Fixing Frigidaire Washer Code E20 is Hard- Here Are 3 Ways To Do It

I once had a Frigidaire Affinity washer model LTF6000ESI. We ran a purple Vellux blanket, and it flushed the Frigidaire washer with error code E20. I had to cancel the wash and begin a new load that showed an E20 error code. It turned out a few weeks later that tiny pieces and a pair of undies were stuck in my drain pump. I could have died if the technician pulled those out.

The cost of the drain pump was $100. If I had checked the pump earlier instead of waiting, I could have replaced it. If you decide to fix error code E20 on the Frigidaire washing machine, be careful with sharp edges at the back of the washer. 

I had to cut my arms because the edges were sharp. If you diagnose your Frigidaire washer using my instructions, you’ll save $200. Having done this myself, I thought I should write a post on how to fix the E20 code on your Frigidaire washer:

What Does E20 Mean On A Frigidaire Washer?

Error code E20 on the frigidaire washing machine means the washer can’t drain water. Failure of the Frigidaire washer to drain falls into two categories: Either water can’t drain out of the washer, or water leaving the Frigidaire washer can’t flow well through the drain pipes. There’s a possibility of having a clogged drain pump hose, broken lid switch, water pump failure, etc.

That explains why there are many things that you need to look at to fix error code E20. There are problems you’ll fix others you’ll need the service of a technician like me to help you. Before diagnosing each component, it’s essential to reset your Frigidaire washer. Here are the three simple steps to do that:

• Switch off the washer at the power and water outlet. That way, you’ll avoid getting electrocuted.
• Wait for ten to twenty minutes.
• Switch on the washer again at the power and water outlet supply.

You have a false alarm if you don’t see the Frigidaire washer code E20. But if the code persists, you need to diagnose and find the root cause of the problem. Sometimes it can be a mechanical problem, and the washer gives a false alarm. But that’s not all, we have other Frigidaire errors that you need to be aware of. Feel free to check it.

How Do You Fix a Frigidaire Washer That Won’t Drain?

Check the Drain Hose

The drain hose carries water from the washer’s tub during the spin cycle. It has a cold and water supply outlet. The drain hose is found at the back of the washer with its two hoses for cold and hot water. 

The drain hose is prone to clogs from time to time. Water flows out of the Frigidaire washer carrying dirt, coin, hair, and other foreign objects that accumulate and block the hose. When the hose is blocked E20 error code flashes on the Frigidaire screen. 

It happens when you wash items like rugs with many fabric fibers. Here’s how you can diagnose this problem to be sure:

• Pull the Frigidaire washer out of the wall. Pull it carefully so that the hose is not damaged.
• Locate the drain hose
• Check the hose for kinks or crimps. If the hose is kinked, you may need to straighten it and see if the washer can drain.
• If the drain hose doesn’t have any crimps, check to see any blockage you may need to clean it. Use a garden hose to flush water through the drain hose and remove any clogs.

Severe clogs in your drainage will need the attention of a qualified plumber. Check the drain filter if you don’t find any clogs or crimps.

Check the Drain Filter

The drain filter protects the pump from filtering water that drains out of the drum. In other words, it catches dust, dirt, and any other foreign objects to prevent clogging down the line. 

Many things like dust, detergent, hair, and links can clog and block the filters. A clogged filter limits the Frigidaire’s efficiency, leading to more lint deposits causing poor drainage, therefore causing Frigidaire washer code E20. Here’s how to diagnose it:

• Remove the washer from the power socket or turn off the power breaker.
• Locate the drain filter. You’ll find it at the bottom of the Frigidaire washer.
• Remove the cover of the filter and disconnect the hose.
• Remove the plug off the drain hose and drain the hose
• Turn the filter and remove it
• Clean the filter and the area around it
• After cleaning thoroughly, connect the filter back to the hose
• Plug the washer back into the power and begin the cycle. If the washer drains, chances are you have cleaned Frigidaire washer E20.

If the problem persists, you’ll need to check the drain pump and diagnose it.

Check the Drain Pump

The drain pumps carry water from the wash through the drain hose and then drain it away. It’s located at the bottom of the Frigidaire washer. You can always access it easily if you want to replace it. 

If you’re getting an E20 code on the Frigidaire washer, you have a defective drain pump. A faulty drain pump will give you a few warning signs, which you must check before diagnosing and replacing it. A broken or defective drain pump will show you the following signs:

• You’ll not hear the pump when draining out.
• You’ll hear a low humming sound on a spin cycle, but the water won’t drain.
• Water is drained, and the spin cycle usually works.

Before diagnosing the drain pump, make sure the power is off. Otherwise, you’ll be electrocuted. Inspect if the pump is blocked. Open the access flap on the machine and check the pump. Have a towel ready to collect water that may come out. Use a flathead screwdriver to spin the impeller or agitator and see if the pump is blocked.

You may need to clean the drain pump that is clogged. If you don’t have any clogs, you may need to check the drain pump using a multimeter.

When the Frigidaire is not draining well, it might have to be a defective drain pump. A washer’s pimp can either be an electric or direct drive pump. Use an ohmmeter to check if the Fridigaire pump is working. Please find the two wires connecting to the drain pump and pull them away from the terminals. Touch a probe to one of the drain pump terminals and record the reading. The ohmmeter reading will be between five to ten ohms. A reading of zero or infinity indicates that the drain pump is defective.