What E86 actually means
The control panel has lost the stored settings that tell it what each position on the programme selector means, so it won't start a wash.
Electrolux machines keep a configuration table in the user interface board's memory that maps the programme selector to the actual wash cycles. If that data is missing or corrupted, the panel flags E86 and blocks the cycle from starting \u2014 nothing mechanical is wrong with the drum, pump or heater. You can normally still turn the machine off and open the door.
What E86 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, E86 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
- Not heating the water
- Washing coming out cold
- Cycle takes far longer than it should
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
- Corrupted memory on the user interface (control panel) board
- A control board that was replaced or reprogrammed with the wrong configuration for the model
- Power surge or interruption while the machine was powered up
- A genuine fault in the user interface microcontroller
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, leave it a minute, then switch it back on
- Turn the programme selector fully off and back to a cycle, or press start/pause to clear the current cycle
Common questions about Electrolux E86
What does E86 mean on a Electrolux washing machine?
The control panel has lost the stored settings that tell it what each position on the programme selector means, so it won't start a wash. Electrolux machines keep a configuration table in the user interface board's memory that maps the programme selector to the actual wash cycles. If that data is missing or corrupted, the panel flags E86 and blocks the cycle from starting \u2014 nothing mechanical is wrong with the drum, pump or heater. You can normally still turn the machine off and open the door.
Can I fix Electrolux E86 myself?
There are 2 checks you can safely do yourself first.
- Turn the machine off at the wall, leave it a minute, then switch it back on.
- Turn the programme selector fully off and back to a cycle, or press start/pause to clear the current cycle.
This one usually needs an engineer once you have tried them.
How much does it cost to repair Electrolux E86?
£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 E86?
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
- Electrolux E87 — The control panel's own processor has failed an internal sel…
- Electrolux E90 — The two electronic boards inside the machine aren't talking …
- Electrolux E91 — The control panel and the main circuit board inside the mach…
- Electrolux E92 — The machine's two control boards can't agree on how to talk …
- Electrolux E93 — The washing machine's own settings data has become corrupted…
- Electrolux E94 — The machine's internal settings for the wash programmes have…
- Electrolux E95 — The main control board can't read its own memory chip, so th…
- Electrolux E96 — The washing machine's control board and the software setting…
All Electrolux fault codes and repairs →
What this looks like when it happens
- washing machine not draining
- washing machine making a loud noise
- washing machine not heating the water
- washing machine door will not open