Willow E12 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 E12 actually means

The machine's main control board has lost communication with one of its internal electronic modules (Willow call this the "3D" card), so it stops rather than run blind.

Willow's control system is made up of more than one circuit board that talk to each other during a wash. When the main board stops getting a reply from the 3D module, it flags E12 and halts the programme — often at the very start, before the drum does anything useful. The fault marks this one as needing service, and it does not clear itself.

What E12 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, E12 usually shows up as one or more of these:

Leaking
Water on the floor
Puddle underneath
Shuts itself down and won't restart
No function at all
Dead — nothing lights up
Lights flashing and nothing happening
Programme won't start

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

A loose or corroded plug on the wiring between the two control boards
Damp or condensation having got into a connector
A fault on the 3D control module itself
A fault on the main control board
Damaged wiring in the loom between the boards

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, leave it three seconds, then switch off at the wall for a minute and try a short cycle — a one-off communication glitch can clear this way.
Check the machine isn't sitting in a very damp spot or that nothing has leaked over it recently, and mention it to the engineer if so.

Common questions about Willow E12

What does E12 mean on a Willow washing machine?

The machine's main control board has lost communication with one of its internal electronic modules (Willow call this the "3D" card), so it stops rather than run blind. Willow's control system is made up of more than one circuit board that talk to each other during a wash. When the main board stops getting a reply from the 3D module, it flags E12 and halts the programme — often at the very start, before the drum does anything useful. The fault marks this one as needing service, and it does not clear itself.

Can I fix Willow E12 myself?

There are 2 checks you can safely do yourself first.

Turn the programme knob to the off position, leave it three seconds, then switch off at the wall for a minute and try a short cycle — a one-off communication glitch can clear this way.
Check the machine isn't sitting in a very damp spot or that nothing has leaked over it recently, and mention it to the engineer if so.

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

How much does it cost to repair Willow E12?

£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 E12?

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 E12 error — washing machine