Electrolux E55 washing machine: what it means & what to try

What E55 actually means

The drum isn't spinning as fast as the machine has asked it to, so it gives up on the spin and carries on with the rest of the wash.

During the spin, the control board watches the drum speed reported back by the motor control. If that speed stays below the target for 30 seconds, and it happens again on a second attempt, the machine logs E55 and skips the spin rather than fighting it. The cycle itself still finishes, which is why the usual complaint is soaking wet washing at the end rather than a dead machine.

What E55 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, E55 usually shows up as one or more of these:

Machine not draining
Water left in the drum at the end of the cycle
Stops mid-cycle full of water
Standing water in the bottom
Drum not turning
Won't spin
Hums or buzzes but nothing moves
Turns one way only

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

Heavily overloaded drum, or a single bulky item soaked with water
Water not draining away, so the drum cannot get up to speed
Worn motor brushes or a slipping or failed drive belt
Fault in the motor control board or its wiring to the motor
Tacho/speed feedback from the motor reading incorrectly

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.

Take some of the load out and redistribute it - one wet duvet or a bundle of towels on one side is a common trigger.
Clean the pump filter and check the drain hose isn't kinked or pushed too far into the standpipe; poor draining often shows up as a failed spin.
Turn the machine off at the wall for a minute, then run a short spin-only cycle with a light, evenly spread load to see whether it repeats.
Listen during the spin - if the motor sounds like it's trying but the drum barely moves, stop and book an engineer.

Which Electrolux models show E55

E55 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 E55

What does E55 mean on a Electrolux washing machine?

The drum isn't spinning as fast as the machine has asked it to, so it gives up on the spin and carries on with the rest of the wash. During the spin, the control board watches the drum speed reported back by the motor control. If that speed stays below the target for 30 seconds, and it happens again on a second attempt, the machine logs E55 and skips the spin rather than fighting it. The cycle itself still finishes, which is why the usual complaint is soaking wet washing at the end rather than a dead machine.

Can I fix Electrolux E55 myself?

There are 4 checks you can safely do yourself first.

Take some of the load out and redistribute it - one wet duvet or a bundle of towels on one side is a common trigger.
Clean the pump filter and check the drain hose isn't kinked or pushed too far into the standpipe; poor draining often shows up as a failed spin.
Turn the machine off at the wall for a minute, then run a short spin-only cycle with a light, evenly spread load to see whether it repeats.
Listen during the spin - if the motor sounds like it's trying but the drum barely moves, stop and book an engineer.

This sometimes clears with those checks. If it comes back, it needs looking at properly.

How much does it cost to repair Electrolux E55?

£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 E55?

This sometimes clears with the checks above. If it comes back, it needs looking at properly. 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 E55 error — washing machine