What E11 actually means
The main control board has lost contact with the separate board that runs the drying side of the machine.
On Willow washer-dryers the drying function is handled by its own control card, which talks to the main board. E11 is logged when that conversation stops or the replies are corrupted, so the machine halts rather than run a dry cycle it cannot supervise. Willow class it as a service-only code — it isn't meant to be displayed to the owner at all, so seeing it usually means the machine has been put into a diagnostic or test mode, or the fault has been read off during a service check.
What usually causes it
- A loose or corroded plug between the main board and the dryer control card
- Damp or condensation affecting the dryer card connections
- A failed dryer control card
- A failed main control board, or damaged wiring between the two
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 programme knob to the off position and leave it for a few seconds — this resets the machine, and Willow's own procedure for clearing faults
- Switch off at the wall socket for a minute, then power back up and try a wash-only programme to see whether the fault only appears on drying
When to call someone
This one usually needs an engineer once you have tried the checks above. We cover Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire and Leicestershire, and it's £66 including VAT for an engineer to come out and diagnose it — £84 in total if it's repaired on the visit with no parts needed. Any parts needed are quoted on site before we fit them — you decide. Every repair carries a 90-day workmanship guarantee.
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
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- Willow E07 — The washing machine's control board has lost or mismatched i…
- Willow E08 — The control board can't drive the drum motor properly, so th…