Electrolux washing machines have rightfully won the hearts of housewives. The machines of this company are reliable and durable. True, everything is never completely perfect, and owners of washing machines from this company are faced with problems. Modern machines, in the event of a malfunction, prompt the owner about the causes of the problem using a code. From it you can understand what is wrong with the assistant. Error E20 is quite common in the Electrolux washing machine. Let's take a closer look at what this code indicates, the reasons, the possibility of self-repair, etc.
Decoding the code
Manufacturers of washing machines have added the ability to determine, using a fault code, which specific unit has failed. But not in all cases. Each code has its own decoding. This error appears on the display of the washing machine. It can also be accompanied by additional sound (2 beeps) and light signals (2 blinks). Depending on the model.
The first digit in the code (in our case 2) indicates a specific malfunction, and the second (in our case 0) indicates a breakdown of a specific unit. Error code E20 means problems with the drain. There is no need to worry, because the cause may not necessarily be a breakdown, for example, the drain hose is kinked or pinched, the filter is clogged, etc. In many cases, the problem can be fixed without calling a technician.
The code system is a very convenient feature. But, unfortunately, it cannot always accurately indicate a specific part that has become unusable. This malfunction applies to just such a case. Therefore, you will have to look for the reason yourself.
Reasons for the malfunction
This prompt indicates that it is difficult or impossible for the washing machine to drain water for the following possible reasons:
- Scale in the main line system. Scale appears due to hard water, as well as due to the use of poor quality detergents. Over time, this can lead to complete congestion.
- Despite the considerable diameter of the pipe, a garbage plug (clump of hair, wool, sock, etc.) can form in it.
- The hose becomes clogged much more often than the pipe, since its diameter is much smaller. A blockage can be caused by hair, a piece of clothing, a bag, etc. Often a blockage forms where the hose connects to the sewer pipe.
- An equally common cause of poor drainage is the sewer system itself. If it is clogged, then water will not flow out of the washing machine, and accordingly, an error will appear.
- Pump clogged or broken. The cause may be a clogged filter or a jammed drain pump impeller. This problem can be caused by matches, sticks and other debris getting into the system. Also, the cause of pump failure can be scale build-up.
- Water level sensor malfunction. It is responsible for transmitting information to the control unit about filling the tank with water or emptying it. In the event of a malfunction, error E20 is displayed. The sensor can become unusable: poor electrical contact, clogged hose between the sensor and the pump, oxidation of the contacts.
- Electronic module. In other words, this is the head of the washing machine. It contains washing programs, parameters, etc. The module may break down due to unstable electrical voltage or moisture ingress.
Error E20 in an Electrolux washing machine: what to do, how to fix it
Most models of Electrolux washing machines are equipped with a self-diagnosis system. If for some reason the equipment begins to function incorrectly, it independently checks its condition. Having determined a malfunction, the equipment displays its code on the display or, in the absence of a screen, reports it by flashing the lights in a certain sequence. One of the most famous is error e20 in an Electrolux washing machine, signaling problems with water drainage.
Reasons for error e20
Error E20 (for some models E21 or C2) in the Electrolux washing machine is displayed on the screen, then a signal sounds twice. They notify that there is a problem in the drainage system. The equipment cannot drain dirty water and perform a spin cycle, or it performs these operations, but the sensor notifying that water is being drained from the tank is damaged.
The reason for error code e20 may be:
- Clogged hose or pipe.
- Pump clogged with debris or broken.
- Malfunction of the pressure switch (sensor that measures the amount of liquid in the tank) or its wires.
- Sometimes the problem is caused by the system board.
To carry out diagnostics and identify the cause of the breakdown, you can contact a service center and call a technician, but if the user wants to save money, he can repair the washing machine himself. To do this, you need to know how to identify and fix the problem.
How to resolve error E20
Before diagnosing the Electrolux washing machine and fixing the breakdown, you should disconnect the equipment from the network, drain and water supply and move it to a place where it will be more convenient to disassemble and repair. During the process, it is necessary to disconnect the drain hose and release all dirty liquid from it. If it flows freely, this may indicate a clogged pump or clogged drain. The remaining liquid should be drained through the filter, which can be found in the lower front part of the Electrolux washing machine. If it becomes clogged, it must be thoroughly washed and cleaned.
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.
You also need to inspect and wash the pipe, and also clean the drain hose with a special cable.
