What E12 actually means
The machine has sensed too much water in the drum, pumped it out and stopped as a safety measure.
The water level sensor watches how full the drum is. If it reads above the overflow level for around 16 seconds continuously — whether the machine is running or paused — the control board drains the water out and then locks the cycle with E12. It is an anti-flood trip, so it will keep stopping rather than let the drum keep filling.
What E12 looks like on a ElectriQ tumble dryer
Most people find this page having searched for what the machine is doing rather than the code itself. On a ElectriQ tumble dryer, E12 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 water inlet valve that no longer shuts fully, so the drum keeps filling — including when the machine is off
- A faulty or drifting water level (pressure) sensor giving a false high reading
- A split, blocked or loose air pipe between the drum and the sensor
- Damaged wiring between the sensor and the control board
- A fault on the main control board (the least common of the group)
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 power it back up and see whether the fault returns straight away or only during a fill.
- Turn off the water supply tap and watch the drum for a while. If water still trickles in with the tap off and the machine unpowered, the inlet valve is at fault and it needs an engineer — leave the tap off in the meantime.
- Check the drain hose is not kinked or crushed behind the machine, and that it is not pushed too far down the standpipe (that can siphon water back in).
- Wipe the door seal and glass so you can see the level clearly, and note whether the drum is genuinely over-full or the machine is complaining with very little water in it — that is useful information for whoever attends.
Which ElectriQ models show E12
E12 means the same thing on all 2 of these models. If yours is not listed, the explanation above still applies — the code is set by the control board, not the model number.
EIQINTWM147AV2 · EIQINTWM149V2
Common questions about ElectriQ E12
What does E12 mean on a ElectriQ tumble dryer?
The machine has sensed too much water in the drum, pumped it out and stopped as a safety measure. The water level sensor watches how full the drum is. If it reads above the overflow level for around 16 seconds continuously — whether the machine is running or paused — the control board drains the water out and then locks the cycle with E12. It is an anti-flood trip, so it will keep stopping rather than let the drum keep filling.
Can I fix ElectriQ E12 myself?
There are 4 checks you can safely do yourself first.
- Turn the machine off at the wall for a minute, then power it back up and see whether the fault returns straight away or only during a fill.
- Turn off the water supply tap and watch the drum for a while. If water still trickles in with the tap off and the machine unpowered, the inlet valve is at fault and it needs an engineer — leave the tap off in the meantime.
- Check the drain hose is not kinked or crushed behind the machine, and that it is not pushed too far down the standpipe (that can siphon water back in).
- Wipe the door seal and glass so you can see the level clearly, and note whether the drum is genuinely over-full or the machine is complaining with very little water in it — that is useful information for whoever attends.
This one usually needs an engineer once you have tried them.
How much does it cost to repair ElectriQ E12?
£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 E12?
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 ElectriQ tumble dryer codes
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- ElectriQ E61 — The control board has lost the signal that tells it how fast…
- ElectriQ E62 — The drum motor is spinning faster than the machine asked it …
- ElectriQ E64 — The main control board has lost contact with the board that …
- ElectriQ E80 — The two circuit boards inside the machine \u2014 the main co…
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