Why does error E20 occur and how to eliminate it in an Electrolux washing machine?

Electrolux washing machines are equipped with a component diagnostic function, which allows the user to quickly identify a faulty system.

One of the most common errors is E20, which occurs when water is slowly drained from the tank of an Electrolux washing machine.

To eliminate this error, it is necessary to examine all elements of the drainage system from the sewerage system to the control unit of the machine.

What does the code that the Electrolux washing machine produces mean?

Error code E20 appears in Electrolux washing machines if draining water from the tank continues for more than 10 minutes.

This may be due to malfunctions of the following parts:

• drain hose and sewer;
• drain pump (pump);
• filter, which is located in front of the pump;
• corrugated pipe between the tank and the pump;
• water level sensor (pressostat);
• an electronic control unit (ECU), which reads the sensor signals and starts the pump.

As a rule, during the washing process the user sees only code E20. You can more accurately determine the location of the breakdown using the diagnostic (test) mode.

To enable this function, you need to hold down the “Start” button and the one closest to it, and then switch the program selector to one of the positions. The drain and spin test is carried out in the eighth position of the handle.

After starting the diagnostics, another code may appear on the display : E21, E23 or E24. There are separate codes to indicate breakdowns of the pressure switch (E31-E35, E38), so error E20 most often indicates problems with other components of the drain system.

In automatic washing machines (CMA) without a display, the code is displayed using special indicators, which are located on the right side of the front panel. The eight light bulbs are divided into 2 groups: upper and lower. You can determine the error code using the number of the lit indicator in the group.

Indication of drain system errors
on SMA without display:

In older models with an EMW1000 series control module, the error code can be determined by the number of flashes of the two indicators located near the Start button.

We check the motor carefully

• collector lamellas;
• rotor and stator windings;
• electric brushes.

More often, the lamellas “suffer” and deteriorate after a short circuit in the windings. Due to current fluctuations, the contact plates overheat and peel off, which introduces an imbalance in the operation of the motor. The “layers” are fixed with an adhesive solution directly on the collector, and the electrical connection occurs due to the formation of special hooks in the rotor section. It is the latter that often becomes impossible if the cord breaks at the joint due to a breakdown.

It is many times worse when the lamellas delaminate when heated. Then the current passing through the plates and winding becomes higher than the operating level and can lead to unpredictable consequences. Peeling can be confirmed by slowly turning the rotor with one hand: if a clear cracking sound is heard, then there is a defect. It is prohibited to operate such a unit.

Detachment does not occur by accident. This can be caused by jammed bearings or starting the washing machine with half-open flaps when loading vertically. Also, through such a defect, the lamellas “hint” at serious breakdowns in the motor or improper operation of the machine. If there is a slight peeling of up to 0.5 mm, the situation can be corrected by grooving the collector on a special machine. We also do not forget about a visual control check, cleaning the housing from chips and dust, and manually cleaning all irregularities.

Another problem area on the engine is the electric brushes. If they are worn out, then operating the machine becomes risky. The fact is that when the carbon tips wear out, the “body” of the brushes begins to rub against the engine body, causing sparks to appear. To minimize the risk of fire, the old pair must be replaced with a new one.

The choice of new parts should be taken extremely seriously. You can purchase a replacement through specialized stores, service centers or on the Internet. In the latter case, it is enough to enter a request into any search engine, select the organization you like, contact their support service, check the availability of spare parts or place an order. You can navigate the assortment by the serial number of the washer, motor, or the old model. There are no universal brushes - each engine requires “its own” tips. Hardness is also important, since coals that are too hard can damage the collector.

If there are no problems with the brushes, windings and lamellas on the motor, there is only one possibility of failure - failure of the control board. There may be several reasons for the malfunction, but it is not recommended to carry out diagnostics yourself. It is cheaper and more reliable to immediately turn to professionals, since the electronic module is an extremely fragile and expensive system.

