, E2 displayed

Common Causes

Shorted NTC thermistor reading falsely cold
Wiring short in thermistor circuit
Water infiltration into thermistor housing
PCB voltage divider failure

How to Fix

1 Test thermistor resistance — a shorted thermistor reads near zero ohms
2 Replace thermistor if resistance is below 1k ohms at room temperature
3 Inspect wiring for shorts to ground
4 Replace PCB if thermistor tests good

Tools You'll Need

Multimeter Flashlight

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

Technical Explanation

A shorted thermistor presents near-zero resistance to the PCB voltage divider, causing the ADC input to read minimum voltage — interpreted as an extremely cold temperature. The board keeps the heater relay closed continuously, triggering E2 when the maximum heating time is exceeded.

Is It Safe to Keep Using?

Unplug until resolved. Continuous heating can warp the door gasket and plastic spray arms.

Technician's Pro Tip

On Frigidaire dishwashers, a shorted thermistor is easy to identify — disconnect it and measure resistance across the two terminals with a multimeter. Reading near zero ohms at room temperature confirms a shorted sensor. A good thermistor reads 10k–50k ohms.

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 E2 mean on a Frigidaire Dishwasher?

Code E2 on a Frigidaire Dishwasher indicates "Thermistor Short Circuit." In practice, the most common trigger is shorted NTC thermistor reading falsely cold. Severity is rated medium, and typical repair costs range from $15 to $250.

Can I fix E2 myself, or do I need a technician?

Many cases of E2 can be resolved without a technician. The first step to try: test thermistor resistance — a shorted thermistor reads near zero 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 E2 showing?

Unplug until resolved. Continuous heating can warp the door gasket and plastic spray arms.

How much does it cost to repair E2 on a Frigidaire Dishwasher?

Repair costs for code E2 typically range from $15 to $250. Thermistor: $15–$40; PCB: $80–$250. 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 – $250

Thermistor: $15–$40; PCB: $80–$250