Electrolux E71 washer dryer: what it means & what to check

What E71 actually means

The machine can no longer read the temperature of the wash water, so it has stopped heating and flagged the sensor as faulty.

E71 means the washing thermistor (the NTC temperature sensor in the wash tub circuit) is reading a voltage outside the acceptable range — in practice an open circuit or a short. The control board waits about five seconds of bad readings before setting the alarm, then skips the heating parts of the cycle and keeps the door shut. Because the board no longer trusts the reading, it won't heat at all rather than risk running the element blind.

What E71 looks like on a Electrolux washer dryer

Most people find this page having searched for what the machine is doing rather than the code itself. On a Electrolux washer dryer, E71 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
Not drying
Blowing cold air
Clothes still damp at the end

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

The wash temperature sensor has failed electrically (open or short circuit)
The sensor has worked loose or is sitting out of position in its housing
Damaged or corroded wiring between the sensor and the main board
A fault on the main control board itself

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 programme selector to off, then start a fresh cycle — E71 is designed to be cleared by resetting the cycle rather than by pulling the plug, so switching off at the wall on its own usually won't shift it.
If the code returns straight away every time, there is nothing further you can safely check yourself — the sensor and its wiring are inside the machine.

Which Electrolux models show E71

E71 means the same thing on all 2 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.

AWF8024D3SC · EA2F6820CF

Common questions about Electrolux E71

What does E71 mean on a Electrolux washer dryer?

The machine can no longer read the temperature of the wash water, so it has stopped heating and flagged the sensor as faulty. E71 means the washing thermistor (the NTC temperature sensor in the wash tub circuit) is reading a voltage outside the acceptable range — in practice an open circuit or a short. The control board waits about five seconds of bad readings before setting the alarm, then skips the heating parts of the cycle and keeps the door shut. Because the board no longer trusts the reading, it won't heat at all rather than risk running the element blind.

Can I fix Electrolux E71 myself?

There are 2 checks you can safely do yourself first.

Turn the programme selector to off, then start a fresh cycle — E71 is designed to be cleared by resetting the cycle rather than by pulling the plug, so switching off at the wall on its own usually won't shift it.
If the code returns straight away every time, there is nothing further you can safely check yourself — the sensor and its wiring are inside the machine.

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

How much does it cost to repair Electrolux E71?

£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 E71?

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 washer 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 washer dryer codes

All Electrolux fault codes and repairs →

What this looks like when it happens

washer dryer not drying

Written by the engineers at ASAP Repairs, 0115 648 0929. We repair these machines for a living in Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire and Leicestershire.

Electrolux E71 error — washer dryer