What E12 actually means
The machine's main control board has lost contact with one of the other electronic boards it talks to, so it stops rather than carry on blind.
E12 is a "3D communication error" — an internal signalling fault between control boards inside the appliance, not a problem with water, drainage or the drum. It is one of the codes the manufacturer flags as needing service attention rather than something the user is expected to resolve, and the machine will normally refuse to run the programme through while it is present.
What E12 looks like on a Montpellier tumble dryer
Most people find this page having searched for what the machine is doing rather than the code itself. On a Montpellier tumble dryer, E12 usually shows up as one or more of these:
- Machine door won't open
- Door won't lock or click shut
- Door lock light flashing
- Door stuck shut with the load inside
- Won't start even with the door closed
- Machine not draining
- Water left in the drum at the end of the cycle
- Stops mid-cycle full of water
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 loose or corroded plug between the control boards
- A failed or water-damaged main control board
- Damage to the internal wiring loom between boards
- A momentary electrical glitch or brief supply interruption that has latched the fault
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 appliance off at the wall socket, leave it a minute, then switch back on and try the programme again — a one-off glitch can clear this way
- Check the plug is fully home in the socket and that the socket is not shared with an overloaded extension lead
- If the code returns straight away or on every cycle, stop and book an engineer rather than repeating the reset
Which Montpellier models show E12
E12 means the same thing on all 6 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.
MWD8514W · MWM1014BLW · MWM814BLC · MWM814BLK · MWM814BLS · MWM814BLW
Common questions about Montpellier E12
What does E12 mean on a Montpellier tumble dryer?
The machine's main control board has lost contact with one of the other electronic boards it talks to, so it stops rather than carry on blind. E12 is a "3D communication error" — an internal signalling fault between control boards inside the appliance, not a problem with water, drainage or the drum. It is one of the codes the manufacturer flags as needing service attention rather than something the user is expected to resolve, and the machine will normally refuse to run the programme through while it is present.
Can I fix Montpellier E12 myself?
There are 3 checks you can safely do yourself first.
- Turn the appliance off at the wall socket, leave it a minute, then switch back on and try the programme again — a one-off glitch can clear this way.
- Check the plug is fully home in the socket and that the socket is not shared with an overloaded extension lead.
- If the code returns straight away or on every cycle, stop and book an engineer rather than repeating the reset.
This one usually needs an engineer once you have tried them.
How much does it cost to repair Montpellier E12?
£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 E12?
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 tumble dryer 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 Montpellier tumble dryer codes
- Montpellier E13 — The display and control panel have stopped talking to the ma…
- Montpellier E14 — The drying side of the machine isn't getting hot, so the con…
- Montpellier E15 — The machine has sensed the drying air getting hotter than it…
- Montpellier E16 — The machine has measured a higher temperature than it should…
- Montpellier E17 — The machine has lost a sensible reading from the temperature…
- Montpellier E18 — The temperature sensor that watches the drying air has given…
- Montpellier E23 — The machine's display board is running the wrong software, s…
- Montpellier E32 — The dryer can't get a sensible reading from the moisture sen…
All Montpellier fault codes and repairs →