Electrolux E72 washing machine: what it means & what to try

What E72 actually means

The temperature sensor on the drying condenser is giving a reading the machine can't believe, so it abandons the drying heat.

E72 is reported by washer-dryers. The NTC sensor fitted to the drying condenser has gone open circuit or short circuit, so the control board sees a voltage outside its allowed range and can no longer tell how hot the drying air is. Rather than risk running a heater blind, it skips the heating part of the drying phase — washing usually still completes, but clothes come out damp.

What E72 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, E72 usually shows up as one or more of these:

Not heating the water
Washing coming out cold
Cycle takes far longer than it should
Noisy fan
Not getting cold evenly
Cuts out after a few minutes
No function at all
Dead — nothing lights up

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

Failed NTC temperature sensor on the drying condenser
Damaged, chafed or corroded wiring to that sensor
A loose or corroded plug at the sensor connection
Fault on the main control board reading the sensor

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.

Switch off at the wall for a minute, then restart — an occasional reading glitch will clear
Run a wash-only programme (no drying) to confirm washing still works normally
Make sure the machine isn't cramped against a wall or in an airless cupboard, as poor ventilation makes drying faults worse

Common questions about Electrolux E72

What does E72 mean on a Electrolux washing machine?

The temperature sensor on the drying condenser is giving a reading the machine can't believe, so it abandons the drying heat. E72 is reported by washer-dryers. The NTC sensor fitted to the drying condenser has gone open circuit or short circuit, so the control board sees a voltage outside its allowed range and can no longer tell how hot the drying air is. Rather than risk running a heater blind, it skips the heating part of the drying phase — washing usually still completes, but clothes come out damp.

Can I fix Electrolux E72 myself?

There are 3 checks you can safely do yourself first.

Switch off at the wall for a minute, then restart — an occasional reading glitch will clear.
Run a wash-only programme (no drying) to confirm washing still works normally.
Make sure the machine isn't cramped against a wall or in an airless cupboard, as poor ventilation makes drying faults worse.

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

How much does it cost to repair Electrolux E72?

£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 E72?

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.

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What this looks like when it happens

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

Electrolux E72 error — washing machine