Siemens E01 washing machine: what it means & what to check

What E01 actually means

The machine can't confirm the door is shut and locked, so it won't start or carry on with the wash.

On Siemens machines (and the closely related Bosch and Neff models built on the same platform) E01 is one of a small family of door interlock codes, alongside F08, F16, F34 and E61. The control board sends power to the interlock and waits to be told the door is latched; if it doesn't get that confirmation it stops the programme rather than spin a drum it can't guarantee is closed. The usual symptom is a machine that fills briefly or does nothing at all, then flags the code, sometimes with the door still locked shut afterwards.

What E01 looks like on a Siemens washing machine

Most people find this page having searched for what the machine is doing rather than the code itself. On a Siemens washing machine, E01 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
Not filling with water
No water going in
Takes for ever to fill

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

The door interlock itself has failed \u2014 by far the most common finding
Door not quite pulling up to the catch, often because the hinge has dropped or the machine has been overloaded
Laundry or a stray item trapped in the door seal, holding the door a fraction open
Damaged or broken wiring to the lock, or a poor connection at it
Control board fault, which is much rarer than the lock but does happen

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.

Open the door, clear any clothing, coins or bra wires caught in the rubber seal, then close it firmly \u2014 you should feel it click home
Take some of the load out if the drum is packed tight and the door is being pushed against
Turn the machine off at the wall for a minute, then back on and restart the programme
Check the door isn't catching on a kitchen plinth or unit as it closes, which can stop it seating properly

Common questions about Siemens E01

What does E01 mean on a Siemens washing machine?

The machine can't confirm the door is shut and locked, so it won't start or carry on with the wash. On Siemens machines (and the closely related Bosch and Neff models built on the same platform) E01 is one of a small family of door interlock codes, alongside F08, F16, F34 and E61. The control board sends power to the interlock and waits to be told the door is latched; if it doesn't get that confirmation it stops the programme rather than spin a drum it can't guarantee is closed. The usual symptom is a machine that fills briefly or does nothing at all, then flags the code, sometimes with the door still locked shut afterwards.

Can I fix Siemens E01 myself?

There are 4 checks you can safely do yourself first.

Open the door, clear any clothing, coins or bra wires caught in the rubber seal, then close it firmly \u2014 you should feel it click home.
Take some of the load out if the drum is packed tight and the door is being pushed against.
Turn the machine off at the wall for a minute, then back on and restart the programme.
Check the door isn't catching on a kitchen plinth or unit as it closes, which can stop it seating properly.

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

How much does it cost to repair Siemens E01?

£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 E01?

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 Siemens washing machine codes

All Siemens 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.

Siemens E01 error — washing machine