Electrolux E36 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 E36 actually means

The machine's own control board has lost a sensible reading from one of its safety water-level (anti-boil) sensors, so it has halted the wash with the door locked.

Electrolux washers use an anti-boiling pressure switch as a safeguard against heating with too little water. The main board watches that switch's signal, and E36 is raised when the signal sits stuck at one extreme rather than changing as it should. Because the board can no longer trust its own protection circuit, the cycle is blocked and the door stays locked.

What E36 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, E36 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
Overfilling, or won't stop filling
Stops with water still inside
Fills and drains over and over

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 fault on the main control board itself \u2014 this is the usual outcome with E36
Damage or corrosion on the sensing side of the board after a leak or damp
Wiring or connector problems between the board and the pressure switch

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 it back on and see whether the code returns \u2014 an occasional one-off glitch will clear.
If the drum still has water in it and the door is locked, leave the machine off and wait; don't force the door.

Common questions about Electrolux E36

What does E36 mean on a Electrolux washing machine?

The machine's own control board has lost a sensible reading from one of its safety water-level (anti-boil) sensors, so it has halted the wash with the door locked. Electrolux washers use an anti-boiling pressure switch as a safeguard against heating with too little water. The main board watches that switch's signal, and E36 is raised when the signal sits stuck at one extreme rather than changing as it should. Because the board can no longer trust its own protection circuit, the cycle is blocked and the door stays locked.

Can I fix Electrolux E36 myself?

There are 2 checks you can safely do yourself first.

Turn the machine off at the wall for a minute, then switch it back on and see whether the code returns \u2014 an occasional one-off glitch will clear.
If the drum still has water in it and the door is locked, leave the machine off and wait; don't force the door.

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

How much does it cost to repair Electrolux E36?

£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 E36?

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 E36 error — washing machine