What E08 actually means
The control board has a fault in the part that switches power to the drum motor, so the machine won't drive the drum safely.
On these Sharp washer dryers, E08 is logged as a motor triac error. The triac is the switching device on the main control board that feeds power to the motor, and the board has spotted that it is not behaving as it should — typically the motor isn't turning when it should, or power is reaching it when it shouldn't. Sharp's own documents list E08 as a code intended for engineers running the service autotest rather than one shown to owners, so seeing it on the display points at a genuine board or motor circuit problem rather than anything to do with loading or water.
What E08 looks like on a Sharp washer dryer
Most people find this page having searched for what the machine is doing rather than the code itself. On a Sharp washer dryer, E08 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
- Leaking
- Water on the floor
- Puddle underneath
- Shuts itself down and won't restart
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
- Failed triac or damaged track on the main control board
- Motor wiring or connector fault between board and motor
- Worn motor brushes or a faulty motor causing abnormal current
- Water or detergent damage to the control board from a past leak
- Power surge or spike damaging the board's switching 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 it back on and try a short programme — occasionally the code is a one-off trip
- Note what the drum does when you start a cycle (no movement at all, or movement then a stop) as this helps the engineer
Which Sharp models show E08
E08 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.
ES-GD75B · ES-GDD9144W0-EN · ES-GDF964W · ES-HDB8147W0-EN
Common questions about Sharp E08
What does E08 mean on a Sharp washer dryer?
The control board has a fault in the part that switches power to the drum motor, so the machine won't drive the drum safely. On these Sharp washer dryers, E08 is logged as a motor triac error. The triac is the switching device on the main control board that feeds power to the motor, and the board has spotted that it is not behaving as it should — typically the motor isn't turning when it should, or power is reaching it when it shouldn't. Sharp's own documents list E08 as a code intended for engineers running the service autotest rather than one shown to owners, so seeing it on the display points at a genuine board or motor circuit problem rather than anything to do with loading or water.
Can I fix Sharp E08 myself?
There are 2 checks you can safely do yourself first.
- Turn the machine off at the wall for a minute, then switch it back on and try a short programme — occasionally the code is a one-off trip.
- Note what the drum does when you start a cycle (no movement at all, or movement then a stop) as this helps the engineer.
This one usually needs an engineer once you have tried them.
How much does it cost to repair Sharp E08?
£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 E08?
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 washer 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 Sharp washer dryer codes
- Sharp E09 — The machine has measured the mains voltage reaching it as ei…
- Sharp E10 — The machine has lost a sensible reading from its water-level…
- Sharp E11 — The main control board has lost contact with the separate bo…
- Sharp E12 — The main control board has lost communication with the machi…
- Sharp E14 — The dryer half of the machine isn't producing any heat, so t…
- Sharp E15 — The machine has flagged a problem with its waterjet — the sp…
- Sharp E16 — The drying side of the machine has got too hot, so the contr…
- Sharp E17 — The washer dryer has lost a reliable reading from the flowme…
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