Having an error code appear on your washing machine can be quite frustrating. That’s especially true if you don’t know what it means or what to do about it. Don’t worry, though. If you see the E11 error code, we’ve got you covered.
The E11 error code on a Frigidaire washer means that the machine is taking too long to fill. That can be due to a problem with the incoming water supply, a failed water inlet valve, or a problematic water-level pressure switch.
No matter which one of these problems is triggering the E11 error code, there are steps you can take to resolve them. This guide will show you how to do just that.
What The E11 Code Means On A Frigidaire Washer?
The E11 code is triggered on your Frigidaire washer when it takes too long to fill with water.
When you select and begin a new wash program, the washer will start by filling the drum with a preset volume of water. The process is designed to take only a few minutes before the drum starts turning and the washing begins.
However, if the machine takes too long to reach that set water level, it’ll sense that there’s a problem. As a result, the washer will trigger the E11 error code to let you know that it’s taking too long to fill.
Possible Causes And Solutions
There are several possibilities for why your Frigidaire washer is taking too long to fill. Firstly, you must begin your troubleshooting by checking for clogs or other problems along with the incoming water supply (i.e. the tap, fill hose, and mesh screen).
Once you’ve confirmed there are no problems with the water supply, then you can move on to troubleshoot the water inlet valve and the water level pressure switch.
Let’s take a closer look at each of those steps.
Incoming Water Supply Problems
What it is: Your Frigidaire washer is connected to your household’s plumbing to ensure that it has a continual supply of water. The water flows to your washer through a dedicated tap connected to a fill hose leading to your washer’s inlet valve.
When troubleshooting the washer’s incoming water supply, there are three particular areas you’ll want to pay attention to:
- The tap.
- The fill hose.
- The mesh filter where the hose connects to the inlet valve.
Problems at these three areas could reduce water flow and slow down the washer’s ability to fill with water.
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How it fails: For starters, it’s possible that the tap for your washer isn’t opened all the way. A half-open tap will reduce water flow and cause the washer to fill too slowly.
Next, the fill hose could be clogged. Then, any sediment flowing through the pipe could settle at its lowest point over an extended period. Severe buildups of that sediment could also prevent water from flowing through as it should.
Lastly, always remember that there are tiny mesh screens at the point where the fill hose meets the washer’s inlet valve. The mesh is designed to prevent any sediment from making its way into the washing machine.
When those mesh screens get too dirty, they’ll restrict water flow and delay the washer’s ability to fill.
How to fix it: When fixing the incoming water supply, start with the easiest part: make sure that the tap is opened all the way. If that doesn’t solve the problem, then you’ll want to detach the fill hose from the washer and flush out any sediment that might be inside.
Lastly, pull the mesh screens out from the inlet valve and wash them thoroughly.
Read: How Much Water Does A Washing Machine Use?
Failed Water Inlet Valve
What it is: This component is the part where water enters the washing machine. The valve will open whenever you start a new wash program and allow water to fill the washer. Once the set water level has been achieved, the valve will shut and stop more water from flowing in.
When the water inlet valve is working correctly, it’ll ensure that the washer fills with water quickly. At the same time, it’ll also prevent overfilling and stop the washer from flooding your laundry room floor with excess water.
How it fails: This valve is an electrically-controlled mechanical part. As such, the part can fail both electrically and mechanically.
For example, when the washer sends an electrical signal to the valve to open, it might only open partially. Because of that, the inflow of water is too slow and triggers the E11 error code.
Mechanically, the valve could be experiencing a clog or buildup that stops it from opening all the way. But, unfortunately, that will also cause the same outcome, where the water inflow is too slow, and the same error code is triggered.
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Read: Washing Machine Not Filling Enough With Water? Here Is Why
How to fix it: To return your Frigidaire washer to regular operation, you must replace the water inlet valve with a new one. Locating and identifying the valve on your washer is straightforward, as it’s the part that attaches to the fill hose.
Once you’ve opened the washer’s panel and gained access to the valve, start by detaching the hoses and wires attached to it. Then, you can unthread the screws that hold the valve in place.
Next, remove the valve and mount the new one in its place before finally replacing the hoses and wires the same way as with the old valve.
Faulty Water Level Pressure Switch
What it is: Your washing machine relies on a water level pressure switch to measure how much water is inside at all times. The switch does this using air pressure that’s affected by the water levels in the drum.
When the switch senses that there’s no water or not enough water, it’ll trigger the washer to fill the drum. Once there’s enough water, it’ll trigger the washer to stop filling with water.
How it fails: The problem here arises when the water level pressure switch can’t correctly sense how much water is inside the washer. In the case of the E11 error code, the faulty pressure switch will activate too soon, mistakenly sensing that there’s already enough water in the washer.
As a result, the wash program stays in the fill stage even though no more water is entering the washer. Once enough time has passed, the E11 error code will be triggered.
How to fix it: The water level pressure switch is attached to an air hose, which senses the air pressure inside. Firstly, you must clear any clogs inside that hose. You can do that by detaching the hose and blowing through it.
However, if the problem is with the switch itself, you must replace it with a new one. For example, on a front-loading Frigidaire washer, you’ll need to remove the top panel. Then, you’ll be able to remove the mounting screws keeping the existing switch in place.
Disconnect the wires from the switch and attach them to the new one. Lastly, mount the new switch in place.
Read: Washing Machine Keep Filling With Water When Turned OFF – How To Fix?
How To Clear The E11 Code On Your Frigidaire Washer?
You can clear the E11 error code on your Frigidaire washer by restoring its ability to fill with water as fast as expected. To do that, you must resolve the root cause of the problem using the steps detailed above.
Then, you can reset the washer to clear the E11 code and any others that might be active.
How To Reset A Frigidaire Washer?
Resetting a Frigidaire washer by cycling its power only requires three quick steps:
- Remove Power: Firstly, remove all power supply to the washer. That means pulling out the plug from the wall socket. If needed, switch off the dedicated circuit breaker.
- Wait: Next, leave the washer alone for at least one minute to clear its memory.
- Restore Power: Lastly, reconnect the washer to its power supply and continue using it like usual.
How To Test Your Frigidaire Washer After Fixing It?
You have two ways of testing your Frigidaire washer after fixing it. Firstly, you can run a complete wash program to ensure that no error codes appear again. Besides that, you can also enter the washer’s diagnostic mode.
How To Enter Diagnostic Mode And Read Error Codes On Your Frigidaire Washer?
Entering the diagnostic mode on your washer is simple. Just press the Power, Extra Rinse, and Soak buttons together. You’ll know it worked when the washer’s lights start flashing.
Then, you can select the specific test you’d like to perform. Those tests are:
- The Wash Test: Press the Soil Level button
- The Spin Test: Press the Temp button
- The Water Valve Test: Press the Fabric Softener button
- The Auto-Sensing Test: Press the Delay button
- Stopping A Test: Press the Power button
