Error codes for Zanussi washing machines (Zanussi) - decoding and what to do

The Zanussi washing machine informs the owner about breakdowns by displaying fault codes on a digital display. If your SMA has a display, you are in luck: you will be immediately informed of the slightest malfunction by the corresponding code.

If you have an automatic machine without a display, then you can also determine the breakdown by determining what this or that combination of glowing indicators means.

We will take a detailed look at what each Zanussi SM code means, what are the reasons for its appearance, and offer effective solutions to the problem.

Zanussi filling system failure: codes and reasons

The most common breakdowns and their causes

Service center specialists have been repairing Zanussi washing equipment for many years. During this time, enough information has accumulated to provide statistics on common malfunctions of the SM of this brand and the reasons leading to breakdowns:

1. Unreliable drive belts that stretch and slip in the pulley over time, causing the drum to slow down. It is possible for the drum to stop due to a belt flying off the pulley.
2. Hatch locking devices (hereinafter also referred to as UBL, lock) are not of high quality. Many Zanussi SM repairs are associated with this particular breakdown.
3. Tubular electric heaters (hereinafter also referred to as heating elements) are not designed to work with hard water, so they quickly become covered with scale and burn out from overheating.

In addition to the manufacturer’s shortcomings, there are operational problems that are common to all brands of SM, including units with both front and vertical loading:

1. Blockages in the water drainage system, as a result of which the machines do not wring out the laundry well and do not completely drain the water from the tank.
2. Rapid wear of parts due to contact with hard and contaminated water. Dirty and rusty water from the water supply clogs the inlet filters, disrupting the performance of the AFM.

The main causes of breakdowns of Zanussi washing machines are violation of operating rules and hard water in the water supply.

Electric motor failures - table of errors and breakdowns of the Zanussi machine

Problems with sensors

• The water pressure switch does not work.
• There are fluctuations in the readings of the sensor, which is responsible for pressure.
• The water quantity sensors and the one that prevents dry running provide different information.
• The water level sensor and anti-boil sensor do not work in harmony.
• There is too much water in the drum of your Zanussi washing machine.
• The sensor that determines the degree of turbidity of the water has failed. It is worth noting that only the newest modifications of Zanussi washing machines have such a device.

Water heating failure: main fault codes

Zanussi washing machine without a knob for selecting washing modes.

In this case, the control panel can have both a display and light diodes (Fig. 4) or only light diodes (Fig. 5).

Fig.4

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Entering diagnostic mode.
Fig.5

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Entering diagnostic mode.
To enter service mode you must:

1. press the “start” and “reset” buttons simultaneously, as shown in Fig. 4 or Fig. 5, holding them down, turn on the machine;
2. hold both buttons pressed until the light diodes on the panel begin to blink.

This means that the machine is in service mode. Checking the operation of the front panel buttons is similar to the previous version of the panel with a program selection knob.

By pressing button 1 (Fig. 6) you can sequentially move to the next diagnostic step. Button 2 returns the previous step (Fig. 6). The completion of each step is accompanied by an indication of the corresponding light diode (for example, in Fig. 2 they are located vertically on the left of the panel).

Fig.6

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Service mode management.
The order and content of the service mode steps are similar to the SMA with a mode selection knob. (see above).

After completing the service mode, the latest error of the Zanussi washing machine will be shown (Fig. 7).

Fig.7

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Indication of the latest error code.
The order of reading the code is clear from this figure, as well as from the table (see above).

In order to reset the error, you must simultaneously press buttons 2 and 4 while going through the service mode (see Fig. 8).

Fig.8

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Reset error.
Below, see Table 2, which lists all Zanussi and Electrolux error codes with a description of the reasons for their occurrence and solutions.

Sensor failures in a Zanussi car, error codes

Basic malfunctions and their elimination

The listed malfunctions of Zanussi washing machines are quite common, but most owners can fix them themselves.

Problems with the flow and drainage of water from the tank

The most common malfunctions of units are clogged inlet and drain filters. Unfortunately, the Zanussi CM inlet strainers are not designed for the poor quality of domestic tap water and after some time they become clogged, and the equipment displays error codes E10, E11 or EF4. To prevent this from happening, install an additional filter with a water softener between the water supply and the ACM inlet.

Removing the filter from the inlet fitting

To clean the inlet filter mesh from dirt, remove the inlet hose from the fitting and carefully remove or unscrew the filter using pliers. Rinse the mesh under strong water pressure, then replace the filter element. If the error code does not disappear after this, check the water pressure in the water supply.

Drain filter clogged with dirt

The appearance of error codes E20, E21 or EF1 indicates that it is time to clean the drain filter from dirt and fabric fibers. This is done simply:

• forcefully drain the remaining water from the tank;
• open the plug in the lower right part of the front wall;
• Unscrew the filter and clean it of foreign objects, fibers and dirt.

