What E05 actually means
The dryer has lost a sensible reading from the temperature sensor on its heater, so it has shut the heating down rather than run blind.
The WCD8W monitors the air temperature at the heater with a small sensor (the heater NTC). When the control board reads that sensor as out of range — the value the service test reports as 255, which means an open or shorted circuit rather than a real temperature — it flags E05 and stops. With no trustworthy temperature feedback the board cannot govern two heating elements safely, so it will not attempt a heated cycle.
What E05 looks like on a Willow tumble dryer
Most people find this page having searched for what the machine is doing rather than the code itself. On a Willow tumble dryer, E05 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 drying
- Blowing cold air
- Clothes still damp at the end
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 plug on the heater temperature sensor has worked loose or come off
- A damaged or shorted wire in the sensor circuit
- The heater temperature sensor itself has failed
- A fault on the control board's sensor input
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 dryer off at the wall for a minute, then switch back on and try a cycle — this clears a one-off reading.
- Clean the door filter and, if your model has one, the condenser filter, so the machine is not fighting for airflow when it does restart.
Which Willow models show E05
E05 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.
WCD8W
Common questions about Willow E05
What does E05 mean on a Willow tumble dryer?
The dryer has lost a sensible reading from the temperature sensor on its heater, so it has shut the heating down rather than run blind. The WCD8W monitors the air temperature at the heater with a small sensor (the heater NTC). When the control board reads that sensor as out of range — the value the service test reports as 255, which means an open or shorted circuit rather than a real temperature — it flags E05 and stops. With no trustworthy temperature feedback the board cannot govern two heating elements safely, so it will not attempt a heated cycle.
Can I fix Willow E05 myself?
There are 2 checks you can safely do yourself first.
- Turn the dryer off at the wall for a minute, then switch back on and try a cycle — this clears a one-off reading.
- Clean the door filter and, if your model has one, the condenser filter, so the machine is not fighting for airflow when it does restart.
This one usually needs an engineer once you have tried them.
How much does it cost to repair Willow E05?
£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 E05?
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 tumble 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 Willow tumble dryer codes
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- Willow E10 — The machine can no longer trust the sensor that tells it how…
- Willow E11 — The main control board has lost communication with the separ…
- Willow E12 — Two of the machine's internal electronic boards have stopped…
- Willow E13 — The machine's main control board has stopped talking to the …
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