Electrolux E98 washing machine: what it means & what to try

Stop using it for now. Carrying on with this fault risks further damage or a leak. Switch it off at the wall until it has been looked at.

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 E98 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, E98 usually shows up as one or more of these:

Drum not turning
Won't spin
Hums or buzzes but nothing moves
Turns one way only
No function at all
Dead — nothing lights up
Lights flashing and nothing happening
Programme won't start

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 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

Which Electrolux models show E98

E98 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 E98

What does E98 mean on a Electrolux washing machine?

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.

Can I fix Electrolux E98 myself?

There are 2 checks you can safely do yourself first.

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.

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

How much does it cost to repair Electrolux E98?

£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 E98?

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

All Electrolux fault codes and repairs →

What this looks like when it happens

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 E98 error — washing machine