Electrolux E42 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 E42 actually means

The door lock has failed \u2014 the machine either can't lock the door to start, or can't release it when the cycle asks it to open.

The control board fires the door lock and then waits for confirmation that it has latched or released. On E42 that confirmation never arrives \u2014 typically the door stays locked when the machine wants to open it at the end of the cycle. The machine pauses the programme rather than carrying on, and this particular alarm won't clear by switching off at the wall; it has to be cleared with Start/Pause or by resetting the programme.

What E42 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, E42 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
No function at all
Dead — nothing lights up
Lights flashing and nothing happening

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

Worn or seized door interlock \u2014 the most common finding by a distance
Door not quite pulling up to the catch, so the lock never confirms closed
Sagging hinges or a distorted door seal holding the door slightly proud
Wiring or connector fault between the control board and the lock
Control board output driving the lock at fault (less common)

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.

Wait a couple of minutes \u2014 on the older type of lock the machine can take up to about 45 seconds to release cold, and longer after a hot wash, so don't assume it's stuck straight away
Press Start/Pause to clear the pause, or cancel and reset the programme; note that turning it off at the socket won't reset this one
Check nothing is trapped in the door \u2014 a sleeve or a corner of a duvet stops it latching properly
Close the door firmly and evenly rather than pushing it at the handle edge, then try the cycle again

Common questions about Electrolux E42

What does E42 mean on a Electrolux washing machine?

The door lock has failed \u2014 the machine either can't lock the door to start, or can't release it when the cycle asks it to open. The control board fires the door lock and then waits for confirmation that it has latched or released. On E42 that confirmation never arrives \u2014 typically the door stays locked when the machine wants to open it at the end of the cycle. The machine pauses the programme rather than carrying on, and this particular alarm won't clear by switching off at the wall; it has to be cleared with Start/Pause or by resetting the programme.

Can I fix Electrolux E42 myself?

There are 4 checks you can safely do yourself first.

Wait a couple of minutes \u2014 on the older type of lock the machine can take up to about 45 seconds to release cold, and longer after a hot wash, so don't assume it's stuck straight away.
Press Start/Pause to clear the pause, or cancel and reset the programme; note that turning it off at the socket won't reset this one.
Check nothing is trapped in the door \u2014 a sleeve or a corner of a duvet stops it latching properly.
Close the door firmly and evenly rather than pushing it at the handle edge, then try the cycle again.

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

How much does it cost to repair Electrolux E42?

£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 E42?

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 E42 error — washing machine