Electrolux E31 washing machine: what it means & what to try

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 E31 actually means

The machine can no longer trust the sensor that tells it how much water is in the drum, so it has stopped the cycle with the door locked.

Electrolux washers use an electronic pressure sensor that reports the water level as a frequency signal to the main board. If that signal sits outside the accepted range for around five seconds — and again after a short retry — the control gives up and shows E31. Because the machine no longer knows whether the drum is full or empty, it will not carry on filling or spinning, and the door stays locked.

What E31 looks like on a Electrolux washing machine

Most people find this page having searched for what the machine is doing rather than the code itself. On a Electrolux washing machine, 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
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 electronic pressure sensor (by far the most common finding)
A damaged or loose wiring connection between the sensor and the main board
A fault on the main control board
Moisture or corrosion affecting the sensor connection

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 switch back on and start a fresh cycle — a one-off signal glitch can clear
If the code returns straight away and the door is locked, leave it powered off and stop using it until it has been looked at

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.

ZWX9115XL

Common questions about Electrolux E31

What does E31 mean on a Electrolux washing machine?

The machine can no longer trust the sensor that tells it how much water is in the drum, so it has stopped the cycle with the door locked. Electrolux washers use an electronic pressure sensor that reports the water level as a frequency signal to the main board. If that signal sits outside the accepted range for around five seconds — and again after a short retry — the control gives up and shows E31. Because the machine no longer knows whether the drum is full or empty, it will not carry on filling or spinning, and the door stays locked.

Can I fix Electrolux E31 myself?

There are 2 checks you can safely do yourself first.

Turn the machine off at the wall for a minute, then switch back on and start a fresh cycle — a one-off signal glitch can clear.
If the code returns straight away and the door is locked, leave it powered off and stop using it until it has been looked at.

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 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 Electrolux washing machine codes

All Electrolux 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.

Electrolux E31 error — washing machine