Whirlpool 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 can't confirm the door is locked shut, so it won't start or continue the wash.

On the AWZ612 the control board needs a signal back from the door interlock telling it the door is latched before it will let water in or turn the drum. If that confirmation doesn't arrive, the cycle is halted and E13 is shown. It's a safety stop rather than a fault with the wash itself he drdoor it can't prove is shut.

What E13 looks like on a Whirlpool washing machine

Most people find this page having searched for what the machine is doing rather than the code itself. On a Whirlpool washing machine, E13 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
No function at all
Dead — nothing lights up
Lights flashing and nothing happening

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 door interlock (the commonest finding by a distance)
Door not fully latched " catch worn or a garment trapped in the seal
Damaged or loose wiring between the lock and the control board
Fault on the control board itself " much rarer

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 and shut it again firmly, making sure no clothing is caught in the seal
Check the door isn't fouling on an overloaded drum " take some washing out and retry
Switch off at the wall for a minute, then power up and start a fresh cycle
Look at the catch and striker plate for obvious wear or damage " no tools, just a look

Which Whirlpool models show E13

E13 means the same thing on this model. If yours is not listed, the explanation above still applies — the code is set by the control board, not the model number.

AWZ612

Common questions about Whirlpool E13

What does E13 mean on a Whirlpool washing machine?

The machine can't confirm the door is locked shut, so it won't start or continue the wash. On the AWZ612 the control board needs a signal back from the door interlock telling it the door is latched before it will let water in or turn the drum. If that confirmation doesn't arrive, the cycle is halted and E13 is shown. It's a safety stop rather than a fault with the wash itself he drdoor it can't prove is shut.

Can I fix Whirlpool E13 myself?

There are 4 checks you can safely do yourself first.

Open the door and shut it again firmly, making sure no clothing is caught in the seal.
Check the door isn't fouling on an overloaded drum " take some washing out and retry.
Switch off at the wall for a minute, then power up and start a fresh cycle.
Look at the catch and striker plate for obvious wear or damage " no tools, just a look.

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

How much does it cost to repair Whirlpool 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 Whirlpool washing machine codes

All Whirlpool 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.

Whirlpool E13 error — washing machine