Grundig E87 washing machine: what it means & what to check

What E87 actually means

This one isn't really a customer fault code — it's a result thrown up when the machine's automatic detergent/water routing check fails, usually during installation testing.

Grundig's own service notes are clear that E87 is not meant to appear in normal use; it comes out of a service-mode test of the MFF filter in the detergent drawer, where the machine watches whether water actually reaches the filter. If water never gets there — for example because the diverter valve isn't operating — the test ends with E87. So on a machine in a customer's home, seeing it points to water not being routed to the drawer correctly rather than anything you've done wrong.

What E87 looks like on a Grundig washing machine

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

Not filling with water
No water going in
Takes for ever to fill
Stops right at the start of the cycle
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

Diverter valve not operating, so water never reaches the MFF filter in the drawer
The MFF flow hole in the detergent drawer blocked or gummed up with detergent residue
Test carried out at installation without the drawer hole properly blocked, giving a false E87
Wiring or control fault on the valve circuit

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 back on and see whether the code returns
Pull the detergent drawer right out and rinse it under the tap, clearing any set detergent or softener sludge from the compartments and flow holes
Check the inlet tap is fully open and the fill hose isn't kinked behind the machine
Run a short wash and watch whether water visibly flushes through the drawer

Which Grundig models show E87

E87 means the same thing on all 4 of these models. If yours is not listed, the explanation above still applies — the code is set by the control board, not the model number.

7129141100 · 7129141400 · 7134541300 · 7142641100

Common questions about Grundig E87

What does E87 mean on a Grundig washing machine?

This one isn't really a customer fault code — it's a result thrown up when the machine's automatic detergent/water routing check fails, usually during installation testing. Grundig's own service notes are clear that E87 is not meant to appear in normal use; it comes out of a service-mode test of the MFF filter in the detergent drawer, where the machine watches whether water actually reaches the filter. If water never gets there — for example because the diverter valve isn't operating — the test ends with E87. So on a machine in a customer's home, seeing it points to water not being routed to the drawer correctly rather than anything you've done wrong.

Can I fix Grundig E87 myself?

There are 4 checks you can safely do yourself first.

Turn the machine off at the wall for a minute, then switch back on and see whether the code returns.
Pull the detergent drawer right out and rinse it under the tap, clearing any set detergent or softener sludge from the compartments and flow holes.
Check the inlet tap is fully open and the fill hose isn't kinked behind the machine.
Run a short wash and watch whether water visibly flushes through the drawer.

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

How much does it cost to repair Grundig 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 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 Grundig washing machine codes

All Grundig 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.

Grundig E87 error — washing machine