Lincoln Electric E13 Error Code — Causes & Fix

What this code means

The E13 fault on Lincoln Electric welders (Power MIG and Power Wave series) indicates an output contactor fault — the contactor that connects the welding output to the torch/electrode circuit either failed to close on an arc-start command or opened unexpectedly during a weld. This contactor is what physically enables welding output; if it won’t close, no arc can be struck regardless of other settings.

Common Causes

• Worn or pitted output contactor contacts — The output contactor switches on every arc start. High-frequency operation causes contact wear and eventually a contact that won’t close or closes intermittently.
• Failed contactor coil — The electromagnetic coil that pulls the contacts closed can fail open, leaving the contactor permanently open.
• Control board not triggering the contactor — If the board’s output contactor drive circuit has failed, the coil never receives the energize signal on arc start.
• Wiring fault at the contactor — A broken lead or loose terminal at the contactor coil input interrupts the drive signal.

Step-by-Step Fix

1. Lock out and open the machine — Disconnect input power and verify with a multimeter before opening the case. The output contactor is on the secondary (low-voltage output) side but input is still dangerous.
2. Locate the output contactor — It’s a relay-style component on the output side, between the transformer/inverter and the welding terminals. Usually visible once the side panel is removed.
3. Test the contactor coil — Measure resistance across the coil terminals. Open circuit = failed coil. Typical coil resistance is 50–200Ω depending on model.
4. Inspect the contacts — Check contactor contacts for heavy pitting, burning, or welding together. Contacts in poor condition need replacement even if the coil tests good.
5. Check the control drive signal — With a multimeter on the coil input terminals, verify the board sends the energize voltage when an arc-start is triggered. No signal = board fault.

Parts Often Needed

When to Call a Pro

Output contactor replacement is straightforward for an experienced technician, but the work involves high-current connections. Lincoln Electric authorized service centers can diagnose whether the contactor or the board is the root cause before ordering parts.