What E97 actually means
The machine can't find the wash programme you've selected in its own internal programme list, so it refuses to start.
Electrolux washing machines hold two sets of data in the main control board: a list of what each position on the programme selector or the touch panel means, and a table of the actual wash cycles. E97 appears when the programme reference sent from the selector or user interface has no matching entry in the cycle table, so the control has nothing to run and blocks the machine. It is a software configuration mismatch rather than a mechanical fault, so it usually shows straight away at power-on or the moment you press start.
What E97 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, E97 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
- E97 flashing on the display
- Beeping and showing E97
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
- Wrong configuration file loaded onto the control board — most often after a board replacement or software update
- A replacement main board or display board that isn't the correct version for the model
- Corrupted data read from the board's memory
- Mismatched selector/user interface and main control 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 machine off at the wall for a minute, then switch it back on — an occasional read fault clears at power-up
- Try selecting a different programme; if only one position on the selector triggers the fault, mention that to the engineer
Which Electrolux models show E97
E97 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.
ZWX9115XL
Common questions about Electrolux E97
What does E97 mean on a Electrolux washing machine?
The machine can't find the wash programme you've selected in its own internal programme list, so it refuses to start. Electrolux washing machines hold two sets of data in the main control board: a list of what each position on the programme selector or the touch panel means, and a table of the actual wash cycles. E97 appears when the programme reference sent from the selector or user interface has no matching entry in the cycle table, so the control has nothing to run and blocks the machine. It is a software configuration mismatch rather than a mechanical fault, so it usually shows straight away at power-on or the moment you press start.
Can I fix Electrolux E97 myself?
There are 2 checks you can safely do yourself first.
- Turn the machine off at the wall for a minute, then switch it back on — an occasional read fault clears at power-up.
- Try selecting a different programme; if only one position on the selector triggers the fault, mention that to the engineer.
This one usually needs an engineer once you have tried them.
How much does it cost to repair Electrolux E97?
£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 E97?
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 E98 — The two electronic boards that run the machine are on differ…
- Electrolux C02 — The machine isn't getting water into the main wash compartme…
- Electrolux C11 — C11 isn't a fault at all — it's the engineer's diagnostic me…
- Electrolux E00 — E00 isn't a fault \u2014 it's the machine telling you no err…
- Electrolux E10 — The machine isn't getting water in fast enough, so it has pa…
- Electrolux E11 — The machine hasn't taken in enough water in the time allowed…
- Electrolux E12 — The machine tried to take in water during the drying part of…
- Electrolux E13 — The machine has had to keep topping itself up with water dur…
All Electrolux fault codes and repairs →
What this looks like when it happens
- washing machine door will not open
- washing machine will not turn on
- washing machine beeping or bleeping