The ER error on your Frigidaire dishwasher means the control board has detected a fault with the touchpad or its internal communication circuit. In most cases this clears on its own once power is reset, but a stuck button or failed control board can keep it coming back.

Error code ER
Meaning Control panel or touchpad communication fault
Severity Medium — dishwasher will not run a cycle until cleared
Time to fix 5–30 minutes
Tools needed None for a reset; multimeter if testing the control board

What the ER error means

Frigidaire dishwashers use a small computer (the control board) to read input from the touchpad and run the wash cycle. The ER code appears when the board doesn’t receive a valid signal from the touchpad, or when it detects a button that seems stuck in the “pressed” position. It’s the dishwasher’s way of telling you it can’t safely start or continue a cycle.

This is similar in concept to communication-fault codes seen on other Frigidaire appliances, such as the Frigidaire EF Error Code or the Frigidaire EC Error Code, where a sensor or board loses proper communication with the rest of the unit.

Common causes

  • A power surge or brief outage that confused the control board
  • A stuck or sticky button on the touchpad (often from food residue or moisture)
  • Condensation or water getting behind the control panel
  • A worn-out touchpad ribbon or connector
  • A failing main control board
  • Loose wiring connections behind the door panel

How to fix the ER error

  1. Power cycle the dishwasher: Turn off the circuit breaker for 5 minutes, or unplug the unit, then restore power. This clears most temporary ER faults.
  2. Press each button once: Gently press every touchpad button once to check none feel stuck or unresponsive.
  3. Wipe down the touchpad: Clean the control panel with a slightly damp cloth to remove grease or moisture that could be causing a false signal, then dry it fully.
  4. Check for leaks near the panel: Look under the door and around the top edge for water stains, which can point to condensation reaching the control board.
  5. Inspect the ribbon connector: With power disconnected, remove the inner door panel and check the touchpad ribbon cable is firmly seated on the control board.
  6. Replace the control board: If the error returns after a reset and cleaning, the main control board itself may need replacing — this is best done by a qualified technician.

FAQ

Can I just ignore the ER error and keep using the dishwasher?
No. While the error is active, the dishwasher usually won’t start or complete a cycle, so it needs to be cleared first.

Will a power reset fix ER permanently?
Sometimes. If the cause was a one-off power glitch, a reset often solves it. If it returns within a few cycles, there’s likely a hardware issue with the touchpad or board.

Is this expensive to repair?
A stuck button or loose connector costs little to fix. A full control board replacement is more expensive, similar in cost to other board-level repairs like those seen with the Frigidaire CA Error Code.