How to Troubleshoot the ER S Error Code in a Frigidaire Dishwasher

ID: 218152

Description: [youtubevideo|6R9qokc6nnY]The ER S code on a...

Steps:

  1. Turn off the dishwasher at the breaker or unplug it before opening the door panel.
  2. Keep the work area dry, and don't touch wiring with wet hands.
  3. Leave power off until the live control-board test tells you to restore it.
  4. Open the dishwasher door.
  5. Use a Phillips screwdriver to remove the two screws on the left and right sides of the door that secure the front cover.
  6. Support the front cover with one hand so it doesn't drop when the screws are removed.
  7. Pull the front cover down slightly to release it from the door.
  8. Remove the front cover and set it aside.
  9. Open the door again to reach the screws along the top inside edge.
  10. Use a T20 Torx screwdriver to remove the six screws along the top inside edge of the door.
  11. Partially close the door and lower the top control area to access the control board section.
  12. Don't pull the control area hard, as wires may still be attached behind it.
  13. Use a Phillips screwdriver to remove the two screws securing the control board cover.
  14. Lift off the cover to expose the control board.
  15. Locate the flat ribbon cable that runs from the control board to the buttons along the top of the door.
  16. Disconnect the ribbon cable from the control board.
  17. Avoid pulling on the ribbon itself, as the thin traces can tear.
  18. Set a multimeter to ohms or continuity mode, which may be marked with an omega symbol or a beep icon.
  19. Touch the two probes together to confirm the meter changes reading or beeps.
  20. A beep or changed resistance reading means the probes are connected through a closed circuit.
  21. Place the multimeter probes on two contacts in the disconnected ribbon cable.
  22. Press the Start button while holding the probes on the contacts.
  23. Move one or both probes to other contacts and repeat until pressing Start makes the meter beep or change.
  24. The pair that only closes when Start is pressed is the Start button pair.
  25. Hold the probes on the Start button pair without pressing the Start button.
  26. A beep or low-resistance reading with no button press means the Start contact is stuck closed.
  27. Press and release the Start button while watching the meter.
  28. A healthy Start button should beep only while pressed and stop when released.
  29. Test the other ribbon contacts the same way if you need to check for another stuck key.
  30. Leave the button ribbon cable disconnected from the control board.
  31. Reconnect any other connectors that were unplugged during access.
  32. Make sure no loose wire or tool can touch the control board.
  33. Restore power to the dishwasher only for this control-board test.
  34. The button contacts are low-voltage control pins, but nearby appliance wiring may carry dangerous voltage.
  35. Identify the two control-board contacts that match the Start button pair found on the ribbon connector.
  36. Use a jumper wire to momentarily bridge only those two contacts.
  37. Remove the jumper as soon as the dishwasher starts.
  38. Holding the jumper in place is the same as holding the Start button down.
  39. Don't let the jumper touch any other pin, connector, or metal part.
  40. Watch for the dishwasher to start the default wash cycle.
  41. Let the dishwasher continue through washing and drying until Clean appears for stronger confirmation.
  42. If it starts and completes the cycle with the button ribbon disconnected, the control board is working and the button assembly is the likely fault.
  43. If it won't start from the correct jumper contacts, recheck the Start pair and suspect a control board fault if the pair is correct.
  44. If the ER S code appears with the button ribbon disconnected, suspect the control board rather than a stuck button.
  45. Turn off power before removing the jumper, reconnecting the ribbon cable, or reassembling the door.
  46. Remove the jumper wire from the control board contacts.
  47. Reconnect the ribbon cable only if you're reassembling the dishwasher for normal operation or further testing.
  48. Reinstall the control board cover with the two Phillips screws.
  49. Raise the control area and reinstall the six T20 Torx screws.
  50. Reinstall the front cover and the two Phillips screws.
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