What E21 actually means
The dryer has lost control of the pump that moves condensed water into the tank, so it has stopped the cycle.
On a condenser or heat pump dryer the water drawn out of your washing is pumped up into the water container in the machine. The control board drives that pump through an electronic switch (a triac), and E21 means the board has found that switch is not behaving as it should. Rather than risk flooding the base of the machine, the dryer abandons the programme.
What E21 looks like on a Electrolux tumble dryer
Most people find this page having searched for what the machine is doing rather than the code itself. On a Electrolux tumble dryer, E21 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 failed or seized water pump
- A faulty control board he electronic switch that drives the pump has gone short
- Damaged or loose wiring between the board and the pump
- Water container not seated properly, or the float switch inside sticking
- Pump blocked with fluff and lint sludge
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 restart e if the code clears
- Pull the water container right out, empty it and push it firmly back into place
- If the machine is plumbed to a drain, check the outlet hose isn't kinked or trapped behind the machine
- Clean the door filter and, on a condenser model, the heat exchanger filter at the bottom uild-up here makes pump problems worse
Common questions about Electrolux E21
What does E21 mean on a Electrolux tumble dryer?
The dryer has lost control of the pump that moves condensed water into the tank, so it has stopped the cycle. On a condenser or heat pump dryer the water drawn out of your washing is pumped up into the water container in the machine. The control board drives that pump through an electronic switch (a triac), and E21 means the board has found that switch is not behaving as it should. Rather than risk flooding the base of the machine, the dryer abandons the programme.
Can I fix Electrolux E21 myself?
There are 4 checks you can safely do yourself first.
- Turn the dryer off at the wall for a minute, then switch back on and restart e if the code clears.
- Pull the water container right out, empty it and push it firmly back into place.
- If the machine is plumbed to a drain, check the outlet hose isn't kinked or trapped behind the machine.
- Clean the door filter and, on a condenser model, the heat exchanger filter at the bottom uild-up here makes pump problems worse.
This one usually needs an engineer once you have tried them.
How much does it cost to repair Electrolux E21?
£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 E21?
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 Electrolux tumble dryer codes
- 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…
- Electrolux E31 — The dryer's moisture-sensing circuit is giving a reading tha…
- Electrolux E32 — The dryer can't get a sensible reading from the moisture sen…
- Electrolux E34 — The dryer's moisture sensor isn't reading properly, so the m…
- Electrolux E41 — The dryer has found a fault in the part of its control board…
- Electrolux E42 — The dryer's main control board has spotted a fault in its ow…
- Electrolux E43 — The dryer can't confirm the door is properly locked, so it s…
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