The E14 error on your Frigidaire washing machine means the control board has detected a problem with the water heating circuit or the water temperature sensor during a cycle. Most units will pause or stop the wash to protect the motor and electronics, but the fix is usually straightforward once you know where to look.

Error code E14
Meaning Water heating/temperature sensor fault detected during the wash cycle
Severity Medium — the washer usually won’t complete the cycle correctly until fixed
Time to fix 15–45 minutes
Tools needed Multimeter, Phillips screwdriver

What the E14 error means

Frigidaire washing machines use a thermistor (temperature sensor) to monitor water temperature and a heating element to warm the water for certain cycles. The E14 code appears when the control board receives a reading outside the expected range, or no reading at all, from this sensor circuit.

This can happen because the sensor itself has failed, the wiring connecting it to the control board has come loose or corroded, or the heater relay on the main board is faulty. In some cases the error is triggered by a one-off glitch rather than a hardware failure.

Common causes

  • Faulty or degraded water temperature sensor (thermistor)
  • Loose, corroded, or disconnected wiring harness at the sensor or heater
  • Failed heating element that no longer responds correctly
  • Main control board relay failure controlling the heater circuit
  • Power surge or brief electrical interruption during a heated cycle
  • Buildup of limescale or residue affecting the sensor’s accuracy

How to fix the E14 error

  1. Power cycle the washer: Unplug the machine for 5 minutes, then plug it back in and start a new cycle. This clears temporary faults caused by power interruptions.
  2. Check the wiring harness: Unplug the washer, remove the rear or top panel, and inspect the wires running to the temperature sensor and heating element for looseness, corrosion, or damage. Reseat any loose connectors.
  3. Test the temperature sensor: Using a multimeter, check the thermistor’s resistance against the manufacturer’s spec at room temperature. Replace it if the reading is well outside the expected range.
  4. Inspect the heating element: Test continuity across the heater terminals. No continuity means the element has failed and needs replacing.
  5. Examine the control board: If wiring and components test fine, the relay on the main control board controlling the heater may be faulty. This typically requires professional replacement of the board.
  6. Call a qualified appliance technician: If the error persists after these checks, book a service visit, since board-level diagnosis needs specialist test equipment.

FAQ

Can I still run a wash cycle with an E14 error showing?
Sometimes the washer will let you run a cold-wash cycle without heating, but any cycle requiring heated water will likely fail or pause again until the fault is fixed.

Is the E14 error dangerous to ignore?
It’s not an immediate safety risk, but running the machine repeatedly with a heater or sensor fault can strain other components and shorten the appliance’s lifespan.

Do I need a technician to fix E14, or can I do it myself?
Checking wiring and testing the sensor or heater with a multimeter is a DIY-friendly first step. If the control board itself is at fault, it’s best left to a qualified technician.

For related appliance error troubleshooting, see Frigidaire EF Error Code: Causes and Fixes, Frigidaire CA Error Code: Causes and Fixes, and Frigidaire CE Error Code: Causes and Fixes. If you also have a Maytag machine showing fault codes, our guide to the Maytag Washer F1 Error Code: Causes and Fixes covers similar control board troubleshooting steps.