Next, you should assemble the Electrolux washing machine, guided by the photographs taken, and then connect it to the network, drain and water supply and perform a test wash. During work, you need to carefully monitor the behavior of the equipment.
If the problem persists after cleaning or replacing the pump, you will need to check the condition of the water level sensor and the wiring going from the pressure switch to the pump and control board. Usually error E20 occurs precisely because of damaged wires, because the breakdown of the pressure switch is signaled by codes E11 and E32.
If the wires and pressure switch are working properly, you need to check the system board. It is very difficult to do this on your own; it is recommended to contact a specialist who, for a certain amount, will conduct diagnostics, identify and eliminate the defect. The control board rarely breaks down; in most cases, you can solve the problem on your own.
To prevent error E20 from appearing, you need to follow the recommendations for using the Electrolux washing machine, which are described in detail in the instructions for the device. It is necessary to wash only with automatic powder, regularly clean the equipment with special products, use water softeners, and periodically remove and wash the filter. By following these simple rules, the user will not encounter error E20 and will avoid repairs.
Bottom line
If the Electrolux washing machine displays error code e20, this indicates a faulty drain system. You can solve the problem yourself at home if you know what to do in such a situation. The problem is usually associated with a clogged drain, drain hose and filter, as well as a clogged pump. Less commonly, error e20 occurs due to damaged wiring or a pressure switch, and very rarely due to a faulty washing machine control board. It is not recommended to repair the latter yourself.
Source: https://comp-plus.ru/remont/ustranyaem-oshibku-e20-v-stiralnoj-mashine-electrolux
DIY troubleshooting
We will identify the problem area in step-by-step steps. The first step is to unplug the washing machine and turn off the water supply.
We disconnect the hose from the sewer pipe and begin to drain the water from the washing machine. If water flows out of the hose quickly, it means the drain is clogged and the problem is not in the machine. Poor water supply from the hose or its complete absence indicates that a debris plug has formed in the hose, or it is squashed somewhere.
Having made sure that they are in good condition, we proceed to checking the filter and pump. We unscrew the filter, inspect it and rinse it under the tap. You can remove the pump as follows: unscrew the back wall of the washer, remove the wires from the pump, unscrew the mount that holds the pump, and disconnect the line system.
It is also advisable to check the pipe and rinse it under the tap. Use a cable to clean the hose.
Most often, the pump becomes clogged with clumps of hair, wool and other accidentally caught objects. To check this, you need to remove the cover and check the impeller. If clogged, clean and wipe the pump.
In addition, the pump may be faulty. You can check this using a multimeter. In a working pump, the resistance should be 200 Ohms. If the indicators are different, you will have to replace it.
Having made sure that the pump is working properly, we proceed to checking the wiring from the electronic board to the water level sensor. Often this is where the problem lies.
If all of the above does not work, then most likely the problem is in the electronic module. In this case, it will be difficult to repair it yourself without the necessary knowledge and experience. Even experienced craftsmen do not always take on this task. That's why many people simply change them.
Although the price is quite high. But the module fails very rarely, so don’t be alarmed.
Reasons for appearance
If you find an error, the first thing you need to do is disconnect it from the power supply and only then carry out an inspection to identify the cause of the malfunction. The most vulnerable parts of the unit are the drain hose, the area where it is attached to the sewer or the washing machine itself, the drain hose filter, the seal, and the hose connecting the drum to the washing powder compartment.
Less commonly, the problem can still result from the appearance of cracks in the housing or drum. It is unlikely that you will be able to fix this problem yourself; most often you will have to contact a specialist.
Leakage often occurs as a result of improper installation of the drain hose - the place where it is attached to the sewer should be located above the level of the tank, in addition, it should form an upper loop.
There are other reasons for error E20.
Breakdown of the pressure switch
This is a special sensor that provides the electronic module with information about the degree of filling of the tank with water. Its violation may be caused by:
Problems with the pipe
Failure of the pipe can be due to several reasons:
Drain pump malfunction
This part breaks down quite often; disruption of its functionality can be caused by a number of reasons:
Electronic module failure
The control module of the unit of the brand in question has a rather complex structure; it contains the entire operating program of the device and its errors. The part includes the main process and additional electronic components. The cause of an interruption in its operation may be moisture that has penetrated inside or voltage surges in the electrical network.
