Frigidaire Microwave E-11 Error Code: Sensor Circuit Open (What to Do)

What the code means

Frigidaire doesn't publish a consumer article for E-11, but the Electrolux Home Products North America service manual for its over-the-range microwave (model LEVM30FE, publication 5995496147, Electrolux being Frigidaire's parent company) lists the code in its error table: E-11 is the "OPEN ERROR" of the gas sensor and E-12 is the "SHORT ERROR" of the gas sensor. The same manual explains that sensor cooking uses a special gas sensor that detects both humidity (steam) and food odors, and that the sensor is a plug-in device in the vent area at the top left corner of the cavity, behind the top grille. Its quick test reads the sensor through the control: a reading of 213 or higher means the sensor failed open, is unplugged, or there's a wiring or control board problem, which matches an E-11; a reading under 6 means a shorted sensor or control board, which matches E-12. Other brands use the same code the same way: JennAir's product help says E11 on its over-the-range microwaves means the gas sensor reported a problem to the control board, possibly the sensor or its wiring, and its first step is a one-minute power reset. Model families differ, so check the error table for your exact model if you have its service sheet. Owners of some Frigidaire over-the-range models report E-11 showing up after heavy steam from the cooktop below and clearing once the unit dries out; that pattern fits a marginal sensor or damp connections, but Frigidaire hasn't published it as an official cause.

Likely causes

• The gas/humidity sensor has failed open (Electrolux's service manual defines E-11 as the sensor's open error)
• The sensor's plug-in connector behind the top grille has come loose or unplugged
• A broken, pinched or corroded wire between the sensor and the control board
• A control board fault (the service manual lists the board as a possible cause when the sensor reads open)
• Moisture from heavy cooktop steam reaching the sensor or its connections (owner-reported on over-the-range models, not an official Frigidaire cause)

Safe DIY checks

1. Turn the microwave off at the circuit breaker (or unplug it) for one minute, then restore power and watch for a minute to see if E-11 returns. This is the same first step JennAir gives for its E11 sensor code.
2. If E-11 appeared right after a lot of steam from the cooktop, leave the power off for a few hours so the unit can dry, then try again.
3. Run the vent fan while cooking on the range below so steam doesn't collect around the microwave.
4. Keep the cavity and the outside of containers dry before sensor cooking. Wipe up spills and condensation so the sensor area stays clean.
5. If the microwave still runs on a manual cook time and power level, use that and skip the Sensor Cook and Sensor Reheat programs until it's fixed.
6. Don't remove the outer case yourself. Microwaves contain a high-voltage capacitor that can hold a dangerous charge even when unplugged, and the sensor sits behind the grille near the control area.

Parts that commonly fix it

Always match the part number to your exact model.

Related codes

• F3 GE Microwave F3
• F4 GE Microwave F4
• PF GE Microwave PF
• E10 LG Microwave E10
• F11 LG Microwave F11

All Frigidaire codes →

Sources

1. Electrolux Home Products North America, Over-Range Microwave Oven Service Manual, model LEVM30FE (publication 5995496147): 5-10 Sensor quick test and 5-11 Error Code table (E-11 open error of gas sensor, E-12 short error)
2. JennAir Product Help: E11 Error Code, Over-the-Range Microwave (gas sensor reported a problem to the control board; one-minute breaker reset)
3. AppliancePartsPros: How to troubleshoot and fix E11 and E12 microwave errors (E11 open sensor circuit, E12 short; sensor heater about 30 ohms; check wiring, then board)