AEG E72 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 E72 actually means

One of the two temperature sensors inside the dryer (the one AEG calls NTC2) is giving the control board a reading it doesn't believe, so the machine won't run a normal heated cycle.

AEG dryers use two NTC temperature sensors to keep track of how hot the air and the drum are getting, and the board cross-checks them constantly. When the second of those sensors reads open circuit, short circuit or wildly out of range, the machine flags E72 — the sister code to E71, which is the same fault on the first sensor. Typically the dryer will not heat properly and either drops into a cooling phase or stops the programme, because without a trustworthy temperature reading it has no safe way to control the heater.

What E72 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, E72 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

The NTC2 temperature sensor itself has failed
A damaged, chafed or disconnected wire between the sensor and the board
A loose or corroded plug on the sensor connection
The main electronic control board misreading the sensor circuit

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 start a cycle — occasionally the code is a one-off reading and clears
Clean the door filter and, on condenser models, rinse the lower filter and check the condenser is clear of lint, as heavy blockage upsets drying temperatures
Make sure the machine isn't jammed hard against a wall or in a hot cupboard with no airflow

Common questions about AEG E72

What does E72 mean on a AEG tumble dryer?

One of the two temperature sensors inside the dryer (the one AEG calls NTC2) is giving the control board a reading it doesn't believe, so the machine won't run a normal heated cycle. AEG dryers use two NTC temperature sensors to keep track of how hot the air and the drum are getting, and the board cross-checks them constantly. When the second of those sensors reads open circuit, short circuit or wildly out of range, the machine flags E72 — the sister code to E71, which is the same fault on the first sensor. Typically the dryer will not heat properly and either drops into a cooling phase or stops the programme, because without a trustworthy temperature reading it has no safe way to control the heater.

Can I fix AEG E72 myself?

There are 3 checks you can safely do yourself first.

Turn the dryer off at the wall for a minute, then switch back on and start a cycle — occasionally the code is a one-off reading and clears.
Clean the door filter and, on condenser models, rinse the lower filter and check the condenser is clear of lint, as heavy blockage upsets drying temperatures.
Make sure the machine isn't jammed hard against a wall or in a hot cupboard with no airflow.

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

How much does it cost to repair AEG E72?

£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 E72?

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 E72 error — tumble dryer