Frigidaire Dryer E64 Error: Heating Element Fix

Quick Answer

To fix an E64 code, you typically need to replace a burnt-out heating element. Unplug the dryer, verify the heating coil is broken or touching the metal casing, and test for continuity with a multimeter.

The E64 is probably my most common Frigidaire call. It's a safety fault that fires when the control board sees the heater circuit isn't drawing power right. Most of the time it's just a snapped coil, totally fixable. But don't ignore it. If the coil's grounded against the housing your dryer can overheat, and that becomes a fire situation fast. Parts are cheap. This repair's worth doing yourself.

FrigidaireDryerSeverity: highDifficulty: intermediate92% DIY Success

Time to Fix

45–90 min

Difficulty

intermediate

Parts Cost

$12 – $110

Tools Needed

Phillips #2 screwdriver, 1/4 inch nut driver

What Does the E64 Code Mean?

So your Frigidaire's flashing E64 and you want to know if it's a big deal. Honestly? It's one of the more fixable things that can go wrong. The brain of the machine detected a problem in the heating circuit, usually a physically broken coil or one that's sagged against the metal heater box. Parts run about $25-40, and most people knock this out in under an hour.

Most Likely Causes

Based on aggregated repair data, here is the probability breakdown for this error code:

Broken heating element coil75%

Thermal limiter failure12%

Wiring harness damage8%

Control board relay fault5%

Symptoms You May Notice

Drum spins, motor runs fine, but you reach in after 45 minutes and your clothes are completely cold.
E64 flashes on the display within 2-3 minutes of starting a heated cycle, sometimes before the drum even gets up to full speed.
You catch a faint burnt metal or plastic smell right before the dryer shuts down and throws the code.
Dryer stops mid-cycle and when you try to restart it, it just flashes E64 immediately without even attempting to heat.
Clothes come out damp no matter how many cycles you run, but the dryer otherwise seems totally normal.

Can you reset a Frigidaire dryer to clear the E64 code?

Once you've swapped out the bad part, plug the dryer back in and run a short heated cycle. On most models the E64 clears itself automatically once it confirms the heater circuit is working again. If it doesn't clear on its own, hold the Cancel and Select buttons together for about 5 seconds until the display shows dashes or zeros. Wait 30 seconds after releasing before you start a new cycle.

Tools Required for Diagnosis

Phillips #2 screwdriver1/4 inch nut driverDigital multimeterWork glovesFlashlight or headlampVent cleaning brush kit

Service / Diagnostic Mode

Press and hold the 'Cancel' and the 'Select' (or far left button under the display) buttons simultaneously for 3 seconds. Rotate the cycle knob to the eighth position to see the most recent error code stored in the memory.

Diagnostic Checklist

Follow these steps in order. We start with the easiest external fixes before opening up the machine.

ComponentComponent Under Test

Expected Range12–18 ohms

ConditionIf Open (OL) or infinite, replace component.

Replacement Parts

If your diagnostic testing proves the component has failed, you will need a replacement. We recommend OEM parts over aftermarket for water-handling components.

Part Name	OEM Number	Estimated Price
Heating Element Assembly131553900 · $45–$110	131553900	$45 – $110
Thermal Limiter134120900 · $12–$28	134120900	$12 – $28

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I just splice the broken heating coil back together?

Don't do it. I've seen people try this and it's a real fire hazard. The heating coil is made of specialized resistance wire that expands and contracts every single cycle. A splice creates a hot spot that'll eventually melt through or arc. Worst case you're looking at a dryer fire inside your laundry room. If the coil's broken, the only safe fix is replacing the whole element assembly. And honestly they're not that expensive, usually $25-40 for a Frigidaire element. Not worth the risk.

Why did my heating element burn out so fast?

Poor airflow kills heating elements way more often than age does. If your dryer vent's crushed behind the machine, packed with lint, or running 20 feet across the basement with a couple of 90-degree bends, heat backs up into the heater box and just cooks the coil. It gets way hotter than it was designed for and the metal softens and snaps. I replaced three elements just last Tuesday and two of those homes had vents that hadn't been cleaned in years. Clean yours at least once a year, twice if you do a lot of laundry.

My dryer shows E64 but it's still getting somewhat warm. Why?

That usually means your element's grounded. Part of the coil broke and that broken end fell against the metal housing. Electricity's still flowing through part of the coil, which is why you get some heat, but it's also bypassing the safety controls that should be cycling the heat on and off. The dryer can get dangerously hot in that state. Stop using it right now until you replace the element. This isn't a 'keep an eye on it' situation.

Is E64 the same as E61 or E63?

Related but different. E61 means the heater's taking too long to warm up, usually a power supply issue or a weak element that hasn't fully failed yet. E63 points specifically to the thermal limiter circuit. E64 is the actual hardware failure code, meaning something in the heater string is physically broken or shorted to ground. E64 is also the most common of the three by a wide margin in my experience.

How long does the heating element replacement actually take?

For most people doing it for the first time? About an hour to an hour and a half. If you've done it before on a similar model, 30-45 minutes. Most of that time is getting the panels off and back on. The actual element swap once you've got access takes maybe 10 minutes. It's honestly one of the more beginner-friendly dryer repairs out there. Just take photos of the wire routing before you disconnect anything, because you'll thank yourself when it's time to plug it all back in.

Related Frigidaire Dryer Error Codes

Code: E61Frigidaire Dryer E61: Heater Relay Failure Code: E63Frigidaire Dryer E63: Thermal Limiter Open

Same Fix on Other Brands

Electrolux dryerE64: Electrolux Dryer E64 Error: Heater Circuit

Models Known to Experience E64 Errors

This repair applies to most Frigidaire dryers with this error code. Common model numbers include:

FAQE7001LW, AEQ7000ES, LEQ2152ES, FEX831FS, GLEH1642DS, FGRC445AS, FDE647GHS, FSE447GHS

Written by

Mike Sullivan

Lead Appliance Repair Technician · 20 years experience

Last verified for technical accuracy on March 17, 2026