Frigidaire Washer Error E11 — What It Means & How to Fix It

What Does This Error Mean?

E11 means your Frigidaire washer started a fill cycle but took longer than expected to reach the required water level. The washer stops and displays E11 rather than continuing to run without enough water. Slow water supply or a clogged inlet is almost always the cause.

Affected Models

Frigidaire FFTW4120SW
Frigidaire FFTW1001PW
Frigidaire Gallery FGFW4065PW
Frigidaire Classic Series

Common Causes

Hot or cold water supply valves are partially closed or turned off
Inlet hose filter screens are clogged with sediment or mineral deposits
A kinked or pinched water inlet hose is restricting flow
Low household water pressure is slowing the fill to below the required rate
The water inlet valve has partially failed and is not opening fully

How to Fix It

Check that both hot and cold water valves behind the washer are turned fully open.

Turn each valve counterclockwise until it stops. A valve that is even slightly closed can restrict flow enough to trigger E11.
Inspect both inlet hoses for kinks or tight bends.

Pull the washer away from the wall if needed. Straighten any hose that is pinched or folded.
Turn off the water valves, disconnect the hoses, and clean the filter screens.

The small mesh screens inside the hose connections at the back of the washer catch sediment. Rinse them under running water and use a soft brush to remove mineral buildup.
Test your home water pressure by running a nearby faucet at full flow.

Strong steady flow means pressure is fine. Weak or dribbling flow indicates a household pressure problem — contact your water utility.
Reconnect hoses, open valves, and run a test cycle. Listen for water entering the drum within the first 30 seconds.

You should hear a steady rushing sound as water fills. If no water enters despite clear hoses and open valves, the inlet valve has failed.

When to Call a Professional

If checking the supply, hoses, and screens does not fix E11, the inlet valve has likely failed. A technician can test and replace it — the part and labor typically total $100 to $200.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between E10 and E11 on a Frigidaire washer?

E10 means the washer did not detect any water filling at all. E11 means water is filling, but too slowly — it reached some water but not the required level within the time limit. Both point to a water supply problem, but E11 suggests a partial restriction rather than a complete blockage.

Can E11 appear only in winter?

Yes — in cold climates, water supply lines that run through unheated spaces can partially freeze, slowing water flow dramatically. If E11 appears only in winter and you have normal pressure in summer, check for cold exposure on the pipes behind the washer.

How do I clean the inlet filter screens?

Turn off the water valves and disconnect the hoses from the back of the washer. The small mesh screens are visible inside the hose connection ports on the machine. Rinse them under a faucet and gently scrub with a soft toothbrush to remove scale and sediment.