Frigidaire Washer E23 Error Code — What It Means
E23 on most Frigidaire front-load washers indicates that the drain pump relay on the main electronic control board has failed or the control board is no longer switching power correctly to the drain pump. The code does not always mean the pump itself is bad. Instead, it points to a relay component soldered onto the control board that has stopped working. In a smaller number of cases, damaged wiring between the board and the pump or a shorted pump can also trigger E23.
Common Causes
- Failed drain pump relay on the control board The relay that energizes the drain pump is soldered to the main board and can burn out over time, which is the most common cause of E23.
- Faulty main electronic control board If the relay circuit or other board components degrade, the board will no longer send power to the pump even when commanded.
- Loose or disconnected pump wiring Corroded terminals, unplugged connectors, or vibration-damaged harness wires interrupt the pump circuit and mimic a relay fault.
- Shorted or open drain pump motor A pump with an internal short or open winding can pull the relay circuit out of spec and cause the board to log E23.
- Pinched or broken harness between board and pump Cables trapped behind the tub or damaged during a prior repair will break continuity and prevent the board from sensing the pump.
Step-by-Step Fix
- Unplug the washer for two minutes to reset the control board, then restore power and run a drain or spin cycle to confirm the E23 code returns.
- Access the drain pump by removing the lower front service panel or the rear cover, depending on your model, and inspect the pump and its wiring for visible damage, corrosion, or loose connectors.
- Check the wire harness running from the pump back to the control board by tracing each conductor for pinches, breaks, or burn marks, and confirm both ends are firmly seated.
- Test the drain pump electrically by disconnecting it from the harness and measuring resistance across its terminals with a multimeter to rule out an open or shorted motor winding before replacing the board.
- Inspect the pump housing for clogs, foreign objects, or a jammed impeller that might cause the motor to draw excess current and trip the relay.
- Replace the main electronic control board if the pump and all wiring test good, because the drain pump relay is an integral part of that assembly and cannot be serviced separately.
- Reassemble the washer, restore power, and run a test drain cycle to verify the new board energizes the pump and clears the E23 code.
Parts Often Needed
| Part | Notes |
|---|---|
| Main electronic control board | Amazon | The relay is on this board. Confirm your model number before ordering. |
| Drain pump | Amazon | Replace only if testing shows an open or shorted winding or mechanical jam. |
| Pump wire harness | Amazon | Order if conductors are cut, burned, or terminals are too corroded to clean. |
When to Call a Pro
Call a technician if you are uncomfortable working with 120 V wiring, if you lack a multimeter to test continuity and pump resistance, or if the washer continues to throw E23 after you have replaced both the drain pump and the control board. A qualified service tech can perform voltage measurements at the board under power and verify that no other component in the drain circuit is pulling the relay out of specification. Professional diagnosis is also the safest route when corrosion or water damage inside the control-board enclosure suggests a larger electrical fault.