Washing machines manufactured under the Electrolux brand have a wide range of models. Among them there are compact home models, for example EWS1064NAU, and laundry units, for example W4180H. Most modern washing machines are equipped with a self-diagnosis system, thanks to which owners can find out the causes of the malfunction without calling a technician to their home.
Modern Electrolux washing machine models are equipped with a display
The installation transmits information about the error by displaying an alphanumeric code on the display, most often starting with the letter “E”. If the car is not equipped with a display, such a code will need to be deciphered by the blinking indicator lights on the dashboard.
A list of information codes, as well as recommendations for eliminating errors, are contained in the operating instructions for the washing machine. Before you begin inspection and troubleshooting yourself, you need to read this document.
In the first part of our article, we will list the main error codes for Electrolux washing machines, tell you what they mean and how you can eliminate some of them yourself. In the second part we will look at how to recognize codes from indicator signals.
Common Mistakes
Washing machines of the Electrolux, Zanussi and AEG brands are manufactured by the same company and are equipped with the same control modules, so the error codes do not differ. There are quite a large number of information codes, so it is convenient to combine them into groups depending on the types of failure.
Before you begin inspection and troubleshooting yourself, you need to read the operating instructions for the equipment.
Error codes related to water inflow and drainage
Information codes E10 and E11 mean that no water is flowing into the washing machine, or the time allotted by the program to fill the tank has been exceeded. The simplest reasons for such errors may be turning off the water in the house or accidentally closing the tap supplying water to the installation.
If, after checking the water pressure, the machine still cannot start washing, you should inspect the inlet hose and the filter located at the point where the hose is attached to the washing machine, and remove any blockages. The hose may become bent, then it should be straightened.
If there are problems with the water supply, first of all you need to check the serviceability of the corresponding hose
If the washing machine fills with water and immediately drains it, the problem may be that it is not connected to the drain properly. The place where the drain hose connects to the sewer must be higher than the washing machine tank, otherwise spontaneous draining will occur.
More serious malfunctions that will require calling a specialist are malfunctions of the fill valve (it may be stuck in the closed position, which is also indicated by error code EC1 ) or malfunctions of the control module.
The unit displays code E13 when water leaks into the washing machine tray. The cause of the problem may be depressurization of hoses and their connections, or damage to the integrity of the tank.
Error codes E20 , E21 and EF0 , EF1 indicate problems in draining water from the washing machine. The causes of the malfunction may be:
- clog in the drain hose, filter protecting the pump, or in the sewer;
- drain pump malfunction;
- malfunction of the control module.
First of all, check the drain hose and filter for blockages. The hose is disconnected from the washing machine and pipe, washed with running water or cleaned with a special cable. The filter is also easy to check yourself - it is usually hidden behind a door located at the bottom of the front panel of the washing machine. Sometimes drainage is difficult due to blockages in the drain. A sign of blocked pipes will be slow flow of water from the sink or bathtub.
To clean the drain filter, you need to open the door located at the bottom of the front panel of the washing machine.
If after these manipulations the error does not disappear, you need to call a specialist to inspect the drain pump and check the control module.
Information codes E23 and E24 indicate a malfunction of the triac that controls the drain pump, or a failure of contacts between the triac and the pump. In both cases, the water will not drain.
Error codes associated with malfunctions of the pressure switch (water level sensor)
A pressure switch is a sensor that determines the water level in the tank of a washing machine; malfunctions in its operation are indicated by information codes E31 , E32 , E33 , E34 .
The reasons for the incorrect operation of the sensor may be clogging of its tube, disruption of contacts and communication with the control module. In rare cases, the occurrence of an error is associated with a clogged water inlet system. Error E33 may occur due to unstable voltage in the network and disappears only after it has stabilized.
You can check the serviceability of the wiring and pressure switch hose yourself
You can eliminate the error yourself by cleaning the pressure switch tube and checking its contacts. The sensor is usually located in the right corner under the lid of the washing machine. It is better to entrust the repair of other faults to professionals.
