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Frigidaire Top-Load Washer E3: Lid Lock Problem
E3 is the washer refusing to go on because it can’t confirm the lid is locked. Sometimes it is just the lid; sometimes Frigidaire says the lock itself has failed.
What Frigidaire Says E3 Means
Frigidaire defines E3 as the wash lid being open, or the lid lock having failed. Its steps are short: make sure the lid is fully closed and the washer is level. If the lid still won’t lock once a cycle starts, Frigidaire states that the lid lock or the circuit board may have failed, which is repair work rather than an owner fix. The lock is there for safety, so never tape or bypass it. Source: Frigidaire E3 lid open or lid lock failed (opens in a new tab).
Based in Plano
Serving homes across Dallas–Fort Worth
Real Warranty
90 days, 6 months for members
Diagnostic Credited
Toward the repair if you go ahead
Evenings and Weekends
Open daily, 8–8
What E3 Looks Like
Common signs alongside the code.
Why E3 Appears
From Frigidaire’s article.
What to Try for E3
Two owner checks, then it is a parts diagnosis.
Close the lid fully
Lift and lower the lid so it sits flat, and make sure no clothing is caught at the hinge or the lock.
Level the washer
Check all four feet are on the floor and the cabinet doesn’t rock. A twisted cabinet can keep the lid from aligning with the lock.
Don’t bypass the lock
The lock keeps the lid shut while the basket spins. Taping or defeating it is unsafe; book a repair instead.
When to Call a Technician
Schedule a repair if:
- The lid is closed and E3 stays
- The lock clicks but never holds
- E3 returns on every cycle
- The lid is bent or the hinge is loose
Frigidaire Washer Help
Frigidaire washer repairMore help, including other Frigidaire codes:
Frigidaire washer E1 error codeFrigidaire washer E2 error codeFrigidaire washer F2 error codeFrigidaire dishwasher i20 error codeFrigidaire oven F10 error codeAll Frigidaire appliance repairFrigidaire E3 articleWritten estimate first
Lid Lock Not Holding?
We test the lid lock, wiring and board on Frigidaire washers and replace only the part that failed.
- Diagnostic fee credited toward the repair
- 90-day warranty, 6 months for members
- Open daily, 8 AM–8 PM
Frigidaire E3 FAQs
Frigidaire says the wash lid is open or the lid lock failed.
Frigidaire lists leveling among its E3 checks. An uneven cabinet can keep the lid from lining up with the lock.
Frigidaire says either may have failed if the lid won’t lock after a cycle starts. A technician tests the lock and its wiring first, since that is the simpler repair.
Not safely. The washer won’t run normally until the lid locks, and forcing it defeats a safety feature.
ALAS Appliance Repair
Get Your Frigidaire Washer Locking Properly
Written Estimate First- Diagnostic Credited
- Real Warranty
- Based in Plano