Willow E01 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 E01 actually means

The machine can't confirm the door is locked, so it won't start filling or washing.

Before a Willow washer takes any water in, it energises the door interlock and waits for confirmation that the door is held shut. If that confirmation doesn't arrive — or it disappears part-way through a programme because the lock has released — the machine stops and shows E01. It's one of the few faults the manual flags up to the user rather than keeping to service mode, because very often it's something about the door itself rather than the electronics.

What E01 looks like on a Willow washing machine

Most people find this page having searched for what the machine is doing rather than the code itself. On a Willow 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

Door not pushed fully home, or laundry trapped in the seal stopping it closing
Overloaded drum pushing against the door
Worn or sticking door catch so the lock never engages
Failed door interlock (the part that holds the door and reports back)
Loose or broken wiring to the interlock, or a control board 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.

Open the door, redistribute the load if it's packed tight, and close it firmly until you hear it click.
Run a hand round the rubber seal and check no sock or shirt corner is caught in the door.
Look at where the catch meets the lock — if the door feels loose or rattly when shut, the catch is likely worn.
Turn the machine off at the wall for a minute, then power up and restart the programme.
Wipe any detergent residue off the catch and the recess it goes into.

Common questions about Willow E01

What does E01 mean on a Willow washing machine?

The machine can't confirm the door is locked, so it won't start filling or washing. Before a Willow washer takes any water in, it energises the door interlock and waits for confirmation that the door is held shut. If that confirmation doesn't arrive — or it disappears part-way through a programme because the lock has released — the machine stops and shows E01. It's one of the few faults the manual flags up to the user rather than keeping to service mode, because very often it's something about the door itself rather than the electronics.

Can I fix Willow E01 myself?

There are 5 checks you can safely do yourself first.

Open the door, redistribute the load if it's packed tight, and close it firmly until you hear it click.
Run a hand round the rubber seal and check no sock or shirt corner is caught in the door.
Look at where the catch meets the lock — if the door feels loose or rattly when shut, the catch is likely worn.
Turn the machine off at the wall for a minute, then power up and restart the programme.
Wipe any detergent residue off the catch and the recess it goes into.

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

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

All Willow 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.

Willow E01 error — washing machine