Blomberg E20 washing machine: 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 E20 actually means

The machine has spotted a fault in the electronics that switch the door lock on and off — the switching device is stuck closed, so the machine won't run a wash.

Blomberg's own service notes put E20 down to a short-circuited door solenoid triac — the small electronic switch on the main control board that feeds the door lock. Because the board can't control the lock properly it refuses to start washing, and owners often notice the lock making an odd buzzing or clicking noise for a while. It isn't the door catch itself or anything you've done wrong; the fault is on the control board.

What E20 looks like on a Blomberg washing machine

Most people find this page having searched for what the machine is doing rather than the code itself. On a Blomberg washing machine, E20 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
No function at all
Dead — nothing lights up
Lights flashing and nothing happening

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

Failed switching device on the main control board feeding the door lock
Electrical surge or spike damaging the control board
Moisture or corrosion reaching the board
Wiring fault between the board and the door lock assembly

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 machine off at the wall for a minute, then switch back on and try a short programme — worth ruling out a one-off glitch.
Check the door is closing fully and squarely, with nothing trapped in the seal, so the lock isn't being held out of position.

Which Blomberg models show E20

E20 means the same thing on this model. If yours is not listed, the explanation above still applies — the code is set by the control board, not the model number.

7174184000

Common questions about Blomberg E20

What does E20 mean on a Blomberg washing machine?

The machine has spotted a fault in the electronics that switch the door lock on and off — the switching device is stuck closed, so the machine won't run a wash. Blomberg's own service notes put E20 down to a short-circuited door solenoid triac — the small electronic switch on the main control board that feeds the door lock. Because the board can't control the lock properly it refuses to start washing, and owners often notice the lock making an odd buzzing or clicking noise for a while. It isn't the door catch itself or anything you've done wrong; the fault is on the control board.

Can I fix Blomberg E20 myself?

There are 2 checks you can safely do yourself first.

Turn the machine off at the wall for a minute, then switch back on and try a short programme — worth ruling out a one-off glitch.
Check the door is closing fully and squarely, with nothing trapped in the seal, so the lock isn't being held out of position.

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

How much does it cost to repair Blomberg E20?

£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 E20?

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 washing machine 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 Blomberg washing machine codes

All Blomberg 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.

Blomberg E20 error — washing machine