Error codes related to engine problems
There are quite a lot of variants of malfunctions that can occur in engine operation, as well as the codes indicating them. Errors E50 , E51 , E53 , E54 , E55 indicate disturbances in the operation of the motor itself, its winding, the seven-stor, or the circuit connecting the motor and the seven-stor.
A separate group includes information codes E52 , E56 , E59 , which indicate malfunctions of the tachogenerator - a sensor installed on the motor and monitoring its rotation speed.
The tachometer controls the speed of the electric motor.
Errors E57 and E58 indicate increased voltage levels in the network, which in turn may lead to the need to replace the washing machine motor, control module or wiring.
It is better to entrust troubleshooting related to engine operation to a specialist.
Error codes related to water heating
This group of information codes includes E61 , E62 , E66 , E68 , E69 , E3A , E71 , E74 . The washing machine cannot heat the water to the required temperature; it does it too quickly or, conversely, slowly. Since a heating element (tubular electric heater) and a temperature sensor are responsible for heating the water in the installation, the causes of errors will be associated with malfunctions in the operation of these parts, for example:
- failure of the heating element, its relay or contacts;
- breakdown of the sensor, its contacts, failure of communication with the control module.
In case of these malfunctions, you can try to check the contacts and resistance of the devices yourself. It is better to entrust repair and replacement of the sensor and heating element to specialists.
The heating element of a washing machine often fails due to the formation of limescale on its tube
Most often, the heating element of a washing machine overheats and fails due to scale that settles on its tube. To prevent the formation of plaque, you can periodically clean the washing machine, for example, with citric acid, or use water softening agents.
Error codes related to the operation of the hatch door
If the wash is started with the hatch door closed incorrectly, one of the following information codes will appear on the screen: E40 , E41 , E42 , E43 , E44 , E45, and the installation will stop working.
There can be several reasons for errors:
- door not closing tightly;
- foreign objects getting into the hatch or locking mechanism;
- deformation of the rubber cuff;
- malfunctions in the hatch locking system or control board;
- breakdown of the lock mechanism.
It should be remembered that under no circumstances should you close the car hatch using force. This may cause the door to jam, making it much more difficult to repair. If the hatch does not close, you need to check whether the laundry in the drum is interfering with it, or whether there are foreign objects under the rubber cuff or in the lock slot.
Repairing the washing machine door lock is best left to professionals.
Other manipulations, such as replacing the rubber cuff, checking the wiring of the lock mechanism or replacing it, diagnosing the locking system and control module, should be performed by professionals.
Other error codes
Error codes E90 and E91 indicate a breakdown in communication between the control module and the washing machine panel. In case of such malfunctions, the installation does not respond to button commands. To “remove” the error, you can try to reboot the machine. In case of failure, you need to contact the service department.
Information code EF5 means load imbalance when spinning the washing machine drum. Usually the problem occurs during the rinsing or spinning stage. The machine stops working and water often remains in the tank. The causes of the malfunction are usually:
- too much or too little laundry loaded into the drum;
- washing very large and very small items at the same time, which leads to them twisting;
- The machine is installed on an uneven surface.
In order to properly distribute the laundry inside the drum, open the hatch of the washing machine, after draining the remaining water in the tank through the emergency pipe or drain hose. If the machine is not positioned correctly, it is moved to a flat horizontal surface.
Information code EF2 indicates excessive foaming in the drum. The washing machine itself clears the error after the foam decreases in volume. If this does not happen for a long time, you need to drain the foam and water from the tank, remove the laundry and thoroughly wipe the drum and detergent compartment, removing any remaining powder. After cleaning is completed, you can start washing.
If you use too much powder when washing, foam will flow out of the machine.
Problems draining liquid from the tank
If error E20 on an Electrolux washing machine, this means that water has not been removed from the SM within a time period of 10 minutes or more. A breakdown can be indicated by codes E21 , C2 , E23 , EF0 and E24 .
