ElectriQ E40 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 E40 actually means

The machine's control board can't read its own stored settings properly, so it stops rather than run a wash it can't control.

Inside the main control board is a small memory chip (the EEPROM) that holds the machine's programme data and calibration. During its self-check the board reads that memory back, and if the data doesn't match what it expects it reports E40 instead of continuing. It isn't a water, drain or door problem — the machine is telling you its own electronics have failed their internal test.

What E40 looks like on a ElectriQ washing machine

Most people find this page having searched for what the machine is doing rather than the code itself. On a ElectriQ washing machine, E40 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

Corrupted memory on the main control board, often after a power cut or surge
A failed or ageing control board (PCB)
A replacement board that hasn't been configured for this model
Damp or condensation having got to the control electronics

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.

Switch off at the wall socket, leave it for a minute, then power back up — a clean restart occasionally clears a one-off read error
If it clears, run a short wash and watch whether the code returns; a code that comes straight back means the board needs attention

Which ElectriQ models show E40

E40 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.

EIQWMTL75C

Common questions about ElectriQ E40

What does E40 mean on a ElectriQ washing machine?

The machine's control board can't read its own stored settings properly, so it stops rather than run a wash it can't control. Inside the main control board is a small memory chip (the EEPROM) that holds the machine's programme data and calibration. During its self-check the board reads that memory back, and if the data doesn't match what it expects it reports E40 instead of continuing. It isn't a water, drain or door problem — the machine is telling you its own electronics have failed their internal test.

Can I fix ElectriQ E40 myself?

There are 2 checks you can safely do yourself first.

Switch off at the wall socket, leave it for a minute, then power back up — a clean restart occasionally clears a one-off read error.
If it clears, run a short wash and watch whether the code returns; a code that comes straight back means the board needs attention.

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

How much does it cost to repair ElectriQ E40?

£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 E40?

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 ElectriQ washing machine codes

All ElectriQ 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.

ElectriQ E40 error — washing machine