It is advisable to carry out this operation after every 2-3 washes. Before washing items, always empty your pockets to prevent their contents from falling into the drum.

Hatch door malfunction

The door locking device breaks due to wear and careless handling (errors E40–E44). You cannot close the hatch abruptly or forcefully - this is the main cause of breakdowns. UBL can be purchased and replaced independently. To do this, you need to partially disassemble the Zanussi washing machine in the hatch area:

1. Open the door, and to the right of it, unscrew the two screws that secure the UBL in the housing.
2. Using a flat-head screwdriver, pry the spring clamp holding the elastic sealing cuff from below and remove it.
3. Pull out the cuff on the right side with your fingers.
4. Place your hand into the gap formed between the tank and the body of the machine.
5. Remove the UBL and disconnect the connector connected by wires to the control circuit.
6. Connect the new locking device and install it in the seat.
7. Reassemble all parts in reverse order.

Sequence of actions when replacing UBL

Sometimes the cause of UBL inoperability is damage to the triac in the electrical circuit of the control unit. In this case, it is better to entrust diagnostics and repairs to a qualified technician.

Video about replacing the hatch door UBL using the example of a Bosch washing machine:

How to replace or correct a drive belt

When the drive belt wears out, the sound of the motor spinning can be heard, but the drum does not rotate smoothly. How to disassemble a Zanussi washing machine to get to the belt and check its condition? To do this, just remove the back cover of the machine.

Replacing the belt in a Zanussi washing machine

Replacing the drive belt is simple: you need to remove the old part and put on the new one. First, the belt is put on the electric motor pulley, then carefully on the large drum pulley. A belt that has fallen off can be corrected in the same way.

Checking and replacing the water heater

One of the common malfunctions of Zanussi washing machines is that the water does not heat up due to damage to the heating element or the formation of scale on its surface (errors E61, E69). In order to check the heating element, you need to remove the back cover of the AFM and test it with a multimeter. Typically the heater is located under the tank, near the electric motor.

Location of the heating element in the washing machine

A working heating element has a resistance from 24 to 40 Ohms. If it burns out, the multimeter will indicate an open circuit. The heating element is replaced as follows:

• remove the wires and unscrew the fastening nut in the center of the part;
• carefully remove the heater from the groove using a screwdriver and WD-40 lubricant;
• clean the groove and install a new heating element in the seat;
• connect the wires.

To fix the listed faults, you will have to purchase new spare parts for Zanussi washing machines. You can do this in one of the many online stores. To select the right spare part, you must accurately indicate to the manager the model of your washing machine. You can also purchase new original parts from specialized service centers that repair Zanussi SM. The seller must issue a warranty card for each spare part purchased. The warranty period depends on each specific part.

Most common problems with Zanussi washing machines can be fixed yourself. To do this, it is enough to have a little skill in handling tools.

Other error codes

Table 2. Error codes for Zanussi (Electrolux) with EWM 2000 board.

SMA "Zanussi" without display - with rotary control

Custom Zanussi CM control panels equipped with EWM2000 controllers can be without a display - only with LEDs.

To determine the malfunction, you need to enter the service mode. Proceed according to the scheme:

1. Set the program control to the “OFF” position.
2. Simultaneously hold down the start button and any other button, as shown in the picture above. While holding the buttons, start the washer from the start button.
3. Hold down the keys until the lights start flashing.

Flashing lamps will indicate that the equipment has entered service mode. Then, in the zero position of the program selector, check the operation of the interface. When you press the button, the corresponding lamp will light up.

In this mode, you can check the functionality of individual components of an electrical device. To check, turn the regulator in a clockwise direction, checking the modes step by step:

• Step 1. Supply water to the main wash compartment.
• Step 2: Supply water to the pre-wash compartment.
• Step 3: Supply water to the air conditioner compartment.
• Step 4. Supply water to the bleach compartment.
• Step 5. Heating and recirculation (if provided).
• Step 6. Leak test (at this point the drum will start with water at high speed).
• Step 7. Drain and spin test. The consistency of the level sensor signals is also being checked.
• Step 8. Drying test (for models with drying).

At each step, the door lock is also checked, and at the moment of water intake, the time allocated for filling the tank to the overflow level is checked, and the functionality of the level sensors is monitored.

It is in the service mode that you can view the latest equipment errors and reset them.

To reset errors, proceed as follows:

1. Turn the mode selector counterclockwise 2 steps from the off position.
2. On a panel without a display, indicators in binary code will flash (for example, groups 3 and 4 marked in the picture).

