AEG E64 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 E64 actually means

The dryer has flagged a problem with the safety thermostat that watches over the heater, so it has shut the heating down.

On these AEG dryers the heater has thermostats sitting on it to stop it running too hot. E64 is raised when the control board no longer gets a sensible signal from the heater thermostat, so it can't be sure the heater is being protected. Rather than risk it, the board stops heating — you'll usually get a cycle that runs, tumbles and blows cold, and clothes that come out damp.

What E64 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, E64 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
Not drying
Blowing cold air
Clothes still damp at the end

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

Heater thermostat has failed or tripped and not reset
Blocked filters or condenser causing the heater to overheat repeatedly
Damaged or loose wiring at the heater assembly
Faulty heating element assembly
Fault on the main electronic control board

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.

Turn the dryer off at the wall for a minute, then switch back on and try a short cycle — if the fault was a one-off trip it may clear
Clean the door filter and any secondary fluff filter thoroughly, including under running water if they're clogged with fine lint
On a condenser model, pull out the condenser unit, rinse it and check the fins aren't matted with fluff
On a vented model, check the vent hose isn't kinked, crushed behind the machine or blocked, and that the wall outlet is clear
Make sure the room isn't sealed tight — the dryer needs air to draw in

Common questions about AEG E64

What does E64 mean on a AEG tumble dryer?

The dryer has flagged a problem with the safety thermostat that watches over the heater, so it has shut the heating down. On these AEG dryers the heater has thermostats sitting on it to stop it running too hot. E64 is raised when the control board no longer gets a sensible signal from the heater thermostat, so it can't be sure the heater is being protected. Rather than risk it, the board stops heating — you'll usually get a cycle that runs, tumbles and blows cold, and clothes that come out damp.

Can I fix AEG E64 myself?

There are 5 checks you can safely do yourself first.

Turn the dryer off at the wall for a minute, then switch back on and try a short cycle — if the fault was a one-off trip it may clear.
Clean the door filter and any secondary fluff filter thoroughly, including under running water if they're clogged with fine lint.
On a condenser model, pull out the condenser unit, rinse it and check the fins aren't matted with fluff.
On a vented model, check the vent hose isn't kinked, crushed behind the machine or blocked, and that the wall outlet is clear.
Make sure the room isn't sealed tight — the dryer needs air to draw in.

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

How much does it cost to repair AEG E64?

£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 E64?

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 E64 error — tumble dryer