Electrolux E61 washing machine: what it means & what to try

What E61 actually means

The water didn't reach the temperature the programme asked for in the time allowed, so the machine gave up on heating and carried on washing cold.

During the wash, the control board sets a time limit for the water to reach the target temperature. If the temperature sensor never reports that it has got there within that window, E61 is logged and the heating phase is skipped. The cycle usually finishes, but on a cool or lukewarm wash — so whites and heavily soiled loads come out poorly.

What E61 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, E61 usually shows up as one or more of these:

Not filling with water
No water going in
Takes for ever to fill
Stops right at the start of the cycle
Not heating the water
Washing coming out cold
Cycle takes far longer than it should
No function at all

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

Faulty heating element (the most common finding)
Temperature sensor (NTC) reading incorrectly
Damaged or corroded wiring to the heater
Fault on the main control board driving the heater

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 run a short hot wash to see whether the code returns — the drum glass should feel warm partway through.
Check the cold fill hose isn't kinked and the tap is fully open, so the machine isn't taking longer than expected to fill.
Clean the filter and make sure you aren't overloading, as a packed drum on a long cotton cycle heats more slowly.

Which Electrolux models show E61

E61 means the same thing on all 3 of these models. If yours is not listed, the explanation above still applies — the code is set by the control board, not the model number.

EWB105110W · EWB105205W · EWB136216W

Common questions about Electrolux E61

What does E61 mean on a Electrolux washing machine?

The water didn't reach the temperature the programme asked for in the time allowed, so the machine gave up on heating and carried on washing cold. During the wash, the control board sets a time limit for the water to reach the target temperature. If the temperature sensor never reports that it has got there within that window, E61 is logged and the heating phase is skipped. The cycle usually finishes, but on a cool or lukewarm wash — so whites and heavily soiled loads come out poorly.

Can I fix Electrolux E61 myself?

There are 3 checks you can safely do yourself first.

Turn the machine off at the wall for a minute, then run a short hot wash to see whether the code returns — the drum glass should feel warm partway through.
Check the cold fill hose isn't kinked and the tap is fully open, so the machine isn't taking longer than expected to fill.
Clean the filter and make sure you aren't overloading, as a packed drum on a long cotton cycle heats more slowly.

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

How much does it cost to repair Electrolux E61?

£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 E61?

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 E61 error — washing machine