Error E33 in a Zanussi washing machine

Error E33 in a Zanussi washing machine If your Zanussi washing machine displays the E33 error code, carefully unplug the power cord from the outlet, being careful not to touch any metal parts. This precaution is a good idea, as this error can be dangerous. Now you can begin troubleshooting.

Finding the heating element

The E33 error code is often associated with a current leak from the heating element to the washing machine body. The heating element in Zanussi appliances can be located at the rear or front, depending on the model's design. To determine its location, consult the technical documentation or inspect the machine yourself. If there are large protruding elements on the back panel, the heating element is most likely located there.

If inspection reveals that the removable rear panel of your Zanussi washing machine has no large protruding parts, you should look for the heating element at the front. Depending on the position of the heating element, you'll need to remove either the rear or front panel of the machine. If you're unsure, start with the rear panel; the rear panel is much easier to remove and reinstall than the front.

The heating element burned out and collapsed.

We carefully check and replace the heating element

The repair begins with removing the heater itself. Let's consider a situation where the electric heater is located at the bottom of the housing behind the rear panel. Turn the unit toward you, unscrew the retaining bolts, and remove the panel. Then locate the heating element. It's easy to recognize: the base of the part looks like a metal ellipse with protrusions—the contacts, pin, and thermistor.

Important! Be sure to turn off the power and disconnect the Zanussi washing machine from the water supply before disassembling it.

Let's begin our DIY diagnostics. Take photos of all components first. Carefully disconnect the wiring from the heating element. Turn on the multimeter, set it to "Resistance" mode, and set it to 200. Connect the probes to the corresponding terminals.

A reading between 24 and 40 ohms indicates normal operation. A reading of 1 indicates an internal open circuit, while a reading of 0 indicates a short circuit. Unfortunately, in the latter case, there's nothing to fix; you'll have to buy and install a new electric heater.

We carefully check the heating element with a multimeter

Now let's check the part for breakdown. After resetting the previous mode, turn on the "Buzzer" option on the multimeter, and connect the probe to the contact. If you hear a beep, the heating element will also need to be replaced. To do this, you need to remove it:

Place a container under the heating element: if there is water left inside the tank, it may spill out during dismantling and flood the wiring;
remove the wire terminals, remembering in advance which terminal is connected to which part of the heater;
Do not completely unscrew the ground bolt (located in the middle of the base), press the pin away from you;
Grasp the heating element contacts and carefully pull the part towards you.

The process may be complicated by the seal expanding over time, blocking the device. In this case, treat the rubber seal with WD-40 and wait about fifteen minutes. Then remove the thermistor, unscrew the bolt, and, using a rocking motion, pull out the heating element.

When purchasing a new heating element, first locate the serial number stamped on the old one. Before installing the element, clean the mounting surface. Reassemble in reverse order. Now you know what to do if your Zanussi washing machine displays the E33 error code. Happy repairing!