Electrolux E41 tumble dryer: what it means & what to check

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 E41 actually means

The dryer has found a fault in the part of its control board that powers the door lock, so it has stopped the cycle rather than run with a door it can't reliably lock or release.

The door on these machines is held shut by an electrically operated interlock, and the control board uses a switching device (a triac) to power the lock coil. When the board detects that switch has failed, it flags E41 and shuts the cycle down. In practice the drum stops, the programme won't restart, and the door may stay locked or refuse to lock at all.

What E41 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, E41 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

Failed switching device on the main control board
Damaged or loose wiring between the board and the door lock
A faulty door interlock dragging the circuit down
Moisture or heat damage to the board over years of use

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 — if the fault was a one-off glitch it may clear
Check the door shuts cleanly and the catch isn't stiff or obstructed by lint
Make sure nothing (a stray sock, a fold of fabric) is caught in the door seal preventing it seating fully

Common questions about Electrolux E41

What does E41 mean on a Electrolux tumble dryer?

The dryer has found a fault in the part of its control board that powers the door lock, so it has stopped the cycle rather than run with a door it can't reliably lock or release. The door on these machines is held shut by an electrically operated interlock, and the control board uses a switching device (a triac) to power the lock coil. When the board detects that switch has failed, it flags E41 and shuts the cycle down. In practice the drum stops, the programme won't restart, and the door may stay locked or refuse to lock at all.

Can I fix Electrolux E41 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 — if the fault was a one-off glitch it may clear.
Check the door shuts cleanly and the catch isn't stiff or obstructed by lint.
Make sure nothing (a stray sock, a fold of fabric) is caught in the door seal preventing it seating fully.

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

How much does it cost to repair Electrolux E41?

£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 E41?

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

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 E41 error — tumble dryer