What E98 actually means
The two electronic boards that run the machine are on different software versions and can't talk to each other properly, so the machine won't start.
Your washer has a main control board and a separate board that drives the motor (the FCV, or frequency converter). They speak to each other over a set protocol, and at the moment the motor board powers up the machine checks that both ends match. If the configurations aren't compatible, it stops there and locks the cycle out — this isn't something you'll see mid-wash, it shows up at power-on.
What usually causes it
- A replacement main board or motor control board fitted with the wrong software version
- Incorrect configuration data loaded during a previous repair or board swap
- Faulty motor control (FCV) board
- Faulty 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.
- Switch the machine off at the wall for a minute, then power it back up — occasionally the code clears and doesn't return
- If the machine has recently had a board replaced, note that down for the engineer; it's nearly always relevant here
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.
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