What is a washing machine error code?

Well, most modern day washing machines come equipped with a printed circuit board (PCB) that behaves like a small computer. This not only provides the program selection to operate the machine but has service information to help diagnose problems.

On your control panel facia, you may have and LED of LCD readout. During normal operation this will indicate the program selection or time to wash or even the temperature of your wash. In the event of a washing machine failure, this readout will show an error code.

If you look in the back of your user handbook you may see some examples of error codes and their meaning. Some manufacturers prefer not to divulge this information so you may have to refer to the appliance repair help blog you are now reading. We hope to bring some examples of washing machine error codes here but if your machine is not covered let us know and we may be able to help.

Some of the earlier washing machines didn’t use led / lcd readouts but and led lamps. The led lights signified an error code based on the sequence the lights where lit. They can be On, Off or Flashing.

As an example I am going to use Hotpoint WMA types of machine but only because it is one of the most popular models in the UK market.

FAULT DESCRIPTION A B C D
No Spin ON OFF OFF OFF
Possible Door Interlock OFF ON OFF OFF
Failed to fill in time ON ON OFF OFF
Failed to empty in time ON OFF ON OFF
Thermistor has no signal OFF ON ON OFF
Speed Controller or tacho ON ON ON OFF
Motor / tacho out of circuit ON OFF ON ON

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