Causes, diagnosis and solutions

The causes of a malfunction of the drain system can be:

1. 
   Mechanical blockage of the hose, filter, internal pipe, pump or sewer.

2. Kink in the drain hose.
3. Damage to the pump impeller due to a foreign object.
4. Failure or manufacturing defect of the pump's electrical system.
5. Disconnection, destruction or oxidation of the contacts of the pump and the electronic unit.
6. Combustion of tracks and radio elements on the ECU board.

The appearance of code E20 on the display does not always indicate a critical breakdown. It can occur due to a one-time malfunction of the electronic module or a slight blockage that can be eliminated within 1-2 minutes.

When error E20 appears, you must:

• disconnect the SMA from the power supply for 10-15 minutes;
• inspect the drain hose for kinks;
• remove it from the sewer pipe, place it in a large basin or sink;
• start the drain program.

If the error occurs again, you must turn off the unit and begin diagnostics. If the water is draining normally, you should check the permeability of the sewer and install the hose in place.

Clogged drain filter, pipe or hose

A clog in the drain system is one of the easiest SMA problems to fix. To restore the operation of the unit, you must:

1. Turn off the washing machine.
2. Remove the bottom panel on the front of the unit, behind which is the drain filter.
3. Cover the floor under the filter with an absorbent cloth and place a wide, low container. Turn the handle and remove the part.
4. After removing water from the tank, disconnect the drain hose and check it for blockages using a stream of running water.
5. Inspect and wash the filter. Use your fingers to clean the seat.

On Electrolux top-loading models, the drain filter is accessed through the tank, so you need to remove the laundry before draining the water.

To check the pipe, you will need to partially disassemble the washing machine. This part is secured with clamps at the outlet of the tank and the inlet of the drain pump.

Drain pump failure

If the drain is not blocked, then the problem may be a faulty pump. Error E20 can appear in several cases:

• the pump impeller is jammed with a small object;
• one or more pump blades are broken;
• the pump electric motor burned out;
• The pump contacts have oxidized or become disconnected.

To check and repair the pump, you will need to disassemble the SMA and disconnect the wires and hoses. After this, you need to dismantle the pump, examine the impeller and check the resistance at the contacts with a multimeter (nominal value is about 170 Ohms).

A breakdown of the pump motor can be determined by the absence of a characteristic hum at the beginning of the drain . If the motor or impeller is broken, the sump pump will need to be completely replaced. In other cases, the part is repairable.

Electronic unit malfunction

If, if the pump is clogged or malfunctioning, only errors E20 and E21 appear on the display, then if there is a problem with the computer, codes E23 and E24 may also appear.

Problems with draining water may occur due to the following failures of the electronic module:

• broken wires or oxidation of contacts (E20, E24);
• module firmware failure (E20, E21);
• breakdown of the pump control triac (E23);
• defective pump control circuit on the board (E24).

To restore the operation of the SMA, the technician checks the functionality of the radio elements, cleans and solders the defective tracks, and, if necessary, reprograms the board. If a large number of tracks or the processor is damaged, a complete replacement of the module is necessary.

Sequencing

Before diagnosing and troubleshooting, you must:

• turn off the power supply;
• disconnect the water hoses;
• place household appliances in a convenient place for inspection.

To avoid flooding everything around, before disconnecting the drain hoses, you should release all the accumulated water from them. In this case, you can already get a preliminary picture of the problem. So, if the liquid pours out freely, this may indicate a clogged drain or a clogged pump. In this case, it is necessary to clean all the components that are located at the bottom of the front wall of the washing machine. Sometimes the problem may be with the filter. If it becomes clogged, it is specially washed and cleaned of dirt.

Features of calling a master

The cost of repair depends on the cause of error E20:

1. If the drain system is clogged - from 1300 rubles.
2. If the drain pump malfunctions - from 1800 rubles.
3. If the contacts of the pump or electronic module are damaged - from 1,700 rubles.
4. If the control unit breaks down – from 2300 rubles.

