Electrolux E66 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 E66 actually means

The fan motor's built-in overheat protection has tripped, so the dryer has stopped the cycle.

On these Electrolux boards E66 is the fan motor thermal protection. The motor that drives the air through the drum has either got too hot, or the control board can no longer see it working properly, and rather than risk the motor the machine halts the programme. On some newer heat pump control boards the same code is logged as a safety alarm from the motor control (VSC) section, which comes down to the same area heot the board and wiring around the motor.

What E66 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, E66 usually shows up as one or more of these:

Not drying
Blowing cold air
Clothes still damp at the end
Takes hours to dry
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

Fan motor overheating because airflow is restricted \u2013 clogged filters or condenser
Fan motor itself worn or seizing, tripping its own thermal cut-out
Loose or disconnected wiring/plug at the motor
Faulty triac or motor control section on the electronic board

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.

Clean the lint filters thoroughly \u2013 including the fine mesh layer, which is often overlooked
On a condenser model, take out the condenser unit and rinse it clear of fluff, and clear the fluff from its housing
Make sure the dryer isn't pushed tight against a wall and has air around it; on a vented model check the hose isn't kinked or blocked
Switch off at the wall for a minute, then restart \u2013 if the motor has simply overheated it may need time to cool before it will run

Which Electrolux models show E66

E66 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.

EDH803J5WCR

Common questions about Electrolux E66

What does E66 mean on a Electrolux tumble dryer?

The fan motor's built-in overheat protection has tripped, so the dryer has stopped the cycle. On these Electrolux boards E66 is the fan motor thermal protection. The motor that drives the air through the drum has either got too hot, or the control board can no longer see it working properly, and rather than risk the motor the machine halts the programme. On some newer heat pump control boards the same code is logged as a safety alarm from the motor control (VSC) section, which comes down to the same area heot the board and wiring around the motor.

Can I fix Electrolux E66 myself?

There are 4 checks you can safely do yourself first.

Clean the lint filters thoroughly \u2013 including the fine mesh layer, which is often overlooked.
On a condenser model, take out the condenser unit and rinse it clear of fluff, and clear the fluff from its housing.
Make sure the dryer isn't pushed tight against a wall and has air around it; on a vented model check the hose isn't kinked or blocked.
Switch off at the wall for a minute, then restart \u2013 if the motor has simply overheated it may need time to cool before it will run.

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

How much does it cost to repair Electrolux E66?

£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 E66?

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 E66 error — tumble dryer