Why does error E20 occur and how to eliminate it in an Electrolux washing machine?

Electrolux washing machines are equipped with a component diagnostic function, which allows the user to quickly identify a faulty system.

One of the most common errors is E20, which occurs when water is slowly drained from the tank of an Electrolux washing machine.

To eliminate this error, it is necessary to examine all elements of the drainage system from the sewerage system to the control unit of the machine.

What does the code that the Electrolux washing machine produces mean?

Error code E20 appears in Electrolux washing machines if draining water from the tank continues for more than 10 minutes.

This may be due to malfunctions of the following parts:

• drain hose and sewer;
• drain pump (pump);
• filter, which is located in front of the pump;
• corrugated pipe between the tank and the pump;
• water level sensor (pressostat);
• an electronic control unit (ECU), which reads the sensor signals and starts the pump.

As a rule, during the washing process the user sees only code E20. You can more accurately determine the location of the breakdown using the diagnostic (test) mode.

After starting the diagnostic, a different code may appear on the display: E21, E23 or E24. There are separate codes to indicate breakdowns of the pressure switch (E31-E35, E38), so error E20 most often indicates problems with other components of the drain system.

In automatic washing machines (CMA) without a display, the code is displayed using special indicators, which are located on the right side of the front panel. The eight light bulbs are divided into 2 groups: upper and lower. You can determine the error code using the number of the lit indicator in the group.

In older models with an EMW1000 series control module, the error code can be determined by the number of flashes of the two indicators located near the Start button.

Causes, diagnosis and solutions

The causes of a malfunction of the drain system can be:

1. Mechanical blockage of the hose, filter, internal pipe, pump or sewer.
2. Kink in the drain hose.
3. Damage to the pump impeller due to a foreign object.
4. Failure or manufacturing defect of the pump's electrical system.
5. Disconnection, destruction or oxidation of the contacts of the pump and the electronic unit.
6. Combustion of tracks and radio elements on the ECU board.

The appearance of code E20 on the display does not always indicate a critical failure. It can occur due to a one-time malfunction of the electronic module or a slight blockage that can be eliminated within 1-2 minutes.

When error E20 appears necessary:

• disconnect the SMA from the power supply for 10-15 minutes;
• inspect the drain hose for kinks;
• remove it from the sewer pipe, place it in a large basin or sink;
• start the drain program.

Clogged drain filter, pipe or hose

A clog in the drain system is one of the easiest SMA problems to fix. To restore the operation of the unit, you must:

1. Turn off the washing machine.
2. Remove the bottom panel on the front of the unit, behind which is the drain filter.
3. Cover the floor under the filter with an absorbent cloth and place a wide, low container. Turn the handle and remove the part.
4. After removing water from the tank, disconnect the drain hose and check it for blockages using a stream of running water.
5. Inspect and wash the filter. Use your fingers to clean the seat.

On Electrolux top-loading models, the drain filter is accessed through the tank, so you need to remove the laundry before draining the water.

To check the pipe, you will need to partially disassemble the washing machine. This part is secured with clamps at the outlet of the tank and the inlet of the drain pump.

Drain pump failure

If the drain is not blocked, then the problem may be a faulty pump. Error E20 may appear in several cases:

• the pump impeller is jammed with a small object;
• one or more pump blades are broken;
• the pump electric motor burned out;
• The pump contacts have oxidized or become disconnected.

To check and repair the pump, you will need to disassemble the SMA and disconnect the wires and hoses. After this, you need to dismantle the pump, examine the impeller and check the resistance at the contacts with a multimeter (nominal value is about 170 Ohms).

A breakdown of the pump motor can be determined by the absence of a characteristic hum at the beginning of the drain.. If the motor or impeller is broken, the sump pump will need to be completely replaced. In other cases, the part is repairable.

Electronic unit malfunction

If, if the pump is clogged or malfunctioning, only errors E20 and E21 appear on the display, then if there is a problem with the computer, codes E23 and E24 may also appear.

Problems with draining water may occur due to the following failures of the electronic module:

• broken wires or oxidation of contacts (E20, E24);
• module firmware failure (E20, E21);
• breakdown of the pump control triac (E23);
• defective pump control circuit on the board (E24).

Features of calling a master

The cost of repair depends on the reason error E20 appears:

1. If the drain system is clogged - from 1300 rubles.
2. If the drain pump malfunctions - from 1800 rubles.
3. If the contacts of the pump or electronic module are damaged - from 1,700 rubles.
4. If the control unit breaks down – from 2300 rubles.

If it is necessary to replace parts, the cost of spare parts is taken into account separately. The cost of services from a private master can be 15-20% lower than in service centers, but in this case the risk of fraud increases.

• check the legal address of the service center;
• contact the recommendations of friends or study responses on thematic resources;
• Find out in advance the diagnostic conditions, the availability of a warranty and repair documents (receipts, receipts, work reports, etc.).

The warranty period after repair work ranges from 6 to 24 months depending on the part.

Prevention of the problem

To prevent error E20 from appearing, necessary:

1. Follow the instructions for use of the SMA.
2. Protect the electronic unit and pump with a stabilizer or voltage relay.
3. Clean pockets and recesses of clothing from foreign objects (nuts, hairpins, coins, etc.).
4. Clean the drain filter between washes.
5. When replacing a pump or ECU, install high-quality branded spare parts, checking their performance using a multimeter.

Useful tips

The following recommendations will help maintain the functionality of the drainage system:

1. Items with large decor, plastic locks, beads and other accessories are recommended to be washed in special mesh bags with a drawstring or zipper.
2. While washing, you should listen to the sound of the SMA. An abnormal grinding or knocking noise may indicate a foreign object in the drum or tank.
3. If there are no breakdowns, every six months it is necessary to run the diagnostic mode and check the contacts of the pump and the electronic unit. Oxidized tracks are cleaned with alcohol, phosphoric acid or a special solvent.
4. To completely remove water from the pump after washing, you need to unscrew the drain filter immediately after the end of the cycle. Liquid left inside shortens the life of the part and leads to a musty smell.

Video on the topic of the article

Diagnostics and repair of an Electrolux washing machine with error E20 - in the video:

Conclusion

Error E20 is caused by a clogged hose and filter, a malfunction of the pump and an open circuit in the pump circuit on the electronic board.To clarify the location of the faulty unit, it is necessary to start the diagnostic mode and sequentially check all components of the drain system.