If it is necessary to replace parts, the cost of spare parts is taken into account separately.
The cost of services from a private master can be 15-20% lower than in service centers, but in this case the risk of fraud increases. To avoid becoming a victim of unscrupulous specialists, you must:

• check the legal address of the service center;
• contact the recommendations of friends or study responses on thematic resources;
• Find out in advance the diagnostic conditions, the availability of a warranty and repair documents (receipts, receipts, work reports, etc.).

The warranty period after repair work ranges from 6 to 24 months depending on the part.

All elements are working properly, but the error signal does not disappear

We figured out how to fix the problem. But sometimes a situation arises in which an error known to us can disrupt the operation of a washing machine for no reason. To be more precise, the problem still exists, but it is not related to the flow or drainage of fluid, and the units responsible for this function normally. It turns out that the machine is washing, but an alarm signal is displayed on the screen.

The reason for its appearance may be electronics. To be specific - the management block. It can fail for several reasons - from voltage surges, from frequent machine stops during the work process, from manufacturing defects, etc.

In this case, an experienced specialist will have to deal with this situation, since it is not recommended to dismantle and test the control unit module yourself if you do not have the appropriate skills for this.

Prevention of the problem

To prevent error E20 from appearing, you must:

1. 
   Follow the instructions for use of the SMA.

2. Protect the electronic unit and pump with a stabilizer or voltage relay.
3. Clean pockets and recesses of clothing from foreign objects (nuts, hairpins, coins, etc.).
4. Clean the drain filter between washes.
5. When replacing a pump or ECU, install high-quality branded spare parts, checking their performance using a multimeter.

Recommendations for avoiding error E20 on an Electrolux washing machine

In order for error e20 to appear on your product as rarely as possible, you must:

1. Use high-quality water for washing with the least amount of impurities;
2. Carry out scale prevention more often;
3. Before loading laundry into the machine drum, carefully check the contents of the pockets. Also check the reliability of fastening buttons, locks and other accessories of your clothing;
4. Clean the pump filter periodically;
5. Use the machine in well-ventilated areas away from possible exposure to moisture;
6. After completing the operation of the device, unplug it from the electrical outlet. Otherwise, voltage surges may have a detrimental effect on the electronics of the product.

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Useful tips

The following recommendations will help maintain the functionality of the drainage system:

1. Items with large decor, plastic locks, beads and other accessories are recommended to be washed in special mesh bags with a drawstring or zipper.
2. While washing, you should listen to the sound of the SMA. An abnormal grinding or knocking noise may indicate a foreign object in the drum or tank.
3. If there are no breakdowns, every six months it is necessary to run the diagnostic mode and check the contacts of the pump and the electronic unit. Oxidized tracks are cleaned with alcohol, phosphoric acid or a special solvent.
4. To completely remove water from the pump after washing, you need to unscrew the drain filter immediately after the end of the cycle. Liquid left inside shortens the life of the part and leads to a musty smell.

How to fix

If fault code E20 appears on an Electrolux washing machine, repairs will have to be made. The first step is to determine the reasons for the error.

To do this, you need to remove all the laundry and check all the components, starting with checking all possible causes of the malfunction:

