Electrolux E87 tumble dryer: what it means & what to check

What E87 actually means

The dryer's control panel board has failed its own internal self-check.

When the dryer powers up, the microcontroller on the user interface board — the part behind the buttons and display — runs a test on itself. E87 is logged when that test fails. There is no cycle action against this code, so the dryer may well carry on drying, but the panel is reporting that it can no longer vouch for itself and behaviour can become erratic: unresponsive buttons, odd display segments, programmes not taking the setting you chose.

What E87 looks like on a Electrolux tumble dryer

Most people find this page having searched for what the machine is doing rather than the code itself. On a Electrolux tumble dryer, E87 usually shows up as one or more of these:

No function at all
Dead — nothing lights up
Lights flashing and nothing happening
Programme won't start
Machine tripping the electrics
E87 flashing on the display
Beeping and showing E87

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

A fault on the user interface board itself
A poor or corroded connection between the panel and the main board
Damaged wiring between the two boards
Damp or condensation having got into the control area
A one-off glitch after a power interruption

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, leave it a minute, then switch back on — a genuine one-off glitch will clear and not return
Note whether the code comes back every time you power up, or only occasionally; that is the first thing we ask
If the machine is in a cold or damp garage or utility, let it warm and dry out before trying again

Which Electrolux models show E87

E87 means the same thing on this model. If yours is not listed, the explanation above still applies — the code is set by the control board, not the model number.

EDH803J5WCR

Common questions about Electrolux E87

What does E87 mean on a Electrolux tumble dryer?

The dryer's control panel board has failed its own internal self-check. When the dryer powers up, the microcontroller on the user interface board — the part behind the buttons and display — runs a test on itself. E87 is logged when that test fails. There is no cycle action against this code, so the dryer may well carry on drying, but the panel is reporting that it can no longer vouch for itself and behaviour can become erratic: unresponsive buttons, odd display segments, programmes not taking the setting you chose.

Can I fix Electrolux E87 myself?

There are 3 checks you can safely do yourself first.

Turn the dryer off at the wall, leave it a minute, then switch back on — a genuine one-off glitch will clear and not return.
Note whether the code comes back every time you power up, or only occasionally; that is the first thing we ask.
If the machine is in a cold or damp garage or utility, let it warm and dry out before trying again.

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

How much does it cost to repair Electrolux E87?

£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 E87?

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 tumble dryer 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 tumble dryer codes

All Electrolux fault codes and repairs →

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 E87 error — tumble dryer