Error E20 in Aeg washing machine

Modern washing machines are equipped with self-diagnostic software, and German AEG machines are even more so. Information displayed in the form of a code on the display helps reduce the time spent troubleshooting and fixing faults. One of the most common errors for this brand is the E20 error code. Let's explore what it means and what to do in such a case.

Error decoding

Code E20 in AEG washing machine informs the user that there is no drain. In other words, the AEG washing machine is unable to remove the wastewater remaining in the drum after a wash cycle. Consequently, it cannot continue the wash cycle because there is no place to collect clean water. This problem may be caused by the following:

• clogged drain filter;
• pump malfunction;
• kinking of the drain hose.

This error should not be confused with error E21, they are of course similar. However, error E21 indicates a wider range of problems associated with the drainage of waste water from the tank. The presence of E20 and E21 errors greatly facilitates the technician's work, as they limit the range of possible causes for a lack of drainage. Consequently, the technician won't have to check a ton of parts before identifying the weak point that caused the error.

Alternative codes

There are several dozen models of this brand, produced at different times. Their diagnostic systems differ slightly. More specifically, the error codes for AEG washing machines differ. In some washing machines, alternatives to the E20 code are C2 and EF0. You will also hear two beeps. These also indicate a clogged drain system.

Please note: On some models, the EF0 code also indicates increased foaming.

Let's not get distracted and return to the specific E20 error: what to do with it?

We clear blockages

First, try resetting the program by unplugging the washing machine. This is the most common way to stop one program and start a new one after plugging it back in. Then turn the machine on and try draining. If resetting doesn't help and the error reoccurs or the machine freezes, check the drain filter. On AEG washing machines, it's located in the lower right corner. Open the door and unscrew the filter. Then rinse and replace it.

After the drain filter, check the drain hose for kinks. You may have accidentally pinched it while moving the machine. This doesn't happen often, but it's still worth checking.

We are changing the pump

Unlike LG or Samsung washing machines, replacing the pump in an AEG machine is a bit more complicated. However, many handy owners can easily do the job themselves. The work is complicated by the fact that the pump in this case can only be accessed through the front wall of the machine. Let us describe this process in detail:

1. disconnect the equipment from the electrical network, water supply and drain;
2. pull the machine out to a free place, ensuring free access to all walls;
3. unscrew the two screws at the top at the back that hold the top cover;
4. slide the cover horizontally and then remove it;
5. remove the powder receptacle from its seat;
6. unscrew the screws under the tray that hold the front part of the case;
7. remove the control panel from the latches and carefully place it on top of the machine without disconnecting the connectors with wires;
8. unscrew a few more screws under the panel;
9. open the hatch door and remove the metal clamp from the cuff, hooking it at the bottom with some suitable tool (just not a sharp one);
10. unhook the water inlet pipe from the cuff and, if there is one, the air supply pipe;
11. remove the cuff from the groove of the front wall and tuck it inside the drum;
    
12. disconnect the wires from the door lock;
13. remove the drainage filter;
    

    ! Don't forget to place rags under the washing machine in case of water leakage.

14. tilt the machine on its side so that the screws holding the front part of the body can be unscrewed from the bottom;
15. lifting the body up, move it to the side;
16. disconnect all wires and pipes leading to the pump;
    
17. unscrew the pump from the housing and remove it from the machine;
18. put a new part in place of the old one;
19. reassemble the equipment in reverse order.

A few words about the AEG washing machine pump are worth mentioning. In some cases, it's possible to replace only the impeller rather than the entire part if it's damaged.

So, the E20 error is one of the easiest to fix. If you follow the instructions carefully, you can solve this difficult problem at home. Good luck!

   

7 reader comments

1. September 11, 2017 at 11:46 PM

   Julia:

   Thank you so much!!!!

   Answer
2. April 18, 2019 at 3:13 PM

   Ruslan:

   Thank you

   Answer
3. November 24, 2019 at 2:44 AM

   Artem:

   Good day! I can't get the filter out. Something's holding it there.
   I'm afraid to pull harder, in case I rip it out.
   It’s impossible to pry it off; the filter is pulled out from the housing by a couple of cm.
   What can you advise?

   Answer
4. February 17, 2020 at 10:53 AM

   Leonardo:

   The filter is clean, and there are no kinks in the drain hose. The error occurs both mid-cycle and at the end of the wash cycle. Has anyone encountered this?

   Answer
   • April 27, 2020 at 1:26 AM

     Paul:

     Yeah, sometimes I get the E20 STSRT/Stop error, click it, and it turns on. It's annoying... I don't know what to do...

     Answer
     • May 22, 2020 at 5:07 PM

       Andrey:

       The same nonsense started happening. At the final stage, the E20 light just periodically appears and the start/stop button flashes. This is before the spin cycle... I press it, but the spin cycle doesn't start, and the laundry is still damp. However, if I just run the spin cycle, everything is fine.

       Answer
       • December 25, 2020 at 12:47 AM

         Ivan:

         Additionally, check the drain; there may be a blockage in the sewer pipe itself.

         Answer