• Drain filter and its filter mesh. To do this, you need to drain the water from their machine. Almost all Electrolux washing machine models have a thin emergency water drain hose near the drain filter. Through it you can remove all the water from the product. But to speed up the process, it’s easier to tilt the washing machine back, place a low but voluminous container under it and unscrew the filter.
• The water will drain much faster, and at the same time we will see the presence of possible foreign objects both in the filter and in the drained water. But if during this procedure the water refuses to drain from the tank, then a blockage has formed precisely in the pipe connecting the tank and the pump of the machine. If the water has leaked out, then clean the filter and put it back in place;
• Next, check for any possible blockage in the drain hose. You can dismantle it from the pump, sewer and check its capacity with tap water pressure. If the hose is clogged, it is necessary to clean it of dirt and foreign objects and put it in place, securely fastening it;
• If no blockage is found in the filter and drain hose, you need to check the condition of the pressure switch and the wiring connected to it. To do this, you need to remove the top cover of the machine body. The sensor itself is located at the top of the washing machine. We check the hose with air pressure and the wiring visually;
• If there is a blockage in the pipe, it will be necessary to partially disassemble the washing machine body and remove the hose. Most Electrolux models have two body halves, one of which is removable. To dismantle it, you need to unscrew with an 8 mm socket head 4 screws on top, 2-3 in the lower rear part of the case and 2 screws on the sides in the bottom (under the decorative white plugs).
• Then release the rear part of the housing from the drain hose, the valve mounting panel and the supply wire and move it back. Now you will have almost all the parts of the washing machine at your fingertips. We find the required pipe at the bottom of the machine, loosen the clamps securing it (using a Phillips screwdriver or a 7 mm socket) and remove it.
• If there are foreign objects in it, it is necessary to remove them, wash the part and install it back into the drain system. Pay attention to the necessary free movement of the ball float inside the pipe.
• We first check the functionality of the drain pump with a multimeter. We convert the tester into reading resistance values ​​up to 2KOhm. The pump winding resistance should be in the range of 170-210 Kom. If the values ​​coincide, its performance can be checked by applying voltage to it.

To remove the pump, you need to unscrew 1 screw, press the safety latch, turn it to the side and remove it.

When voltage is applied to the pump winding, the impeller should freely start at maximum speed without any extraneous squeaks or noises. But often the pump works normally in diagnostic mode, but during the washing process it refuses to perform its function.

It is necessary to check the presence of exhausted rotor play by lateral rocking of the impeller from side to side. If there is play and it is significant, it is recommended to replace the pump with a new one. The pump develops due to the hard water used during washing.

It is better to let specialists deal with breakdowns of the electronic module. Without special skills, you can only make the situation with board repair even more difficult. Repairing electrolux washing machine circuit boards requires special knowledge, skills and detailed information about their design.

If the processor breaks down, you will have to purchase a new, expensive unit.

The design of the Electrolux top-loading washing machine involves two removable side panels of the body, which makes it easier to repair by visibility of all its parts and components. There are more problems with vertical loading of a washing machine associated with error E20 due to the possibility of foreign objects getting through the upper hole past the drum directly to the bottom of the tank.

Possible faults requiring repair

The appearance of code E20 is a good reason to contact a specialist. Failures in which Electroluxes produce twentieth errors are quite varied. According to the experience of RemBytTech service engineers, the following nodes are most often affected.

Drain pump - from 1800 rub.

Most likely, it burned out due to debris getting into it or power surges.

Signs

The Electrolux machine stopped with water, E20 is lit on the display. If you enter the service mode, the code E21 is displayed

How to fix

The faulty pump is replaced with a new one.

Blockage in the drain path - from 1300 rubles.

Most often, blockages occur in the drain pipe, filter, hose or sewer. Due to the blockage, the water cannot drain or it does so too slowly. As a result, the machine issues an emergency code.

Signs

The Electrolux machine stopped with water, E20 is lit on the display. If you enter the service mode, the code E21 is displayed

How to fix

The technician sequentially checks: sewerage, drain hose, pump, drain filter, drain pipe. Once a blockage is detected, it removes it.

Pressostat (water level switch) - from 1800 rubles.

The sensor is probably stuck in the “empty tank” position. The breakdown may be related to:

• with contamination of the pressure switch chamber;
• with blockage, damage or displacement of the pressure switch hose;
• with failure of the node sensor.

Signs

The washing machine does not drain water and produces E20.

How to fix

The technician examines the pressure switch and, based on the nature of the damage:

• removes and cleans the pressure switch chamber;
• blows out, reattaches or replaces the level sensor hose;
• changes the part completely.

Control module - from 2300 rub.

The radio elements have failed or the tracks in the drain pump circuit have burned out.

If in service mode the machine shows E23, the pump control triac has burned out, E24 means a malfunction of other board elements in the drain pump circuit.

Signs

The drain does not work and the machine freezes on the wash cycle with error E20. In service mode, Electrolux shows errors E23 or E24.

