Willow E50 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 E50 actually means

The machine is reporting that the software loaded on its display board is the wrong version, so it won't run a programme.

Willow lists E50 as "Wrong LCD Software" — the display/control board is running software that doesn't match the machine it's fitted to, so the control electronics refuse to start a cycle. It isn't a water, drum or drainage problem, which is why there's nothing in the wash system to look at. It normally shows up either straight after a control board or display has been replaced, or out of the blue if the board's memory has corrupted.

What E50 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, E50 usually shows up as one or more of these:

Machine not draining
Water left in the drum at the end of the cycle
Stops mid-cycle full of water
Standing water in the bottom
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 replacement display or control board fitted with software for a different model
Corrupted software on the display board after a power surge or supply interruption
A software update or reflash that didn't complete
A failed display board that needs replacing and reprogramming

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 for about three seconds, then try again — this resets the machine
Switch off at the wall socket for a minute, switch back on and select a short programme to see if the code clears

Common questions about Willow E50

What does E50 mean on a Willow washing machine?

The machine is reporting that the software loaded on its display board is the wrong version, so it won't run a programme. Willow lists E50 as "Wrong LCD Software" — the display/control board is running software that doesn't match the machine it's fitted to, so the control electronics refuse to start a cycle. It isn't a water, drum or drainage problem, which is why there's nothing in the wash system to look at. It normally shows up either straight after a control board or display has been replaced, or out of the blue if the board's memory has corrupted.

Can I fix Willow E50 myself?

There are 2 checks you can safely do yourself first.

Turn the programme knob to the off position, leave it for about three seconds, then try again — this resets the machine.
Switch off at the wall socket for a minute, switch back on and select a short programme to see if the code clears.

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

How much does it cost to repair Willow E50?

£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 E50?

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 E50 error — washing machine