Error E42 in a Hansa washing machine

Error E42 in a Hansa washing machine If your Hansa washing machine displays the "E42" error code, it won't wash. The system won't start the cycle and will turn off the control panel—the machine will freeze and request diagnostics. The good news is that this error occurs at the very beginning of the wash cycle, so the drum doesn't have time to fill with water and lock. However, you'll still need to figure out how to restore the machine's functionality and what caused the malfunction.

What caused the code?

According to the instructions, the E42 error code on Hansa washing machines is deciphered as “the hatch does not close or is not locked.” Several faults, both mechanical and electronic, can lead to problems with the lock. Most often, the user encounters the following problems:

the door is not pressed tightly against the body, the lock did not close;

When you close the door, you should hear a click – the sound of the mechanical lock engaging.

the lock does not occur because the hatch locking device is broken;
the electronic component of the UBL is faulty;
the connection between the UBL and the control board has been lost (the corresponding semiconductor or “track” has burned out).

It's impossible to immediately understand why the automatic transmission is displaying the E42 error. To pinpoint the source of the problem, you'll need to examine each possible cause one by one. We'll begin our diagnostics with the mechanical lock, continue with the door lock, and finish with the control board.

The door hook does not reach the lock.

The E42 error doesn't always indicate serious problems. It could be due to simple user inattention—the door isn't locked securely. This can happen if a foreign object, such as laundry that fell out of the drum, gets stuck between the machine and the door. To fix the problem, simply inspect the machine thoroughly and remove any obstructing items.

More often than not, error E42 indicates user inattention – the hatch door is not tightly locked!

Sometimes a cuff prevents the hatch from closing tightly. There are two options:

the sealing rubber has torn and part of it is trapped between the body and the door, preventing the drum from closing;
a new cuff was installed.

A new seal can interfere if the rubber was incorrectly selected or poorly installed. In either case, a second repair is required: a new seal must be found or its position adjusted. Sometimes, sanding the edges of the seal, removing any protrusions or burrs, is enough to correct the problem.

Often, the problem lies with the lock. In this case, the door begins to close intermittently and requires "effort"—pressing it with your foot or hand. Over time, the locking mechanism breaks down more and more, the hatch does not close at all, and the self-diagnostic system displays E42. The instructions for what to do in this case are quite simple: inspect the "hook" on the latch. Normally, this component should be spring-loaded and move with difficulty. If the component has shifted, weakened, or lost its spring, the door will have to be disassembled and repaired.

Problems with the lock

In a third of cases of the E42 error on Hansa washing machines, the door locking device is to blame. The door locking device fails to engage, the board fails to detect the drum's tightness, and for safety reasons, prevents the cycle from starting. The door locking device fails for three reasons:

problems with the electrical part, the door locking system does not ring;
the mechanics are faulty, the UBL components are damaged;
The wiring running from the blocker to the control board is damaged.

Sometimes the problem lies in careless repairs. Inexperienced technicians, when disassembling a Hansa washing machine, often disconnect the wiring connected to the door locking system, which inevitably results in an error. It's best to avoid risks and contact trusted specialists. Diagnosing the door locking system begins with testing the part with a multimeter:

on the right side of the hatch, find a hole and two screws holding the lock;
unscrew the fasteners;
bend the cuff, tucking it into the drum;
pull out the UBL through the gap;
disconnect the wiring connected to the device;
measure the resistance with a multimeter.

To eliminate problems with both the mechanical and electrical parts of the UBL, it is necessary to replace the device. Attempts to repair the blocker are futile - the repair will be more expensive and take more time. When purchasing a new device, it's important to refer to the Hansa serial number and only choose the original. If the door lock, lock, and hatch are all in good condition, there's only one possible problem: a faulty control board. In this case, it's best to avoid DIY repairs and instead contact a service center for a comprehensive electronics diagnostic.