How to fix

The technician diagnoses the control module and, based on the nature of the malfunction:

• resolders burnt radio elements;
• solders the board tracks;
• completely replaces the board (if the processor fails).

Damage to wiring or contacts in the pump circuit - from 1,700 rubles.

Most often, the wiring suffers from vibrations when the machine is operating, the contacts rot or burn out. In the private sector, the damage is caused by mice or rats.

Signs

SMA Electrolux does not drain water and writes code E20.

Repair methods

Before starting repair work, you should disconnect the machine from the power supply and drain the water from the drum using a drain hose. When draining, you need to pay attention; if water comes out without any problems, then the problem is either a clogged sewer or a pump. Then just take the laundry out of the machine and you can start troubleshooting.

First, check the siphon into which the water is drained. If there are no blockages in it, then you should move on to checking the drain pump and filter. After removing the filter, check it for blockages and, if there are any, get rid of them.

If the filter was clean, then proceed to removing the pump. In washing machines from Electrolux, the pump is located next to the back wall. You will need to remove the back cover of the machine and disconnect all contacts from the pump. Then we climb under the bottom of the device, there we unscrew the bolt that holds the pump. Next, remove the bandages from the drain hose and pull out the pump.

Causes of failure with code E20

A malfunction with code E20 is usually displayed on the machine’s display. This error tells the machine user that the machine cannot drain waste water after washing. In this case, the device may not drain water at all or may drain water, but at the same time, the signal indicating that the drum is empty does not reach the electronic module boards.

The main reasons for the incorrect operation of the machine are blockages or kinks in the hose through which water is drained, blockages in the drain filter, blockages or damage to the pump, damage to the pump winding, and faulty contacts leading from the pump to the control module. In the worst case scenario, the electronic module itself breaks down.

How to remove and clean the drain pump

First of all, the user should check the siphon and riser; if everything is fine with them, remove the drain pump and filter mesh for diagnostics. To do this, you need to follow these steps:

• Unscrew the fasteners, remove and put aside the back cover of the Electrolux washing machine.
• Disconnect the wiring connecting the pump and the pressure switch. It is recommended to take a photo of the connection first to avoid errors during assembly.
• Unscrew the bolt holding the pump at the bottom of the machine.
• Release the clamps securing the hose and pipe.
• Remove the pump.
• Pull out the pipe.

During the disassembly process, it is recommended to photograph the Electrolux washing machine before removing each part in order to avoid mistakes during subsequent assembly.

With the pump removed, carefully remove the cover and inspect the impeller. You can find hair, wool, threads and other debris on it. It is necessary to carefully clean it and wipe it dry. Next, you need to take a multimeter and diagnose the pump. You should attach probes to it and observe the resistance readings on the display. If the device is working properly, 200 Ohms or very similar numbers will appear on the screen. Otherwise, the part must be replaced with a new one. You can purchase it at a service center, a specialized store or via the Internet, but you must select it strictly in accordance with the model of the Electrolux washing machine.

Error E20 - when you can fix it yourself

The 20th error in the Electrolux SMA does not always indicate a breakdown. Here is a list of reasons that you can fix on your own:

• Drain filter clogged. The filter protects the drain pump from small debris from clothing pockets. When the filter is clogged, water leaves the tank slowly or does not drain at all. Clean the filter yourself using our instructions, or order a cleaning service.

• The drain hose is kinked or squashed. Inspect the drain hose: if you find kinks, creases or places of compression, release it.
• Blockage in the sewer. The SMA is often connected to the sink siphon, which often becomes clogged. Due to the blockage, the water cannot drain and the machine displays an error. It is necessary to remove the blockage: yourself or by calling a plumber E 20.
• One-time failure of the control module. Sometimes errors in the SMA appear due to “glitches” of the control module. It is necessary to reboot the module: to do this, disconnect your Electrolux from the power supply for 10-15 minutes. Perhaps the machine will “sag” and the error will disappear on its own.