EF1 may indicate that the drain time has been exceeded . EF2 combination indicates an increased level of foaming, which may also be due to a clogged drain line. Error EF3 indicates a leak in the pump or damage to its wiring, leading to the activation of the Aquastop system.
First of all, the problem should be looked for in the sewer and drain hose - they may be clogged. In addition, you should check the filter located in front of the drain pump; there may also be a blockage there.
You can check and clean the drain filter in your washing machine yourself.
The cause may also be a malfunction:
- drain pump - error E85 ;
- triac that controls the operation of the pump - codes E23 and E24 ;
- other elements of the electronic control unit.
The resistance of the winding that drives the pump should be around 200 Ohms. If its value is very different, the pump will have to be replaced.
Code recognition scheme based on indicator signals
In Electrolux washing machine models without a display, the information error code must be read from the indicator signals. There are various modifications of panels, but the main importance when deciphering signals is which control module is installed.
In models with an EWM 1000 control module, the error code is transmitted by two indicators located near the “Start/Pause” (first) and “Wash End” (second) buttons. The lights blink rhythmically, then pause and repeat a certain number of blinks again. The number of continuous flashes of the first indicator will correspond to the first digit of the error information code, the second - to the second digit of the code. For example, if the first indicator flashes five times between pauses, and the second - three times, then the washing machine displays error code E53 .
Models of Electrolux washing machines with an EWM 2000 control module have a more complex scheme for recognizing information codes. The code is indicated by eight lights located on the right side of the instrument panel. The top four transmit the first digit of the code, the bottom four transmit the second. You can determine the meaning of each combination using the table below.
The photo shows a table that determines the information code in washing machines with an EWM 2000 control module
The ordinal numbers of indicators are counted from bottom to top. For example, when the first and fourth of the top four lights are on, it means, according to the table, the first digit in the information code will be 9. If among the four bottom lights only the first is on, the second digit in the information code will be 1. Therefore, the full error code in this case – E91 .
Failures associated with water entering the drum
Problems in the operation of units associated with the lack of water in the tank are common among Electrolux models - for example, such as the W4180H. Given that the quality of tap water leaves much to be desired, large amounts of sediment can often be observed deposited in hoses, filters and drain pumps. This makes it difficult or stops transporting water into or out of the tank.
Error E10 in Electrolux washing machines is one of the most common
Error E10 in Electrolux washing machines, as well as E11 in some models, indicates that there are certain problems with the intake of liquid into the drum: water does not flow or its pressure is so low that the level does not reach the optimal level in the allotted time.
First, the most obvious causes of the error are checked - maybe there is simply no water in the water supply.
During diagnostics, the pressure in the inlet line through which the liquid flows is checked. Often the water in our houses is turned off or the owners turn it off themselves and then forget to turn it on. Therefore, such reasons are quite common. In addition, the inlet hose and filter are checked for clogging.
The intake valve may not open due to the lack of a control signal or due to a broken winding in the electromagnet (possible error EC1 ). You can check the winding with a multimeter - if it is working properly, the device should show a resistance in the range of 3.6–3.8 kOhm. The electronic control unit (hereinafter also referred to as ECU) contains symmetrical thyristors - triacs (hereinafter also referred to as triacs) that control the valves. If there is a malfunction in this unit, water will not flow into the tank.
All of the above breakdowns can be eliminated by cleaning the intake manifold and clogged parts or replacing faulty elements.
Table with information codes (error codes)
In the table below, we have listed the error codes for Electrolux washing machines, a brief description of possible problems and the reasons for their occurrence.
