What E31 actually means
The machine has lost a reliable signal from the part that tells it how much water is in the drum, so it stops rather than filling blind.
On Zanussi machines this code points to a fault in the electronic pressure switch circuit — the sensor that reports water level to the main control board, along with its wiring and the board itself. Because the machine can no longer trust what it is being told about the water level, it abandons the cycle instead of risking over- or under-filling. In our experience the sensor itself is the least likely part to have failed; the wiring to it or the control board is more often the culprit, though the sensor is the cheaper of the two to change first.
What E31 looks like on a Zanussi washing machine
Most people find this page having searched for what the machine is doing rather than the code itself. On a Zanussi washing machine, E31 usually shows up as one or more of these:
- Not filling with water
- No water going in
- Takes for ever to fill
- Stops right at the start of the cycle
- Overfilling, or won't stop filling
- Stops with water still inside
- Fills and drains over and over
- No function at all
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 fault on the main control board, where the level signal is read
- Damaged, chafed or disconnected wiring between the sensor and the board
- A failed electronic pressure switch (less common than people assume)
- A poor plug connection at the sensor after a previous repair
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 machine off at the wall for a minute, then switch back on and start a short cycle — occasional one-off electronic glitches clear this way
Which Zanussi models show E31
E31 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.
ZKG7165
Common questions about Zanussi E31
What does E31 mean on a Zanussi washing machine?
The machine has lost a reliable signal from the part that tells it how much water is in the drum, so it stops rather than filling blind. On Zanussi machines this code points to a fault in the electronic pressure switch circuit — the sensor that reports water level to the main control board, along with its wiring and the board itself. Because the machine can no longer trust what it is being told about the water level, it abandons the cycle instead of risking over- or under-filling. In our experience the sensor itself is the least likely part to have failed; the wiring to it or the control board is more often the culprit, though the sensor is the cheaper of the two to change first.
Can I fix Zanussi E31 myself?
There are 1 check you can safely do yourself first.
- Turn the machine off at the wall for a minute, then switch back on and start a short cycle — occasional one-off electronic glitches clear this way.
This one usually needs an engineer once you have tried them.
How much does it cost to repair Zanussi E31?
£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 E31?
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 Zanussi washing machine codes
- Zanussi E52 — The machine has lost the signal it expects from the drum mot…
- Zanussi E53 — The control board has lost proper control of the drum motor,…
All Zanussi fault codes and repairs →
What this looks like when it happens
- washing machine making a loud noise
- washing machine will not turn on
- washing machine not filling with water
- washing machine beeping or bleeping