Error E40 in Electrolux washing machine

If your Electrolux washing machine won't start washing and displays the E40 error code a few seconds after turning it off, you need to find the cause immediately. Otherwise, the machine won't turn on. We'll explain in detail why the E40 error code appears in your Electrolux washing machine and how to fix it.

Decoding the error and its causes

Error E40 is a common error caused by a faulty door lock. This error can be resolved by entering the control board diagnostic mode. On washing machines without a program selector, this can be done as follows:

1. Simultaneously press the two buttons on the right, marked with the number 1 in the figure below.
2. Turn on the machine by pressing the button under the number 2, continuing to hold the buttons until all the indicators flash.

Please note: On washing machines with a program selector, to enter diagnostic mode, you need to hold down the two buttons on the far right.

After entering the test mode, the error code E40 will disappear and one of the following codes will appear:

• E41 – informs that the hatch door is not closed tightly;
• E42 – indicates a malfunction of the hatch locking device;
• E43 – the triac responsible for the door lock is faulty;
• E44 – the drum door opening sensor is broken;
• E45 – the electrical circuit between the triac and the UBL is faulty.

Replacing the door lock

So, if your washing machine displays error E40, don't rush to enter test mode. Try to press the hatch door more firmly by gently pressing on it with your knee. If this does not help, you will have to clarify the error as described above or manually check all possible causes of this malfunction one by one.

Starting with the hatch locking device, namely the lock, you need:

• remove the clamp from the rubber cuff;
• unscrew the bolts holding the lock in the machine body;
• remove the lock from the space between the tank and the front wall of the housing;
• check contacts;
  

  Important! Contacts 3 and 4 must be closed, and contacts 4 and 5 must be open.

• disconnect the lock from the wires and install a new one;
• put the lock and clamp back in place;
• run a test wash.

Other malfunctions

Sometimes the cause of the breakdown is faulty electrical wiring between the control board and the door lock system. To locate the faulty wire, use a multimeter and test each wire one by one.

Repairing the control board containing the door lock control triac is much more difficult. Finding this triac requires a good understanding of electronic circuits. Furthermore, if it malfunctions, the component will have to be resoldered, which requires a certain amount of skill and dexterity.

The image below shows an example of an EWM200 control board. The triac, which controls the locking mechanism, is shown at the bottom right. This may help you solve the problem. However, if you've never encountered this problem before, contact a professional who can fix it quickly and correctly.

Keep in mind that the E40 error can be caused by both a burned-out triac on the controller and a broken lock. Therefore, you'll need to check everything related to the door closing and opening system. You can learn about other common problems with this type of appliance in this article. Electrolux washing machine repair. Good luck!

   

11 reader comments

1. August 24, 2017 at 10:02 AM

   Alexey:

   Thanks. It worked. I pressed the door harder and it worked!

   Answer
   • October 9, 2017 at 12:05 PM

     Bulat:

     Ok, it also worked after closing with a clamp, a good site, thank you, I will always use your site from now on.

     Answer
2. October 2, 2017 at 9:33 PM

   Elena:

   Thank you! It helped!

   Answer
3. October 4, 2017 at 8:14 PM

   Tatiana:

   Thank you so much, I pressed it with my knee too, and the washing machine washed it. Otherwise, I was just about ready to cry!

   Answer
4. January 9, 2018 at 10:43 PM

   Ira:

   My machine is top-loading, but the problem persists, even though I'm holding the door closed. What should I do?

   Answer
5. January 28, 2018 at 1:31 PM

   Michael:

   Could you please tell me what it means when I get the E10 error message? What is it?

   Answer
6. May 5, 2018 at 4:05 PM

   Angela:

   Thanks for the tip, great site.

   Answer
7. June 15, 2018 at 9:01 PM

   Vladimir:

   It helped!

   Answer
8. July 24, 2018 at 11:40 PM

   Armen:

   Thank you. You helped me find a solution.

   Answer
9. May 2, 2019 at 9:36 AM

   Yula:

   Why isn't it written that this error is also triggered because there aren't enough items in the drum?!)

   Answer
10. October 31, 2019 at 12:13 PM

    Anonymous:

    Super. It worked!

    Answer