Step-by-Step DIY Fix Guide
- SAFETY: Unplug the dryer.
- Confirm the dryer type — electric or gas. For gas, first verify the gas supply valve behind the dryer is fully open.
- Attempt a power reset: unplug for 2 minutes, plug back in, and run a timed heat cycle — feel the drum for warmth after 5 minutes.
- If no heat is present, check the thermal fuse (EC1) — a tripped thermal fuse cuts all power to the heater and is the most common no-heat cause.
- If the thermal fuse is intact, the heating element itself has likely burned out and requires replacement — call a technician.
If the warning comes back after restart
- If the warning returns immediately after a clean restart, the sensor or wiring path becomes more likely than a one-time glitch.
- No heat after a power reset — component-level diagnosis required
- The drum tumbles but clothes come out completely cold after a full cycle
What This Error Means
Error E5B on your Electrolux dryer means: The control board commanded the heating element to turn on but the temperature sensor did not register an increase in temperature within the expected time. The dryer is tumbling but producing no heat — clothes will not dry. The dryer's self-diagnostic system has detected this condition and halted the current cycle.
The most frequent cause is heating element has burned out — the most common cause in electric dryers. Work through the causes and fix steps below in order — most Electrolux dryer errors can be resolved without a service call.
Many cases of E5B can be resolved by the homeowner. The steps below cover the full DIY checks — if they do not resolve the error, a technician is needed.
No-heat faults in electric dryers almost always trace back to a burned-out heating element, a tripped thermal fuse, or a failed thermostat. The thermal fuse is a non-resettable safety device — it trips permanently when the dryer overheats. Always identify and fix the cause of overheating before replacing the fuse, or the replacement will trip again.
Most Likely Cause by Symptom
The Electrolux dryer may stop, pause, or refuse to complete the cycle normally.
Likely cause: Heating element has burned out — the most common cause in electric dryers
Check first: SAFETY: Unplug the dryer.
The warning may return immediately because the appliance is detecting an internal fault.
Likely cause: Thermal fuse has tripped, cutting power to the heater circuit (see EC1)
Check first: Confirm the dryer type — electric or gas. For gas, first verify the gas supply valve behind the dryer is fully open.
Common Causes
- Heating element has burned out — the most common cause in electric dryers
- Thermal fuse has tripped, cutting power to the heater circuit (see EC1)
- Thermal limiter or high-limit thermostat has failed open
- Faulty heat relay on the control board
- On gas dryers: gas valve solenoid coils have failed or the gas supply is interrupted
What Not to Do
- Do not replace only the thermal fuse without clearing the exhaust vent — the fuse will trip again if the underlying cause is overheating
Model and Display Variation Notes
Model-family notes
- Electrolux dryer display wording and code formats can vary by series.
- If your model behaves differently, check the owner manual before trying any deeper maintenance step.
Display and panel differences
- Panel wording can vary by series, so confirm the exact code pattern before buying parts.
Parts, Tools and Service Options
Service option
Electrolux service visit if the warning returns after the basic checks are complete.
Manual and model check
Check your exact model and manual before ordering any Electrolux dryer parts.
Common parts
- Heating element for electric dryers ($30–$80)
- Thermal fuse ($5–$15) - always replace the fuse and identify the root cause
- High-limit thermostat ($10–$25)
- Gas valve solenoid coil kit for gas dryers ($20–$50)
This section stays service-first because the page points more strongly toward support or professional repair than a routine parts purchase.
When Not to Keep Troubleshooting
No heat after a power reset — component-level diagnosis required
- The drum tumbles but clothes come out completely cold after a full cycle
How to Prevent It Recurring
- Keep the exhaust vent clear — overheating caused by restricted airflow is the primary cause of heating element burnout and thermal fuse trips.
Related Error Codes
E1
The dryer's exhaust temperature thermistor reported a temperature below 18°F (−8°C), which is outside the physically possible operating range. The control board has flagged the reading as a sensor failure rather than an actual temperature condition. Drying is suspended until the sensor circuit is verified.
E64
The control board detected an open circuit in the heating element — either the element wire has broken, the element coil has burned through, or a wiring connection to the element has come loose. No heat will be produced while E64 is active.
EC1
The dryer's thermal fuse — a one-time safety device — has tripped due to the dryer reaching an unsafe temperature. Once tripped, the thermal fuse permanently interrupts power to the heater circuit and will not reset. The dryer may continue to tumble but will produce no heat until the fuse is replaced. Critically, the thermal fuse must never be replaced without also identifying and fixing the cause of the overheating — otherwise the new fuse will trip again.
EAF
The dryer's control board detected that airflow through the exhaust system is below the minimum required level. EAF is a direct warning that your lint screen, duct, or exterior vent is significantly restricted. Continuing to run the dryer in this state is a fire risk — the US Fire Administration reports that restricted dryer vents are a leading cause of house fires.
Extra notes
- This page is based on Electrolux support material and stays conservative where model-specific guidance may vary.
- The goal is to help you identify safe first checks before you move into parts, service, or model-specific manual lookup.
Source and model notes
Last reviewed: 2026-04-09
Based on: Based on Electrolux support material and edited into consumer-safe guidance for the exact code family on this page.
View Electrolux US Official Support
Model coverage note: Electrolux dryer code meanings can vary by series, control panel, and model family, so use this page as a safe starting point rather than a replacement for the model-specific manual.
Important: FixThisError is an independent guide, not the manufacturer. Use your model-specific manual when the panel wording or behavior differs.
Always disconnect power before inspecting appliances. If unsure, contact a licensed appliance technician.