Error E70 in a Zanussi washing machine

Error codes in modern washing machines often point to a single problem, but sometimes the display instructions can be difficult to interpret. For example, error code E70 in a Zanussi washing machine indicates that the appliance has detected incorrect data from the temperature sensor. This could be due to the temperature sensor itself, the heating element, or its circuit. Let's look at how to accurately diagnose the problem and restore the functionality of your "home assistant."

Let's pay attention to the heating element

You should start with what most often fails when the E70 error code occurs - this will save time. Therefore, you first need to examine the water heater, located at the bottom of the household appliance, just below the tank.

To gain easy access, use a standard Phillips-head screwdriver to remove all the fasteners from the rear panel of the unit, then set the panel aside. Move the unit away from the wall or remove it from the kitchen cabinet to facilitate further manipulation.

As a precaution, be sure to disconnect the electrical appliance from all utilities before beginning any repair work.

Once you've gained access to the water heating element, thermistor, and wiring, don't rush to disassemble the unit. First, take a photo of how all components are connected correctly to use as a reference during reassembly. What to do next?

• Release the wiring.
• Set a regular multimeter to resistance measurement mode, set it to 200 ohms and attach the tester probes to the terminals.
• If the heating element is working properly, the display will show a reading between 26 and 28 ohms. If the device shows "1," there's an internal break, and if "0," there's a short circuit. In either case, you'll need to buy a new heating element, as repair is simply not possible.
• Next, you need to check for a breakdown on the housing. Set the tester to buzzer mode and adjust the contact. If you hear a distinctive beep after attaching the multimeter probe to the terminal, the part will also need to be replaced.

If you are convinced that the heating element needs to be replaced, then you need to proceed to dismantling it. In rare cases, this can be difficult to do because the gasket protecting the heater significantly increases in volume and makes it difficult to remove the element. In such a situation, you need to strictly follow our instructions.

• Treat the rubber gasket with regular WD-40 or other technical lubricant.
• Wait about 15 minutes.
• Remove the thermistor.
• Unscrew the bolt securing the water heating element.
• Gently swing the heating element and remove it from the washing machine housing.

When purchasing a new heating element, make sure to buy the exact same one as the one that was previously installed. You can use the serial number of your Zanussi washing machine, which is located on the machine body, or simply take the faulty part with you to the store. Be sure to clean the heating element seat of any debris before installing the new one. You can also clean the tank, which will be easily accessible where the water heater is usually located.

Let's test the temperature sensor

Next, you can move on to the temperature sensor installed between the contacts in the heating element's housing. Removing it is very simple: simply grasp the plastic contact with your fingers and carefully pull the part out. You can then test the element with the same multimeter.

• Set the tester to resistance test mode.
• Connect the probes to the contacts of the temperature sensor.
• Place the sensor itself in warm or hot water.

Do not wet the temperature sensor contacts under any circumstances.

• Make sure that the device has transmitted the current values ​​to the display.

The simplest thing remains: to compare the obtained result with normal values. For example, if you immerse a temperature sensor in water heated to 20 degrees Celsius, the thermostat will show approximately 6000 Ohms. Accordingly, the colder the water gets, the lower the reading will be, and vice versa. However, if the readings don't match reality and don't change, the temperature sensor is faulty. It can't be repaired, so you'll have to buy a new one.

You can buy it at almost any home appliance store or online. To avoid making a mistake, bring the old, faulty part with you, or carefully check the serial number when ordering.

Recommendations from professionals

Finally, we'll list some expert tips to help you maintain your "home assistant" yourself, always respond promptly to the slightest changes, and prevent the E70 error code from appearing. The heating element is one of the most important components in the system, so it requires careful maintenance. Inspect it periodically – if you notice black marks on the housing, similar to small spots, it's most likely a fault in the housing.

The water heating element is also very important because it can cause a breakdown in the washing machine's body. This can lead to an electric shock if you touch a metal part of the washing machine's body.

Carefully examine the heating element—this will help you understand the sealing process. When installing the element into its seat in the tank, you tighten the nut onto the thread, and the rubber portion of the fastener expands. This seals the heating element into the tank, preventing water from penetrating into the appliance's housing.

That's why, before removing the heater, it's important to remove the nut and press the threaded stud inward. Only then can you remove the heating element, first prying it up with a small screwdriver. This must be done very carefully, as there's a high risk of accidentally damaging the fragile WM tank.

When reassembling, be sure to ensure the heating element fits neatly into its seat at the bottom of the drum. If the heating element is even slightly higher than its standard position, it will rub against the drum, which you'll only notice during the spin cycle.

   

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