# How to Fix Frigidaire Error E57 (High Current Motor)
Error code **E57** is a critical operational fault on Frigidaire washing machines. This guide will help you understand the source of the problem and provide steps to successfully diagnose and replace the failed component.
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## 1. Understanding Error Code E57
Error code E57 indicates a **”High Current Motor”** fault.
In plain English, this means the washing machine’s main electronic control board has detected that the drive motor is attempting to pull an excessively high amount of electrical current. This usually triggers a safety shutdown to prevent damage to the motor or the machine’s electronics.
### The Likely Culprit
In the vast majority of cases concerning Frigidaire E57 errors, the component that fails is the **Motor Speed Control Board** (sometimes called the Inverter Board). This board is responsible for regulating the power and speed supplied to the main drive motor. When it malfunctions, it can either send incorrect power signals or fail to correctly monitor the current draw, resulting in the E57 error.
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## 2. Step-by-Step Diagnosis and Fix
**⚠️ Safety First:** Always unplug the washing machine from the power outlet before beginning any inspection or repair.
### Step 1: Perform a Power Cycle Reset
Before attempting any repairs, try the simplest fix: a hard reset. This can clear temporary electronic glitches.
1. **Unplug** the washing machine completely from the wall outlet.
2. Wait a minimum of **5 minutes** to allow any residual voltage in the control boards to dissipate.
3. **Plug** the machine back in.
4. Attempt to run a short test cycle.
If the E57 error reappears immediately, proceed to the physical diagnosis steps.
### Step 2: Check for Overloading
While the E57 is usually electronic, an extremely heavy or binding load can sometimes cause the motor to struggle and draw too much current.
1. Open the door and remove any contents from the drum.
2. If the drum is empty, proceed to the physical inspection.
### Step 3: Inspect the Motor and Control Board Wiring
Access the internal components (this usually requires removing the back panel or sometimes the top and front console, depending on your model).
1. **Locate the Motor Speed Control Board:** This board is typically found near the bottom of the washer, often mounted on the frame, separate from the main control board located at the top.
2. **Inspect Harnesses:** Carefully check the wiring harnesses running from the main control board down to the Motor Speed Control Board, and the thick wires running from the Speed Control Board to the main drive motor.
* Look for signs of **chafing, loose connections, or burnt wires**. A burn mark on a wire or connector is a definitive sign of a high-current fault.
3. **Check Motor Movement:** Manually turn the drum to ensure it spins freely without any grinding or seizing, which could indicate a physical issue with the motor or transmission.
### Step 4: Component Replacement (The Solution)
If the wiring is intact and the drum spins freely, the **Motor Speed Control Board** is defective and must be replaced.
**How to Replace the Motor Speed Control Board:**
1. Ensure the machine is unplugged.
2. Remove the paneling necessary to access the faulty board (usually the back or bottom access panel).
3. **Document Connections:** Take a photograph of all wire connections (especially the thick motor wires) before disconnecting them.
4. Carefully disconnect the wiring harnesses and motor wires from the old board.
5. Unscrew and remove the faulty board.
6. Install the new replacement board, ensuring all connections are securely fastened exactly as they were on the original board.
7. Reassemble the washer paneling.
8. Plug the machine back in and run a diagnostic or test cycle to confirm the E57 error is gone.
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## 3. Replacement Part Lookup
**Check the price for a replacement Motor Speed Control Board here: https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Frigidaire+Motor Speed Control Board&tag=trivian-20**