How to Fix Frigidaire Microwave E11 Error Code

There is nothing more frustrating than an appliance suddenly not working. You come home after a long day of work, planning to heat up some leftovers, and your Frigidaire Microwave is showing an error code instead. The E11 error code usually indicates an issue with the control pad, but don’t go throwing the microwave out just yet! There are a few solutions to try first, and we’ll walk you through what to do!

This guide refers to all major models of Frigidaire microwaves, including:

FFMV162LBA

FFMV162LSA

FFMV162LWA

FFMV1645TSA

FFMV164LSA

FGMV174KFA

FGMV174KFB

FGMV174KFC

FGMV175QFA

FGMV17WNVFA

FMS062E1W0

FMS083E1S0

FMS083U1S0

FMS103T1B1

FMS103T1B2

FMS107T1B1

FMV156DCC

FMV157GCA

PLMV169DCD

PLMVZ169GCC

PLMVZ169HCA

Reset the microwave

It’s the DIY enthusiast’s motto – when in doubt, try a reset! If an error code pops up on one of your appliances, resetting the appliance is a great first step to take in every scenario. This allows you to rule out if the error is caused by a glitch or a power surge or similar. To do a hard reset on your Frigidaire Microwave:

• Unplug the appliance
• Leave it unplugged for 3-5 minutes
• Plug it back in and monitor
• In many cases, you’ll find that the error has now been cleared. If it persists, move on to the next step to fix the problem.

Check the humidity levels

A humidity issue is most likely to be the culprit if your microwave is located above your cooking range, because steam and heat from the cooking process can cause the touchpad to short out. If your microwave is located above your range and you noticed the E11 error appeared soon after a cooking session, try these steps to fix the issue. 

• Unplug the microwave.
• Remove the microwave from its location above the range and place it somewhere warm and dry for at least 24 hours. 
• Once it is dry, plug it back in to check to see if the error has cleared. If humidity was the cause, you’ll now find it is working normally. 

However, please note this error is likely to recur again if the microwave remains in its position above the range. Ideally, you should find a new place to keep your microwave that keeps it well away from the steam of your oven. 

Replace the door

Because the E11 error code denotes an issue with the touchpad and the touchpad is located on the door, sometimes if this error occurs you may need to replace the entire door itself. Don’t worry, it isn’t as hard as it sounds! You can source good quality second hand parts online for a fraction of the cost of new parts, and installation is not too difficult. 

One thing to consider, however, is the age of your microwave. If it is several years old at this point, it might make sense to just buy a new one, especially as microwaves are not that expensive compared to other appliances. If you do decide to replace the door, follow these steps!

First, gather your tools.

You will need:

• A new microwave door compatible with your specific Frigidaire model
• A phillips head screwdriver
• A flat head screwdriver
• A soft cloth or towel 

Now, it’s time to get started!

Step 1 – Unplug the microwave and remove the vent grille

Safety is always the first priority when working with electrical appliances. Unplug your microwave from the wall outlet before starting any work. You need to locate the vent grille at the top of the microwave, which is often held in place with two phillips head screws. Remove the screws and carefully lift the vent grill away from the microwave. 

Step 2: Remove the door hinge

Open the microwave door and locate the hinge on the bottom edge. Use a flat head screwdriver to carefully pry the hinge pin out of its slot. You’ll need to hold the door securely with your other hand while you remove the hinge pin to prevent it from falling. 

Step 3: Detach the door

With the hinge pin removed, lift the door upwards and pull it carefully away from the microwave. Place the door on a soft cloth or towel for safekeeping. 

Step 4: Disassemble the door (if necessary)

If your new door comes fully assembled you can skip this step. However, if your door comes in separate pieces, you’ll need to disassemble the old door and transfer the handle and other components to the new door. Gently pry apart the old door, being careful not to damage any components that you still need. Transfer any parts you need to the new door, and then reassemble it. 

Step 5: Attach the new door

Align the new door with the hinge slots on the microwave body and then gently slide it into place, making sure the hinge pins are seated correctly. Once the door is in position, replace the hinge pin you removed earlier, thus securing your new door to the microwave. 

Step 6: Reinstall the vent grille

Align the vent grille with the mounting holes at the top of the microwave and replace the Phillips head screws that you removed earlier. Ensure the grill is secured firmly in place. 

Step 7: Test your new door

Plug your Frigidaire microwave back into the wall outlet and test that the door opens and closes smoothly, and that the microwave is functioning correctly. A tight seal is incredibly important as otherwise radiation can leak out of your microwave. The error code should have cleared and your Frigidaire microwave should be functional once more!