Electrolux E52 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 E52 actually means

The machine has lost the speed signal from the motor, so it can't tell how fast the drum is turning and shuts the motor down.

The motor carries a tachometer that reports drum speed back to the control electronics. If that signal disappears while the motor is being driven, the control board cuts power to the motor and parks the machine in a safe state. It doesn't fail on the first attempt ive pause in between to let things cool, and only then locks in the fault \u2014 which is why you often see the drum stop and start, or wash with unusually gentle movement, before the code finally appears with the door held shut.

What E52 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, E52 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

Loose or dirty connection at the tachometer on the back of the motor
Worn motor \u2014 brushes or tacho coil failing
Damaged or chafed wiring between motor and control board
Faulty motor control board
Electrical interference upsetting the speed signal

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 back on and reset the programme \u2014 an occasional false contact will clear
Check the drum isn't jammed by an item of clothing trapped between drum and seal
If the door stays locked, run the drain hose into a bowl to empty the machine before trying again

Which Electrolux models show E52

E52 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 E52

What does E52 mean on a Electrolux washing machine?

The machine has lost the speed signal from the motor, so it can't tell how fast the drum is turning and shuts the motor down. The motor carries a tachometer that reports drum speed back to the control electronics. If that signal disappears while the motor is being driven, the control board cuts power to the motor and parks the machine in a safe state. It doesn't fail on the first attempt ive pause in between to let things cool, and only then locks in the fault \u2014 which is why you often see the drum stop and start, or wash with unusually gentle movement, before the code finally appears with the door held shut.

Can I fix Electrolux E52 myself?

There are 3 checks you can safely do yourself first.

Turn the machine off at the wall for a minute, then back on and reset the programme \u2014 an occasional false contact will clear.
Check the drum isn't jammed by an item of clothing trapped between drum and seal.
If the door stays locked, run the drain hose into a bowl to empty the machine before trying again.

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

How much does it cost to repair Electrolux E52?

£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 E52?

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 E52 error — washing machine