Zanussi E45 tumble dryer: what it means & what to check

What E45 actually means

The dryer can't confirm the door is properly shut, so it has stopped the cycle.

There's a switch in the door lock that tells the control board the door is closed and latched. On E45 that confirmation isn't getting through, so the machine cuts the programme rather than run with what it believes is an open door. The usual cause is the door interlock itself, though the wiring to it or the control board can also be at fault.

What E45 looks like on a Zanussi tumble dryer

Most people find this page having searched for what the machine is doing rather than the code itself. On a Zanussi tumble dryer, E45 usually shows up as one or more of these:

Machine door won't open
Door won't lock or click shut
Door lock light flashing
Door stuck shut with the load inside
Won't start even with the door closed
No function at all
Dead — nothing lights up
Lights flashing and nothing happening

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

Faulty door interlock switch — by far the most common finding
Door not latching fully because the catch or striker is worn or out of line
Damaged or loose wiring between the door lock and the control board
Faulty main control board (less common, and often wrongly blamed before the lock is checked)

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.

Open and close the door firmly and listen for the catch to click home, then try starting again
Check nothing is trapped in the door — a corner of a towel or a bunched seal will stop it latching
Wipe any fluff or fabric softener residue from the catch and the recess it locks into
Switch off at the wall for a minute, then power up and restart the programme

Common questions about Zanussi E45

What does E45 mean on a Zanussi tumble dryer?

The dryer can't confirm the door is properly shut, so it has stopped the cycle. There's a switch in the door lock that tells the control board the door is closed and latched. On E45 that confirmation isn't getting through, so the machine cuts the programme rather than run with what it believes is an open door. The usual cause is the door interlock itself, though the wiring to it or the control board can also be at fault.

Can I fix Zanussi E45 myself?

There are 4 checks you can safely do yourself first.

Open and close the door firmly and listen for the catch to click home, then try starting again.
Check nothing is trapped in the door — a corner of a towel or a bunched seal will stop it latching.
Wipe any fluff or fabric softener residue from the catch and the recess it locks into.
Switch off at the wall for a minute, then power up and restart the programme.

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

How much does it cost to repair Zanussi E45?

£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 E45?

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 tumble dryer 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 tumble dryer codes

All Zanussi fault codes and repairs →

What this looks like when it happens

tumble dryer keeps stopping

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.

Zanussi E45 error — tumble dryer