Electrolux E85 washing machine: what it means & what to try

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 E85 actually means

The machine has lost proper control of the recirculation pump and has stopped the cycle, drained itself and released the door.

The main control board watches the switch (triac) that powers the recirculation pump — the pump that sprays water back over the load — and compares what it is asking for with what it actually senses. When the two don't agree for a few seconds across two attempts, the board raises this alarm, runs a safety drain and unlocks the door. In practice that means either the pump is not connected electrically, its internal thermal cut-out has tripped, or the switching circuit on the board itself has failed.

What E85 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, E85 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
Machine not draining
Water left in the drum at the end of the cycle
Stops mid-cycle full of water

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

Recirculation pump has failed or its thermal overload has opened
Loose or damaged wiring or connector at the pump
Faulty switching circuit on the main control board
Pump jammed or overheated by debris, tripping its protection

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 on and try a cycle — the alarm can clear with a reset or by pressing Start/Pause
Clean out the drain filter and remove any debris or coins
Check the drain hose is not kinked or blocked, in case the machine has been struggling to clear water

Common questions about Electrolux E85

What does E85 mean on a Electrolux washing machine?

The machine has lost proper control of the recirculation pump and has stopped the cycle, drained itself and released the door. The main control board watches the switch (triac) that powers the recirculation pump — the pump that sprays water back over the load — and compares what it is asking for with what it actually senses. When the two don't agree for a few seconds across two attempts, the board raises this alarm, runs a safety drain and unlocks the door. In practice that means either the pump is not connected electrically, its internal thermal cut-out has tripped, or the switching circuit on the board itself has failed.

Can I fix Electrolux E85 myself?

There are 3 checks you can safely do yourself first.

Turn the machine off at the wall for a minute, then switch on and try a cycle — the alarm can clear with a reset or by pressing Start/Pause.
Clean out the drain filter and remove any debris or coins.
Check the drain hose is not kinked or blocked, in case the machine has been struggling to clear water.

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

How much does it cost to repair Electrolux E85?

£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 E85?

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 E85 error — washing machine