Hoover E13 washing machine: what it means & what to check

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 E13 actually means

The machine's main control board and the display panel have stopped talking to each other, so the machine won't take instructions.

Hoover uses a two-part control system: the "Cuore" power board does the work of running the motor, valves and heater, and the display board handles the buttons and programme selection. E13 means the display board has lost its conversation with the power board, either because one of them has failed or because the ribbon/loom between them isn't making a connection. Nothing is trusted to run in that state, so the cycle stops or the machine won't start at all.

What E13 looks like on a Hoover washing machine

Most people find this page having searched for what the machine is doing rather than the code itself. On a Hoover washing machine, E13 usually shows up as one or more of these:

Not heating the water
Washing coming out cold
Cycle takes far longer than it should
Drum not turning
Won't spin
Hums or buzzes but nothing moves
Turns one way only
Leaking

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

Loose or damaged connection between the display board and the main power board
Failed "Cuore" power board
Failed display/selector board
Damp or corrosion on the control connections, often after a leak or a spill
Replacement power board fitted that hasn't been programmed for the model

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, leave it a minute, then switch back on — an occasional one-off communication glitch clears with a full power down
Check the mains plug and socket are sound and the machine isn't running through an extension lead or a loose adaptor

Common questions about Hoover E13

What does E13 mean on a Hoover washing machine?

The machine's main control board and the display panel have stopped talking to each other, so the machine won't take instructions. Hoover uses a two-part control system: the "Cuore" power board does the work of running the motor, valves and heater, and the display board handles the buttons and programme selection. E13 means the display board has lost its conversation with the power board, either because one of them has failed or because the ribbon/loom between them isn't making a connection. Nothing is trusted to run in that state, so the cycle stops or the machine won't start at all.

Can I fix Hoover E13 myself?

There are 2 checks you can safely do yourself first.

Turn the machine off at the wall, leave it a minute, then switch back on — an occasional one-off communication glitch clears with a full power down.
Check the mains plug and socket are sound and the machine isn't running through an extension lead or a loose adaptor.

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

How much does it cost to repair Hoover E13?

£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 E13?

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 Hoover washing machine codes

All Hoover 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.

Hoover E13 error — washing machine