Frigidaire E45 Error Code: Causes and Fixes

The E45 error on your Frigidaire dryer means the control board has detected a communication failure between the main control board and the user interface (touchpad/display) board. Most of the time this is fixed by checking the wiring connections between the two boards or resetting the dryer’s power.

What the E45 error means

Frigidaire dryers use two separate boards: a main control board that runs the cycle and a user interface board that reads your button presses and displays cycle information. The E45 code appears when these two boards stop talking to each other, usually because of a loose ribbon cable, a damaged wire harness, or a fault on one of the boards themselves.

This error is similar in nature to communication faults seen on other Frigidaire appliances, such as the Frigidaire EF Error Code: Causes and Fixes, where a breakdown in internal signaling between components triggers a fault code rather than a single part failure.

Common causes

• Loose or disconnected ribbon cable between the control board and user interface
• Corroded or damaged wiring harness connectors
• A power surge or brief outage that disrupted board communication
• Failed or faulty user interface (touchpad/display) board
• Failed main control board
• Static electricity discharge affecting board memory

How to fix the E45 error

1. Power cycle the dryer: Unplug the dryer for 60 seconds, or switch off the breaker, then restore power. This clears temporary communication glitches and is worth trying first.
2. Check the ribbon cable connection: Unplug the dryer, remove the top control panel screws, and inspect the ribbon cable connecting the control board to the user interface. Reseat it firmly on both ends.
3. Inspect the wiring harness: Look for corrosion, pinched wires, or loose pins in the connectors leading to both boards. Clean corroded contacts with electrical contact cleaner and reconnect securely.
4. Test for continuity: With the dryer unplugged, use a multimeter to check continuity along the ribbon cable or harness wires. Replace any cable that shows an open circuit.
5. Replace the user interface board: If the display is unresponsive or garbled even after reconnecting cables, the user interface board itself may need replacing.
6. Replace the main control board: If all connections and the user interface test fine but the error persists, the main control board is likely at fault and should be replaced.

FAQ

Can I keep using the dryer with an E45 error?
It’s not recommended. Once the boards lose communication, the dryer typically won’t respond to button presses or complete a cycle reliably.

Will a power reset always clear the E45 code?
Not always. A reset fixes temporary glitches, but if the cause is a loose cable or failed board, the error will return once you try to start a cycle.

Is E45 expensive to fix?
If it’s a loose cable or connector issue, the fix is free. If a board needs replacing, parts typically cost between $80 and $200 depending on which board is faulty.