Error code | Problem | Causes |
E10 , E11 | The machine does not fill with water | Poor water pressure or lack thereof, blockage in the water inlet system, breakdown of the inlet valve, control module semistor |
E13 | Leakage in the system | The tightness of hoses, connections or tank is broken |
E20 , E21 , EF0 , EF1 , E23 , E24 | The machine does not drain water | Blockage in the drain or sewer system, breakdown of the drain pump or control module |
E31 , E32 , E33 , E34 , E35 , E38 | Problems filling the tank | Incorrect operation of the pressure switch |
E40 , E41 , E42 , E43 , E44 , E45 | The washing machine hatch is not closed | Entry of foreign objects into the hatch opening and the lock mechanism, deformation of the cuff, breakdown of the door locking system and lock mechanism, malfunction of the control board |
E51 | Motor triac is faulty | The motor triac burned out as a result of a short circuit |
E50 , E51 , E53 , E54 , E55 | Incorrect motor operation | Malfunctions in the operation of the motor itself, its winding, triac or circuit connecting the motor and triac |
E52 , E56 , E59 | Incorrect operation of the tachogenerator | Malfunctions in the operation of the tachogenerator and its contacts |
E57 , E58 | Problems with the motor | Mains voltage too high |
E61 , E62 , E66 , E68 , E69 , E3A , E71 , E74 | The machine cannot heat the water or heats it too much | Incorrect operation of the temperature sensor or heating element |
E90 , E91 | The washing machine does not respond to commands from the dashboard | Lost communication between the control module and the washing machine panel |
EF5 | Drum imbalance | The drum is not loaded correctly, the machine is not level. |
EF2 | Excessive foaming | Using too much powder or poor quality product |
EH1 | Supply voltage frequency does not comply with permissible limits | Problems with the electrical network or control module |
EH2 | Mains voltage too high | Electrical problems |
EH3 | Mains voltage too low | Electrical problems |
When is the best time to call a professional?
Repairing household appliances is not an easy task. It’s not worth doing it without any experience, knowledge and skills. Sometimes this can be not only a useless exercise, but also dangerous.
Improper repairs can lead to more serious problems and even render the machine beyond repair.
As for repairing Electrolux washing machines, you can only repair basic faults yourself. For example, clean the drain hose, check the filter, change the lock on the door. More serious damage is best left to professionals.
In particular, you should not attempt to repair the engine yourself. If the machine does not spin the drum, then most likely this is the reason.
The engine could be completely worn out or specific parts may be faulty: electric brushes, drive belt.
Often the engine simply burns out. A short circuit in the network may be to blame. One way or another, it’s not worth opening, diagnosing and repairing the engine yourself. This work should be entrusted to a professional.
Note! Incorrect operation of the engine leads to wear of other components. If you discover the slightest problem, you should stop using the machine.
If the machine has stopped heating water, then it should also be shown to the technician. The reason is a breakdown of the heating element, thermostat, voltage stabilizer. It’s easy to check whether the unit is heating - you need to wait twenty minutes from the start of the wash and put your hand on the hatch. If the glass is warm, then the equipment is working properly. Repairing a thermostat or heating element is not expensive and will take little time.
An experienced master will complete the job in literally half an hour.
Important! If any malfunctions are detected, the Electrolux machine cannot be restarted. This may lead to more significant damage.
It is also necessary to call a technician if the automatic box knocks out when you turn on the washing machine. This means the problem is in the electrical network. In this case, independent intervention is prohibited, because it can be dangerous not only for the equipment, but also for the person himself. Only an electrician can safely find the problem and fix it quickly.
The diagnostic question will be individual in each case and depend on the operating rules of the washing machine.
How to proceed
Unplug the plug from the socket - wait 20 minutes - restart the program. The error has not disappeared, continue to search for the cause of the MCA failure.
The stabilizer ensures uninterrupted operation of Electrolux and eliminates circuit failures due to “surprises” of the mains voltage.
Error e41
Decoding
The error states that the electronic board of the washing machine does not receive a signal that the loading door is locked. The automation does not “see” Electrolux’s readiness for the start of the cycle, does not give permission for the SMA to start working, and generates a fault code. Other errors also indicate problems with the Electrolux hatch, from 40 to 45 - there is no clear recommendation for fixing the problem. Troubleshooting is carried out using the elimination method; several components (mechanisms) are subject to inspection. Experienced technicians note that error e41 Electrolux is often associated with mechanical damage.
