Frigidaire Washer Code E52 – Troubleshooting Guide

When a Frigidaire washer experiences a problem, it’ll display an error code to let you know what’s wrong. If you’re wondering what the E52 error code, in particular, means, you’ve come to the right place.

A Frigidaire washer showing you the E52 error code means that it’s getting a bad signal from its tachogenerator. Also known as the tachometer generator, this component is designed to sense the motor’s speed. The most likely trigger for this error code is a wire harness problem, a faulty motor control board, or a failed tachometer generator.

In the following sections, we’ll look at how you can troubleshoot and resolve the E52 error code on your Frigidaire washer.

What The E52 Code Means On A Frigidaire Washer

The E52 error code on Frigidaire washing machines means that there’s a bad signal from the tachogenerator. The tachogenerator is a crucial part of the washer’s function. When it’s in good working order, it’ll continually send signals to the washer as your chosen wash program goes through its different cycles.

However, when the tachogenerator fails to communicate with the washer, the E52 error code will be triggered.

What Is A Tachogenerator And What Does It Do?

The term ‘tachogenerator’ is short for tachometer generator, and it’s an electromechanical device inside your Frigidaire washer. The tachogenerator is designed to sense how fast the motor turns and communicate that information to the washer through electrical signals.

With that information, the washer can decide whether it needs to speed up or slow down the motor, depending on the wash program that you’ve chosen. For example, the washer will need to increase the motor’s speed to drain all excess water from your laundry during the spin cycle.

The tachogenerator is built into your washer’s motor. So, if the tachometer generator is the faulty part, you can’t replace it separately. Instead, you’ll need to replace the motor as a whole.

Still, other possibilities are triggering the E52 error code, which we will explore in the next section.

Possible Causes And Solutions

When there’s a bad signal from the tachogenerator, the first item to troubleshoot is the wire harness. Once you’ve ruled that out as the source of the problem, then it’s time to check the motor control board and the tachometer on the motor itself.

Problematic Wire Harness

What it is: A wire harness is a series of wires that are bundled together with the same insulation. These wires are bundled together neatly because they connect to the same components on both ends to transmit power and electrical signals.

When troubleshooting the E52 error code, the wire harness that you must troubleshoot is the one that connects the motor control board to the drive motor.

How it fails: Wire harnesses can cause problems for the washer in several ways. Firstly, check for a loose connection on either end, i.e., the motor control board or the drive motor. The problem could be caused by a loose connection because the wire harness wasn’t connected firmly on either end.

Once you’ve checked that the wire harness is connected firmly on both ends, inspect the entire length of the harness for any visible signs of damage like tears, rips, and burns. 

For example, if the wire harness shorts out, it could generate excessive heat, which burns the wire harness and melts its insulation.

How to fix it: The fix for this situation will depend on the problem itself. For example, a loose wire harness only requires you to connect it firmly at both ends (i.e. the motor control board and the drive motor).

However, if the wire harness is damaged (e.g. torn, burned, etc.), you must replace the wire harness with a new one. The replacement process is very straightforward, as you’ll only have to remove the existing harness and connect a new one the same way.

Faulty Motor Control Board

What it is: The motor control board in your Frigidaire washer consists of a printed circuit board with many tiny components on it. Together, those components control the speed of the washer’s motor, turning it up and down as needed according to the wash program you’ve chosen. Besides that, it also controls the direction that the washer motor turns, as it can go both ways.

How it fails: The motor control board fails when any component becomes worn out or damaged. For example, a short circuit could cause one of those components to overheat and burn. As a result, the board will stop working as it should.

Besides that, excess heat, moisture, and wear can also cause the motor control board to develop faults and stop working correctly.

How to fix it: The motor control board is far too difficult to diagnose and repair. Because of that, the most practical solution would be to replace the board entirely.

Firstly, refer to your user manual or technical sheet to locate and identify the motor control board. Next, you’ll have to remove the washer’s panel to access the board and remove it.

Once its electrical connectors have been removed, you can connect them to the new board as you mount it in place.

Failed Tachometer Generator

What it is: As mentioned before, the tachometer generator (also known as the tachogenerator) is responsible for sensing the motor’s speed and communicating that information to the washer. When it’s working correctly, the washer can correctly adjust the speed of the motor according to the wash program that you’ve chosen.

How it fails: One way that the tachogenerator can fail is due to excess wear and tear. That’s the most likely reason for failure, especially if you’ve been using your Frigidaire washer for many years.

However, seeing as how the tachogenerator is an electromechanical device, it can also fail electrically. For instance, a power surge or other electrical problem could cause it to short out and stop working correctly.

How to fix it: Unfortunately, the tachogenerator is built into the motor. That means you can’t replace it separately. Instead, you’ll have to replace the motor as a whole.

To do that, remove the washer’s back panel and remove the belt that connects the motor to the drum. Then, remove the wire harness connected to the motor.

Next, unthread the screws holding the motor in place. Doing that will allow you to slide the old motor out and replace it with the new motor.

Mount the new motor in place and reconnect the wire harness. Then, replace the belt that loops around the motor and the drum.

How To Clear The E52 Code On Your Frigidaire Washer?

You can clear the E52 error code by resetting the washer. However, the E52 error code will come back again unless you’ve resolved its root cause by following the steps mentioned above.

Once you’ve done the necessary repairs, then you can reset the washer following the steps below.

How To Reset A Frigidaire Washer?

Frigidaire washing machines are very straightforward to reset. Here are the steps you’ll need to follow:

1. Disconnect all power: Firstly, ensure that there is no power connected to the washer at all. Depending on how your washer is set up, you might have to switch off the dedicated circuit breaker at the main electrical box or just remove its plug from the wall socket.
2. Wait: Leave the washing machine alone for at least one minute. During this time, any electrical charge still inside the washer will dissipate by itself. When that happens, the washer’s memory will be cleared.
3. Reconnect power: After enough time has passed, you can reconnect the washer to its power supply (i.e. turn on the circuit breaker or plug the washer back in) and then use the appliance like you usually would.

Once these steps have been completed, your Frigidaire washing machine has been reset.

How To Test Your Frigidaire Washer After Fixing It?

After fixing your washer and clearing the E58 error code, you’ll want to ensure that it’s in good working order.

You can test the washer by starting a new wash program and letting it run to completion. That will give you a chance to make sure that everything is working correctly.

Besides that, you can also use the washer’s diagnostic mode to run more thorough tests.

How To Enter Diagnostic Mode And Read Error Codes On Your Frigidaire Washer?

Firstly, you’ll need to enter the washer’s diagnostic mode by pressing these three buttons at the same time:

• Power
• Soak
• Extra Rinse

When done correctly, the washer’s display will start to flash as a sign that the diagnostic mode is enabled.

Then, you can choose what tests you’d like to run. Each test has a different button you’ll need to press, like:

• The Spin Test (Temp Button)
• The Wash Test (Soil Level Button)
• The Water Valve Test (Fabric Softener Button)
• The Auto-Sensing Test (Delay Button)
• End Current Test To Begin Another (Power Button)