Electrolux E71 washing machine: what it means & what to try

What E71 actually means

The sensor that tells the machine how hot the wash water is has stopped giving a sensible reading, so the machine has switched off heating.

The main board reads a voltage from the wash temperature sensor (the NTC fitted to the tub). On E71 that reading is off the scale for more than five seconds — the classic signature of a sensor that has gone open circuit or short circuit, or a broken connection to it. The machine protects itself by skipping all heating phases, so the drum fills, turns and drains but the wash runs cold.

What E71 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, E71 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
Not filling with water
No water going in
Takes for ever to fill
Stops right at the start of the cycle

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

Wash temperature sensor (NTC) failed open or short circuit
Damaged or corroded wiring/connector between the sensor and the main board
Sensor knocked out of its seat on the tub
Water leaking onto the sensor connection
Fault on the main control board (less common)

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 switch it back on and start a fresh cycle — E71 will not clear by pressing Start/Pause, and on some models needs the cycle resetting with the programme selector.
Note whether the wash is running cold but otherwise completing normally; that detail helps whoever attends.

Which Electrolux models show E71

E71 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 E71

What does E71 mean on a Electrolux washing machine?

The sensor that tells the machine how hot the wash water is has stopped giving a sensible reading, so the machine has switched off heating. The main board reads a voltage from the wash temperature sensor (the NTC fitted to the tub). On E71 that reading is off the scale for more than five seconds — the classic signature of a sensor that has gone open circuit or short circuit, or a broken connection to it. The machine protects itself by skipping all heating phases, so the drum fills, turns and drains but the wash runs cold.

Can I fix Electrolux E71 myself?

There are 2 checks you can safely do yourself first.

Turn the machine off at the wall for a minute, then switch it back on and start a fresh cycle — E71 will not clear by pressing Start/Pause, and on some models needs the cycle resetting with the programme selector.
Note whether the wash is running cold but otherwise completing normally; that detail helps whoever attends.

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 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 E71 error — washing machine