What E86 actually means
The dryer's control board has lost or can't read the settings data that tells it which programme selector positions it should have, so it won't run a cycle.
Electrolux dryers store a configuration table that matches each position of the programme selector to an actual drying cycle. When the board reads that table and finds it missing, corrupted or not matching the model it thinks it is, it flags this fault rather than risk running the wrong programme. It is a data/electronics fault inside the machine, not a drum, filter or airflow problem.
What usually causes it
- Corrupted configuration data in the control board's memory
- A control board fitted or replaced without being configured for that exact model
- Wiring or connection fault between the user interface and the main board
- Failed user interface (selector) board
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 dryer off at the wall socket, leave it a minute or two, then switch back on — an occasional read error will clear on a restart
- Check the programme selector turns freely and is not sitting between two positions
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.
Other Electrolux tumble dryer codes
- Electrolux C00 — This isn't a fault at all othing is stored in the dryer's e…
- Electrolux C06 — The dryer has been running an automatic (sensor) drying prog…
- Electrolux C07 — The dryer isn't getting hot — it checked for a rise in air t…
- Electrolux C08 — The dryer has stopped because its temperature sensor is givi…
- Electrolux C10 — C10 isn't a fault at all — it's one of the service test posi…
- Electrolux E20 — The dryer has stopped mid-cycle because the fan that cools t…
- Electrolux E21 — The dryer has lost control of the pump that moves condensed …
- Electrolux E22 — The dryer's control board can no longer tell whether the wat…