E40
Frigidaire Washer
Severity: MinorWhat Does This Error Mean?
E40 means your Frigidaire washer detected an unbalanced load during the spin cycle. The laundry inside is bunched up on one side of the drum. The washer stops spinning to protect itself from damage.
Affected Models
- Frigidaire FFTW4120SW
- Frigidaire FFTW1001PW
- Frigidaire Gallery FGFW4065PW
- Frigidaire Classic Series
Common Causes
- Heavy items like towels or jeans have clumped together on one side
- Washing a single large item like a duvet or blanket by itself
- Overloaded drum with too many clothes packed tightly inside
- Underloaded drum with just one or two very heavy items
- Washer is not sitting level on the floor, causing it to wobble
How to Fix It
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Pause or cancel the cycle and open the washer door.
On most Frigidaire models, press Pause/Cancel to stop the cycle safely.
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Reach inside and manually redistribute the laundry evenly around the drum.
Spread clothes out so no single side is heavier than the other.
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Remove a few items if the drum is overloaded.
A too-full washer can't redistribute weight during the spin cycle.
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Add a few similar-weight items if the load is very small.
Washing one heavy item alone — like a single blanket — always causes imbalance.
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Restart the cycle and check that the washer sits level on the floor.
Use a spirit level on top of the washer. Adjust the leveling feet underneath if it's tilting.
When to Call a Professional
E40 is rarely a hardware problem. If the washer shakes violently even with a balanced load, the suspension rods or shock absorbers may need replacing — a technician can check.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my Frigidaire washer keep showing E40?
If it happens frequently, check that the washer is perfectly level. Also look at your laundry habits — mix small and large items together for better balance. Suspension problems can also cause repeated E40 errors on older machines.
Can E40 damage my washing machine?
The washer stops the spin cycle specifically to prevent damage. Repeated severe imbalances over time can wear out the drum bearings and suspension. Always fix the balance issue before restarting.
How do I level my Frigidaire washer?
Place a spirit level on top of the machine. Adjust the threaded feet at the bottom corners — turn them clockwise to lower, counterclockwise to raise. Tighten the lock nuts against the washer body once it's level.