What E31 actually means
The dryer's moisture-sensing circuit is giving a reading that's far too high to be real, so the machine won't trust it to decide when the load is dry.
Electrolux dryers judge dryness with a conductimetric sensor — two metal contacts in the drum that measure how well damp clothes conduct across them. The control board reads this as a frequency, and E31 means that signal has come back above the range the board expects. On some board versions this only appears while an engineer is in diagnostic mode; on others it halts the cycle there and then.
What E31 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, E31 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
- Not drying
- Blowing cold air
- Clothes still damp at the end
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
- Fault on the main control board (the most common finding by a distance)
- A poor connection or damaged wiring between the sensor contacts and the board
- Worn sensor brushes/contacts in the drum area
- A genuine sensor failure giving a nonsense reading
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 power it back up and start a fresh cycle — occasional one-off readings can clear.
- Try a timed programme rather than an automatic/sensor-dry one. If timed drying works normally, that points at the moisture sensing rather than heating or the motor.
- Clear the door filter and the condenser filter as usual — won't fix E31, but rules out other faults appearing alongside it.
Which Electrolux models show E31
E31 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.
EDH803J5WCR
Common questions about Electrolux E31
What does E31 mean on a Electrolux tumble dryer?
The dryer's moisture-sensing circuit is giving a reading that's far too high to be real, so the machine won't trust it to decide when the load is dry. Electrolux dryers judge dryness with a conductimetric sensor — two metal contacts in the drum that measure how well damp clothes conduct across them. The control board reads this as a frequency, and E31 means that signal has come back above the range the board expects. On some board versions this only appears while an engineer is in diagnostic mode; on others it halts the cycle there and then.
Can I fix Electrolux E31 myself?
There are 3 checks you can safely do yourself first.
- Turn the dryer off at the wall for a minute, then power it back up and start a fresh cycle — occasional one-off readings can clear.
- Try a timed programme rather than an automatic/sensor-dry one. If timed drying works normally, that points at the moisture sensing rather than heating or the motor.
- Clear the door filter and the condenser filter as usual — won't fix E31, but rules out other faults appearing alongside it.
This one usually needs an engineer once you have tried them.
How much does it cost to repair Electrolux E31?
£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 E31?
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 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…
- Electrolux E45 — The dryer can't confirm the door is properly shut, so it sto…
- Electrolux E50 — The dryer has stopped because it isn't happy with the drum m…
- Electrolux E51 — The dryer has found a fault in the electrical switch on the …
All Electrolux fault codes and repairs →