What E20 actually means
The dryer has stopped mid-cycle because the fan that cools the heat pump compressor isn't running.
On these heat pump dryers the compressor has its own cooling fan, and the control board watches it. If the fan stops turning, the board halts the drying cycle and shows this code rather than let the compressor overheat. Put the machine into diagnostic mode and the same fault usually reads as E23 \u2014 same problem, more detail.
What usually causes it
- Failed compressor cooling fan
- Damage to the fan's control circuit on the main electronic board (very common alongside the failed fan)
- Fan obstructed or seized
- Wiring or connection fault to the fan
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 \u2014 if the fault is real it will return
- Empty the water container and clean the fluff filter and the heat pump condenser filter, so heat isn't being trapped unnecessarily
- Make sure the machine isn't boxed in tight against a wall or in a hot, unventilated cupboard
When to call someone
This one usually needs an engineer once you have tried the checks above. We cover Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire and Leicestershire, and it's £66 including VAT for an engineer to come out and diagnose it — £84 in total if it's repaired on the visit with no parts needed. Any parts needed are quoted on site before we fit them — you decide. Every repair carries a 90-day workmanship guarantee.
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 Electrolux tumble dryer codes
- Electrolux C00 — This isn't a fault at all othing is stored in the dryer's e…
- Electrolux C06 — The dryer has been running an automatic (sensor) drying prog…
- Electrolux C07 — The dryer isn't getting hot — it checked for a rise in air t…
- Electrolux C08 — The dryer has stopped because its temperature sensor is givi…
- Electrolux C10 — C10 isn't a fault at all — it's one of the service test posi…
- Electrolux E21 — The dryer has lost control of the pump that moves condensed …
- Electrolux E22 — The dryer's control board can no longer tell whether the wat…
- Electrolux E23 — The dryer has stopped because it can't run its heat pump saf…