What E11 actually means
The main control board has lost contact with the separate board that runs the drying side of the machine, so the machine stops rather than attempt a dry.
A Sharp washer dryer has two circuit boards: the main control and a second board dedicated to drying. E11 is raised when the two stop talking to each other properly, which The fault calls a dryer board communication error. Washing may still work, but the machine won't run a drying programme when it can't confirm the dryer board is responding.
What E11 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, E11 usually shows up as one or more of these:
- No function at all
- Dead — nothing lights up
- Lights flashing and nothing happening
- Programme won't start
- Machine tripping the electrics
- E11 flashing on the display
- Beeping and showing E11
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 main board and the dryer board
- Worn or damaged wiring in the loom linking the two boards
- A faulty dryer control board
- A faulty main control board
- Supply voltage outside the range the boards need to run reliably
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 power it back up — an occasional one-off communication glitch clears with a full reset.
- Try a wash-only programme. If that runs normally and only drying fails, that supports the dryer board rather than something else.
- Check the machine isn't plugged into an extension lead or shared adaptor, and that it has its own socket.
Which Sharp models show E11
E11 means the same thing on all 2 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-HDB8147W0-EN
Common questions about Sharp E11
What does E11 mean on a Sharp washer dryer?
The main control board has lost contact with the separate board that runs the drying side of the machine, so the machine stops rather than attempt a dry. A Sharp washer dryer has two circuit boards: the main control and a second board dedicated to drying. E11 is raised when the two stop talking to each other properly, which The fault calls a dryer board communication error. Washing may still work, but the machine won't run a drying programme when it can't confirm the dryer board is responding.
Can I fix Sharp E11 myself?
There are 3 checks you can safely do yourself first.
- Turn the machine off at the wall for a minute, then power it back up — an occasional one-off communication glitch clears with a full reset.
- Try a wash-only programme. If that runs normally and only drying fails, that supports the dryer board rather than something else.
- Check the machine isn't plugged into an extension lead or shared adaptor, and that it has its own socket.
This one usually needs an engineer once you have tried them.
How much does it cost to repair Sharp E11?
£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 E11?
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.
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