   

3. Convert the binary code into a letter or number according to the table (the filled circle indicates a lit indicator).

The 4 lowest lamps indicate units (4th group of indicators), and the four upper lamps indicate tens (3rd group). To reset the fault code, hold down the start button and button 6 while going through the diagnostics.

Now you know how to fix the situation if your Zanussi washing machine has generated a fault code. Often, resetting errors does not require much effort, and our recommendations will certainly help you.

Save the article to your bookmarks if you have chosen SM Zanussi - our table may still be useful to you.

Table 1. Indication of error codes for washing machines with an EWM 2000 controller.

The four lower LEDs (4) show ones (see Fig. 2), the four upper ones show tens (3).

To reset the error, you must simultaneously press the “start” button and button 6 during the diagnostic cycle (see Fig. 3). The four lower LEDs (4) show ones (see Fig. 2), the four upper ones show tens (3).

Fig.3

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Resetting the Zanussi washing machine error code (Electrolux washing machine errors).

Engine related fault codes

E51 – poor contact of the electric motor triac.

E52 – information is not received from the motor tachometer to the electronic board. Most often in such situations, the washer that holds the tachometer falls off.

E53 – the circuit controlling the electric motor triac is interrupted on the electronic board.

E54 – the relay contacts that provide motor reversal are stuck together.

E55 – engine electrical circuit is open.

E56 – the tachometer signal does not appear for a long time.

E57 - system current is more than 15A, the reason is a breakdown of the motor or electronic board.

E58 - the phase current of the electric motor is more than 4.5A, the reason is a breakdown of the motor or electronic board.

E59 – 3 seconds there is no signal from the tachometer, this may indicate a breakdown of the wiring between the motor and the inverter element, or a breakdown of the inverter board.

EA3 – the DSP system does not fix the electric motor pulley. Need to check:

Fault codes related to water heating

The error also concerns a sensor that prevents the heater from turning on without water.

Making it easier to find the problem

Typically, the washer itself activates the module check program, after which a fault code appears on the display. However, there are situations when the system freezes and does not start diagnostics of key components of the machine. Fortunately, this can be done manually.

How to understand that the machine did not cope with the diagnostics itself? It's simple: the equipment stops during washing, spinning or rinsing and does not react in any way to input commands. The display does not show an error code. To find out the cause of the malfunction, you should turn to the “Service Test” function and force the test to run.

Service test for LG Intellowasher washing machine

Make sure that the machine is connected to utilities, the drum is empty, the loading hatch is closed, and the detergent dosage chamber is in place. The photo shows the control panel. Follow the instructions.

1. Press 1 and 2, while holding these buttons, perform “START” with button 3. The result of this action will be displayed on the display screen.
2. Button 4 allows you to test the operating mode when pressed sequentially.

For clarity of testing, each step, pressing a button, is listed in the table. See photo.

For each washing machine there is an instruction manual, which lists the main error codes, information on how to read the code, faults according to the code, and which components of the machine need to be checked. If a breakdown occurs, the first thing you need to pay attention to is the error code that appears on the display screen or light information.

Take a photo of the control panel, find the car’s passport, and prepare to answer questions from the service center engineer where you should contact.

Fault codes related to water filling and draining

E11 – water is not being filled into the tank of the machine or it is flowing very slowly. The reasons for this error are as follows:

• the filling valve is inoperative or its electrics have broken down;
• the winding of the filling valve has burned out (normal resistance is 3.75 kOhm);
• clogging of the inlet system or lack of water pressure in the water supply system.

E13 – water seeps into the bottom of the machine.

E21 – waste water is not drained from the tank after washing. Worth checking:

• drain system for blockages;
• pump winding, normal resistance is 170 Ohms;
• electronic board.

For your information! In some models of Zanussi automatic cars, error E 21 is similar to error E20. Error E20 stands for drain system failure.

E22 – condensate is not removed during the drying process.

E23 - the semiconductor element (triac) that controls the operation of the pump has burned out; replace either the triac or the board.

E24 – the track from the triac controlling the pump is burnt out.

EC1 – the filling valve is blocked.

EF1 – the drain filter is clogged, the hose is clogged, the waiting time for draining the water has expired.

Other codes

E40

The hatch door is open or the lock is broken. This code is displayed quite rarely, and characteristic breakdowns can be indicated by other code combinations.

E82

Malfunction of the selector when selecting a washing program.

E83

Indication of selector failure. Displayed on the display only in diagnostic mode.

E85

The recirculation pump and/or thyristor are damaged in any way.

E95

The connection between the SMA microprocessor and its RAM is broken. The help of professional craftsmen is required.

EH0 (ENO)

The safety circuit relay may malfunction.