Zanussi E97 tumble dryer: what it means & what to check

What E97 actually means

The dryer's control board and the programme selector don't agree on which cycle has been chosen, so it stops the cycle rather than run the wrong programme.

Zanussi E97 is an incongruence between the selector and the cycles — in other words, the position the programme dial is reporting doesn't match any cycle the board is configured to run. The listed cause is a configuration error, meaning the settings stored in the board's memory don't match the machine it's fitted to. The dryer interrupts the cycle at that point, so you'll usually see it fail as soon as you select a programme and press start.

What E97 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, E97 usually shows up as one or more of these:

No function at all
Dead — nothing lights up
Lights flashing and nothing happening
Programme won't start
Machine tripping the electrics
E97 flashing on the display
Beeping and showing E97

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

Configuration data stored in the control board doesn't match the model
A replacement control board fitted without being set up for this dryer
Software or memory corruption on the electronic board after a power interruption
Selector reporting a position the board doesn't recognise

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 dryer off at the wall socket, leave it a minute, then switch back on and select a programme again — a one-off glitch will sometimes clear
Turn the programme dial firmly to a well-defined position rather than leaving it between settings, then try starting the cycle

Common questions about Zanussi E97

What does E97 mean on a Zanussi tumble dryer?

The dryer's control board and the programme selector don't agree on which cycle has been chosen, so it stops the cycle rather than run the wrong programme. Zanussi E97 is an incongruence between the selector and the cycles — in other words, the position the programme dial is reporting doesn't match any cycle the board is configured to run. The listed cause is a configuration error, meaning the settings stored in the board's memory don't match the machine it's fitted to. The dryer interrupts the cycle at that point, so you'll usually see it fail as soon as you select a programme and press start.

Can I fix Zanussi E97 myself?

There are 2 checks you can safely do yourself first.

Turn the dryer off at the wall socket, leave it a minute, then switch back on and select a programme again — a one-off glitch will sometimes clear.
Turn the programme dial firmly to a well-defined position rather than leaving it between settings, then try starting the cycle.

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

How much does it cost to repair Zanussi E97?

£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 E97?

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 →

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 E97 error — tumble dryer