How to Fix Error code E64 — heating element on Frigidaire FFRE4120SW (Electric)

Error code E64 — heating element

In this guide, I’ll walk you through the steps to fix error code E64 — heating element on your Frigidaire FFRE4120SW (Electric). With the right tools and parts, most homeowners can complete this repair in 1–2 hours and avoid a costly service call.

Part of our Top 20 Dryer Models & Common Repair Issues Guide. Browse all dryer repair guides for related models and issues.

Common Symptoms & Causes

If your Frigidaire FFRE4120SW is displaying error code E64, you may notice one or more of the following symptoms indicating a heating element failure.

• The dryer display shows the “E64” error code during or shortly after starting a cycle
• Clothes come out damp or completely wet after a full drying cycle
• The drum spins normally but no heat is produced inside the dryer
• The dryer shuts off prematurely before the cycle completes

This error is most commonly caused by a burnt-out or broken heating element coil. It can fail due to normal wear over time, restricted airflow from a clogged lint trap, or electrical surges stressing the component.

Safety First

• Unplug the dryer from the power outlet before starting any repair — never work on a live appliance.
• Wear work gloves when handling metal brackets, sheet metal edges, or sharp components.
• Take photos with your phone before disconnecting any wiring harnesses or connectors.
• Work in a well-lit area with enough floor space to lay removed panels flat.

Tools & Parts Needed

Essential Tools

• Phillips #2 screwdriver
• ¼” nut driver
• Putty knife
• Multimeter
• Work gloves

Replacement Parts

• Heating element
• thermal fuse
• high-limit thermostat
• ¼” hex driver
• multimeter

Step-by-Step Repair Instructions

Step 1

First things first: unplug the dryer. Next, tackle the vent system because E64 on Frigidaire electric dryers is almost always triggered by restricted airflow. Disconnect the exhaust hose at the back of the unit, and run a flexible brush through the full length of the duct to clear any lint blockage you find. A clogged vent is often the root cause of E64, so don’t skip this step; otherwise, any parts you replace will likely fail again.

Step 2

Remove the rear panel by taking out the five quarter-inch hex screws. Locate the heating element in the lower rear housing and set your multimeter to Rx1. Touch the probes to the element’s terminals — a good element will read a low resistance, while an open (infinite resistance) means the element has burned out and needs replacing. Pro tip: photograph all wire connections before disconnecting anything so you have a clear reference for reassembly.

Step 3

With the rear panel still off, locate the thermal fuse mounted on the exhaust duct housing and test it on Rx1. It should show full continuity when healthy, as it’s a one-time safety device designed to blow when temperatures exceed a safe threshold. If it shows no continuity, it has blown, and the dryer will not heat until it’s replaced. Always replace the heating element simultaneously with the thermal fuse; a fuse that blew once indicates the element likely caused the overheating.

Step 4

Find the high-limit thermostat on the element housing and test it with your multimeter on Rx1. At room temperature, it should show continuity, meaning the circuit is functioning normally. If you get an open reading, the thermostat has tripped permanently and needs replacing, as it cuts power to the element when temperatures run too high. Replacing it without addressing vent restriction will just blow it again.

Step 5

Reconnect all wire terminals to the new components, matching each connector to the position shown in your earlier photograph, pressing each terminal firmly until it clicks or seats securely. Loose or swapped terminals can cause immediate component failure or create a shock hazard, so take your time to verify every connection before closing the cabinet. Reattach the rear panel and reinstall all five hex screws snugly.

Step 6

Reattach the exhaust hose, verify that the vent run has full clearance with no kinks or blockages, then plug the dryer back in. Run a Timed Dry cycle and monitor the machine — E64 should not return if the element, thermal fuse, and vent restriction have all been properly addressed. If the code comes back, suspect a control board fault or a vent run that is too long for the installation, as either condition can sustain the overheating pattern.

Where to Buy Replacement Parts

You can find genuine OEM and aftermarket replacement parts for your Frigidaire FFRE4120SW (Electric) on Amazon:

• Frigidaire FFRE4120SW heating element 5309950002 replacement
• Frigidaire electric dryer thermal fuse 3204267 replacement
• Frigidaire dryer high limit thermostat 3204267

When to Call a Professional

If the issue persists after completing all the steps above, the problem may involve a failed main control board, a defective heating element, or wiring that requires specialized diagnostic tools. In that case, it’s best to contact a licensed appliance technician. On gas dryers, do not attempt work on the gas valve or supply line — that work is restricted to a licensed gas fitter in most jurisdictions.

How Much Does This Repair Cost?

A replacement heating element for the Frigidaire FFRE4120SW typically costs between $20 and $60 for parts alone. Professional repair services generally charge $150 to $300, factoring in the service call and labor fees. Tackling this repair yourself can save you $100 or more, making DIY a smart choice for this straightforward fix.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it safe to keep using my Frigidaire FFRE4120SW while error code E64 is active?

No, you should stop using the appliance immediately. Running it with a faulty heating element can cause further electrical damage or create a safety hazard.

Can I replace the heating element on the FFRE4120SW myself?

Yes, it’s a manageable DIY repair if you’re comfortable working with basic hand tools and unplugging the unit first. Always disconnect power before accessing internal components.

How much does a replacement heating element cost for this Frigidaire model?

Replacement heating elements for the FFRE4120SW typically cost between $20 and $60, depending on the supplier. Purchasing an OEM part ensures proper fit and performance.

Recommended Products

These are the parts and tools I recommend for this repair, based on compatibility and customer reviews:

• Monkemon 134792700 Dryer Heating Element, 137032600 Thermal Limiter and 3204267 Thermostat Compatible with Electrolux Frigidaire Dryers, Replacement PS2349309 AP4368653 AP4368739 PS2349395 and AP21314
• Dryer Heating Element Replacement fit for Electrolux Frigidaire Dryer Heating Element 134792700 137032600 Thermal Limiter 3204267 Thermostat fit for Kenmore Elite 4178 Series Dryer Parts LUXRILIX

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The Heating Element Kit That Saves You a Second Service Call on the FFRE4120SW

When E64 throws an error on this model, the heating element is almost always the culprit — but I’ve learned the hard way that ordering just the element leaves you scrambling if the thermal limiter or thermostat also failed. This combo kit covers all three failure points in one order, which means you won’t be halfway through reassembly wondering if you missed something.

What works

• All three components arrive together and match the FFRE4120SW perfectly — no second-guessing part numbers or waiting for a backorder on the thermal limiter.
• The heating element in this kit is the actual OEM spec, not a knockoff, so you get the exact resistance and watt rating the dryer was engineered for.
• Installing all three at once means you’re only opening up the dryer cabinet once — saves time and reduces the chance of cross-threading screws or pinching wires.

What doesn’t

• If only the heating element is actually bad (which does happen), you’re paying for parts you don’t need — but honestly, by the time you’ve diagnosed E64 correctly, replacing all three is cheaper insurance than guessing wrong.
• The combo kits sometimes ship with generic instructions that don’t walk you through the FFRE4120SW cabinet layout step-by-step — you’ll still need the model-specific repair guide to avoid fumbling with the blower wheel.

I’ve had more than a few DIYers call back because they ordered a heating element alone, tested it with a multimeter, installed it, and then had E64 reappear two weeks later when the thermal limiter finally gave up — turns out the original error triggered a cascade of stress on all three components. Grab this combo kit instead and do it once.

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