Causes
SMAs are equipped with two types of UBL. Electrolux mainly uses electronic locks, the main elements of which are a PTC resistor and an electric magnet. You cannot check this unit on your own, at home. If the suitable wires are free of defects and the contacts are reliable, contact service or change the UBL (cannot be restored).
When purchasing, choose a device for “your” washing machine, according to its designation in the passport.
Error e52
Decoding
The electronic board “does not see” the rotation of the washing machine motor shaft. Interpretation of technical documentation for SMA Electrolux: no signal is received from the tachogenerator. Error 52 is caused by several problems, most of which resolve themselves.
When dismantling the motor, please note: for ease of operation, it is not recommended to turn the washing machine upside down or place it on its side - the remaining liquid from the hydraulic system and tray will flood the control board.
Causes
Motor drive
If the Electrolux engine is of a commutator type, the search for the cause of the error should begin by assessing the condition of the belt drive.
Error e52 is caused by:
If no defects are identified, you will have to remove the motor to find the cause of the problem with the washing machine. Before starting work, study the instructions for “your” Electrolux model.
Sliding contacts
If the Electrolux has a commutator type motor, you should continue to search for the cause of the error by monitoring the condition of the carbon brushes. Experienced craftsmen claim that 90% of the fault code is caused by wear: when the washing machine operates, the contact elements gradually wear off.
Only change in pairs, even if one of the brushes is usable.
On a note! It is more advisable to purchase kits: a brush holder assembled with tips. Installing coal bars purchased separately is fraught with a number of difficulties. When soldering, the copper braid, actively absorbing tin, loses its elasticity and becomes a solid conductor. This reduces the mobility of the brush and can cause it to get stuck in the holder body. The result is loss of contact, malfunction of the washing machine, Electrolux error.
Tachogenerator
The sensor is installed on the motor shaft of the washing machine. Controls the speed by transmitting a rotation signal to the control board. Error e52 is caused by:
Electrolux engine
Error e52 is the result of several factors:
A heating element is suitable as a ballast. If it gets hot, there is a winding defect. Testing for resistance without knowing its value is pointless. Experts recommend applying multimeter probes to adjacent lamellas. R within 20 - 30 Ohms is considered normal. But this technique gives only an approximate result - it is impossible to understand how the engine will behave in different operating modes of the washing machine, under significant load.
The faulty motor is replaced. It’s not worth sending it in for repair or rewinding. The money will be approximately the same, and the service life of a rebuilt engine, as practice shows, rarely exceeds 1–1.5 years.
Note
Washing machine errors are sent to the display board from the electronic module: they are generated by the Electrolux “brain” based on the information provided by the sensors. If diagnostics of the MCA components does not reveal the cause of the malfunction, work on the control board. It is not recommended to “pick” the PU on your own, no matter what your “professors” in the field of repair say, or advice from forums and articles posted on the Internet.
And even more so, you shouldn’t try to reinstall the software yourself. About 89% of boards, the resuscitation of which is impossible, are the result of unprofessional actions of users.
What to do
It is not recommended to take anything beyond these actions. The price of an Electrolux control board starts at 8,000 rubles, and diagnostics and repairs of control units cost several times less. If you can’t fix the error yourself, contact a service organization. Choose only a center certified by the Electrolux manufacturer. Difficulties will arise with an ordinary repair shop category. Such structures do not have circuits, diagnostic equipment, spare parts, or trained specialists. Repairing a washing machine will become expensive and take a long time, and the quality is in doubt.
If you have experience in correcting Electrolux washing machines , write in the comments to this article, we will try to consider your option and analyze it in detail in this or one of the following articles . Send photos and videos with comments and descriptions.
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