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 manufacturer's own fault list marks this one as needing service, and it does not clear itself.
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.
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
- Willow E01 — The machine can't confirm the door is locked, so it won't st…
- Willow E02 — The machine isn't getting enough water in, so it has stopped…
- Willow E03 — The machine can't get the water out of the drum, so it has s…
- Willow E04 — The machine thinks it has taken in more water than it should…
- Willow E05 — The machine can't get a sensible reading from the temperatur…
- Willow E06 — The machine has lost the signal that tells it how fast the d…
- 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…