Frigidaire E31 Error Code: Causes and Fixes

The E31 error on your Frigidaire washing machine means the control board has detected a problem with the water level pressure sensor circuit. This is usually caused by a faulty pressure sensor, a kinked or disconnected pressure hose, or a wiring fault between the sensor and the main control board.

What the E31 error means

The E31 code appears when the washer’s electronic control board cannot get a valid signal from the water level pressure sensor. This sensor tells the machine how much water is in the drum so it can fill, wash, and drain at the right levels. If the signal is missing, out of range, or inconsistent, the control board stops the cycle and displays E31 as a safety measure.

This fault is similar in nature to sensor communication issues seen on other Frigidaire appliances, such as the pressure and temperature faults covered in the Frigidaire EF Error Code: Causes and Fixes guide, where a sensor loses reliable communication with the control board.

Common causes

• Kinked, pinched, or disconnected pressure hose leading to the sensor
• Water, lint, or debris trapped inside the pressure sensor hose or air dome
• Faulty water level pressure sensor (also called a pressure switch)
• Damaged or loose wiring harness connector at the sensor or control board
• Failed main control board unable to read the sensor signal
• Excess suds or overloading causing abnormal pressure readings

How to fix the E31 error

1. Power cycle the washer: Unplug the machine or switch off the breaker for 5 minutes, then restart it. This clears minor sensor glitches and may resolve the error immediately.
2. Check the pressure hose: Locate the small plastic hose running from the tub to the pressure sensor (usually near the top of the cabinet). Look for kinks, cracks, or disconnection and reseat it firmly if loose.
3. Clear the air dome and hose: Disconnect the hose and blow through it gently to clear any lint, debris, or water blockage that could be affecting the pressure reading.
4. Inspect wiring connections: With the washer unplugged, check the wiring harness at the pressure sensor and control board for corrosion, looseness, or damage. Reconnect securely.
5. Test the pressure sensor: Use a multimeter to check the sensor’s resistance against manufacturer specs. If readings are out of range or inconsistent, replace the sensor.
6. Replace the control board: If the sensor and wiring test fine but the error persists, the main control board may be faulty and require replacement by a qualified technician.

FAQ

Can I still use my washer if it shows E31?
No. The washer typically pauses the cycle and won’t fill or spin correctly until the sensor fault is cleared, so it’s best to fix the issue before running another load.

Is the E31 error expensive to fix?
Usually not. Most cases involve a cheap hose reconnection or cleaning, though a replacement pressure sensor or control board can cost more if diagnostics point that way.

Will unplugging the washer reset the E31 code?
A power cycle often clears the code temporarily, but if the underlying hose blockage or sensor fault isn’t fixed, the error will return on the next cycle.