What Does Error Code E31 Mean on an Electrolux Washing Machine?
Disconnect the washing machine from the mains power for 10 minutes, then plug it back in and restart the cycle — a full power reset clears temporary calibration drift in the pressure sensor and resolves the fault in many cases (takes about 10 minutes).
Fault description
Error code E31 on an Electrolux washing machine points to a problem with the pressure sensor, also called the water level sensor or pressostat. This component monitors how much water is inside the drum by detecting air pressure changes in a small hose connected to the tub. When the sensor's readings fall outside the range the control board expects during its calibration check, it triggers E31 and halts the programme.
When this error appears, the machine will typically stop mid-cycle or refuse to start a new one. You may notice the drum sitting with water still inside, or the machine behaving erratically — filling too much, not filling at all, or stopping shortly after the cycle begins. In most cases the drum will be locked and the display will show E31 continuously.
The good news is that this fault is often caused by something straightforward: a blocked pressure hose, a loose connection, or a temporary electronic glitch. Working through the checks below in order will resolve the problem for the majority of homeowners without needing a service call.
Causes
- Temporary electronic calibration glitch — The pressure sensor performs a calibration check each time the machine powers up. A brief power fluctuation or software hiccup can cause the stored calibration values to fall out of range, triggering E31 even though the hardware is perfectly fine.
- Blocked or kinked pressure hose — A narrow rubber or plastic hose connects the bottom of the outer tub to the pressure sensor. If this hose becomes kinked, squashed, or partially blocked with detergent residue or debris, the sensor receives inaccurate pressure readings and cannot calibrate correctly.
- Loose or disconnected pressure hose — Vibration over time can cause the pressure hose to work loose at either end — where it attaches to the tub spigot or to the sensor itself. Even a small air leak in this connection is enough to throw the sensor readings outside the acceptable range.
- Faulty or degraded pressure sensor — The pressure sensor itself can fail due to age, moisture ingress, or a manufacturing defect. When the sensor's internal diaphragm or electronic components degrade, it produces readings that the control board cannot reconcile with any valid calibration point.
- Damaged or corroded wiring and connectors — The wiring loom between the pressure sensor and the main control board can suffer from corrosion, chafing, or a loose connector plug. Intermittent electrical contact causes the control board to receive erratic signals, which it interprets as a calibration failure.
- Faulty main control board — In a small number of cases the control board itself is unable to process the pressure sensor signal correctly, either due to a failed component on the board or corrupted firmware. This is the least common cause and is usually only confirmed after all other checks have been ruled out.
Step-by-Step Fix
- 1
Perform a full power reset
Switch the machine off at the control panel, then unplug it from the wall socket. Leave it disconnected for at least 10 minutes to allow the control board's capacitors to fully discharge and the calibration memory to reset. Plug back in, select a short cycle, and check whether E31 returns.
- 2
Check the machine is level and the drum is empty
An unlevel machine can cause water to sit unevenly in the tub, affecting pressure readings. Use a spirit level on top of the machine and adjust the feet until it sits flat. Also confirm the drum is completely empty of laundry and water before restarting.
- 3
Locate and inspect the pressure hose
Pull the machine away from the wall and remove the top panel (usually two screws at the rear). The pressure hose is a thin corrugated tube running from a spigot on the side of the outer tub up to the pressure sensor, which is typically mounted near the top of the cabinet. Run your fingers along the full length of the hose feeling for kinks, cracks, or soft collapsed sections.
- 4
Reattach or clear the pressure hose
Gently pull the hose off both connection points and blow through it to confirm it is clear — you should feel free airflow. If you detect a blockage, flush the hose with warm water. Reattach both ends firmly, ensuring the clips or push-fit connectors are fully seated with no gaps. A loose fit here is a very common cause of E31.
- 5
Inspect the pressure sensor wiring connector
With the top panel still off, trace the wiring from the pressure sensor to its connector plug on the wiring loom. Unplug the connector, inspect the metal terminals for corrosion or bent pins, and press it firmly back into place. A can of electrical contact cleaner can help if you see any green or white residue on the terminals.
- 6
Test the pressure sensor with a multimeter (optional)
If you have a multimeter, disconnect the sensor and check its resistance across the signal terminals — consult your model's service data for the expected range, typically a few kilohms. A reading of zero or infinite resistance confirms the sensor has failed and needs replacing. Replacement pressure sensors for Electrolux machines are widely available and clip or screw into place without specialist tools.
- 7
Reassemble, run a test cycle, and monitor
Refit the top panel, push the machine back into position, and run a full cotton cycle while watching for the E31 code. If the cycle completes without error, the fault is resolved. If E31 returns after completing all the above steps, the fault most likely lies with the pressure sensor itself or the main control board, and a service technician should be called.
Affected models
Select your model to see its full troubleshooting page.
When to call a service technician
Contact a service technician if E31 persists after you have completed all the steps above — particularly if you have already replaced the pressure sensor and the error still appears. At this point the fault is likely within the main control board, which requires specialist diagnostic equipment and soldering skills to repair or replace safely.
You should also call a technician immediately if you notice any burning smell, scorch marks near the control board area, or signs of water leaking around the tub spigot where the pressure hose connects. These symptoms suggest a more serious underlying fault that could become a safety hazard if the machine continues to be used.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I keep using my Electrolux washing machine while it shows E31?
It is not advisable. When E31 is active the machine cannot reliably measure the water level in the drum, which means it could overfill and cause a flood, or run a cycle with too little water and damage your laundry or the drum bearings. Resolve the fault before running further cycles.
How do I access the pressure sensor on my Electrolux washing machine?
On most Electrolux models the pressure sensor is reached by removing the two screws at the rear of the top panel and sliding it back. The sensor is a small round or rectangular component, usually grey or white, mounted near the top of the machine's inner cabinet with a thin hose attached to one port and a wiring connector on the other.
Will E31 clear itself, or do I need to manually reset it?
E31 will not clear on its own while the underlying fault condition remains. Once you have fixed the root cause — whether that is reseating the hose, cleaning a blockage, or replacing the sensor — you need to perform a power reset by unplugging the machine for 10 minutes. The error should then clear when you restart.
How much does it cost to replace a pressure sensor on an Electrolux washing machine?
A replacement pressure sensor (pressostat) for an Electrolux washing machine typically costs between £10 and £30 for the part itself, depending on the model. If you fit it yourself the total cost is just the part. A service technician call-out to diagnose and replace the sensor would typically add a labour charge on top.
Could a blocked filter cause error E31?
A blocked pump filter causes drain-related errors rather than E31 directly. However, if a blocked filter has caused the machine to retain water and that water has been sitting in the tub for some time, residue can migrate into the pressure hose and partially block it — which can then contribute to a calibration error. It is worth checking and cleaning the filter as part of your overall investigation.