AEG E50 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 E50 actually means

The dryer has flagged a problem with the drum motor or its control software, and it won't run the cycle until that's cleared.

E50 on an AEG dryer points to the motor circuit or the control board software rather than anything to do with airflow, water or heat. In practice the machine either won't turn the drum at all, or stops shortly after you press start and puts the code up. AEG applies this code the same way across their vented, condenser and heat pump dryers, so seeing it on a heat pump model means the same as it does on an older vented one.

What E50 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, E50 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 one-off software glitch in the control board that clears on a power reset
A failed or failing drum motor
A fault in the motor's wiring or connections
A control board that is no longer reading the motor correctly
Something jamming the drum so the motor cannot turn freely

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.

Pull the plug out of the wall (or switch it off at the isolator), leave it for 30 seconds, plug back in, switch on and select a programme — AEG's own advice, and it does clear a fair number of these
Open the door and turn the drum by hand — it should move freely, with no bra wire, coin or trapped garment binding it
Take out any heavy or unbalanced load and try a short programme with the drum empty
On a vented model, check the exhaust hose isn't crushed or kinked behind the machine

Common questions about AEG E50

What does E50 mean on a AEG tumble dryer?

The dryer has flagged a problem with the drum motor or its control software, and it won't run the cycle until that's cleared. E50 on an AEG dryer points to the motor circuit or the control board software rather than anything to do with airflow, water or heat. In practice the machine either won't turn the drum at all, or stops shortly after you press start and puts the code up. AEG applies this code the same way across their vented, condenser and heat pump dryers, so seeing it on a heat pump model means the same as it does on an older vented one.

Can I fix AEG E50 myself?

There are 4 checks you can safely do yourself first.

Pull the plug out of the wall (or switch it off at the isolator), leave it for 30 seconds, plug back in, switch on and select a programme — AEG's own advice, and it does clear a fair number of these.
Open the door and turn the drum by hand — it should move freely, with no bra wire, coin or trapped garment binding it.
Take out any heavy or unbalanced load and try a short programme with the drum empty.
On a vented model, check the exhaust hose isn't crushed or kinked behind the machine.

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

How much does it cost to repair AEG E50?

£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 E50?

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

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 E50 error — tumble dryer