AEG E22 tumble dryer: what it means & what to check

Stop using it for now. Carrying on with this fault risks further damage or a leak. Switch it off at the wall until it has been looked at.

What E22 actually means

The dryer's control board can no longer monitor the pump that sends condensed water up to the water container, so it has stopped the programme.

On these AEG condenser dryers the water collected from your washing is pumped up into the drawer-style container in the top of the machine. The board switches that pump on and off through a small solid-state switch (a triac) and also watches that circuit to check the pump is being driven properly. E22 means the monitoring side of that circuit is reading wrong, so the machine cuts the cycle rather than risk running with water it cannot shift.

What E22 looks like on a AEG tumble dryer

Most people find this page having searched for what the machine is doing rather than the code itself. On a AEG tumble dryer, E22 usually shows up as one or more of these:

Machine door won't open
Door won't lock or click shut
Door lock light flashing
Door stuck shut with the load inside
Won't start even with the door closed
Machine not draining
Water left in the drum at the end of the cycle
Stops mid-cycle full of water

Recognise any of those? That is this fault, and the rest of this page explains what causes it and what you can check yourself.

What usually causes it

A fault on the main electronic control board — by far the most common finding on E22
Damage or corrosion to the wiring or plug at the water pump
Water having got where it shouldn't, on or near the board
Confusion with the related E21 code, which points at the same pump circuit from the other side

What you can safely check yourself

Work through these in order. Anything beyond this — panels off, testing parts, anything to do with the wiring — is an engineer's job, and not one to attempt with the machine plugged in.

Empty the water container and slide it fully back into place
Turn the dryer off at the wall for a minute, then switch back on and start a short cycle to see if the code returns straight away
Clean the door filter and the fluff filter in the base, and check the drain hose (if one is fitted) is not kinked or trapped behind the machine

Common questions about AEG E22

What does E22 mean on a AEG tumble dryer?

The dryer's control board can no longer monitor the pump that sends condensed water up to the water container, so it has stopped the programme. On these AEG condenser dryers the water collected from your washing is pumped up into the drawer-style container in the top of the machine. The board switches that pump on and off through a small solid-state switch (a triac) and also watches that circuit to check the pump is being driven properly. E22 means the monitoring side of that circuit is reading wrong, so the machine cuts the cycle rather than risk running with water it cannot shift.

Can I fix AEG E22 myself?

There are 3 checks you can safely do yourself first.

Empty the water container and slide it fully back into place.
Turn the dryer off at the wall for a minute, then switch back on and start a short cycle to see if the code returns straight away.
Clean the door filter and the fluff filter in the base, and check the drain hose (if one is fitted) is not kinked or trapped behind the machine.

This one usually needs an engineer once you have tried them.

How much does it cost to repair AEG E22?

£66 including VAT for an engineer to come out and diagnose it, or £84 in total including VAT if it is put right on the visit and no parts are needed. Any parts needed are quoted on site before we fit them — you decide. Every repair carries a 90-day workmanship guarantee.

Tried the checks and it's still showing E22?

This one usually needs an engineer once you have tried the checks above. Then it wants someone who can open it up.

What it costs, before you call: the price is the same whatever the fault turns out to be — £66 including VAT for an engineer to come out and diagnose it, or £84 in total including VAT if it is put right on the visit and no parts are needed. Any parts needed are quoted on site before we fit them — you decide. Every repair carries a 90-day workmanship guarantee.

Our own engineers, not a call centre. We cover Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire and Leicestershire — most tumble dryer faults are seen same day or next day.

Call 0115 648 0929 Book online — postcode and number is all we need

Outside our area? The explanation above still stands — take it to a local engineer and tell them the code. Knowing it saves them time and you money.

Other AEG tumble dryer codes

All AEG fault codes and repairs →

What this looks like when it happens

tumble dryer keeps stopping

Repairs we cover near you

Written by the engineers at ASAP Repairs, 0115 648 0929. We repair these machines for a living in Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire and Leicestershire.

AEG E22 error — tumble dryer