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 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.
When to call someone
This one usually needs an engineer once you have tried the checks above. We cover Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire and Leicestershire, and it's £66 including VAT for an engineer to come out and diagnose it — £84 in total if it's repaired on the visit with no parts needed. Any parts needed are quoted on site before we fit them — you decide. Every repair carries a 90-day workmanship guarantee.
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.
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