What Does Error Code E35 Mean on an Electrolux Washing Machine?
Turn off the machine at the mains, wait 10 minutes, then check and clean the pressure sensor hose for any blockages or kinks before restarting — a clear hose often resolves the fault immediately (takes about 10 minutes).
Fault description
Error E35 is your Electrolux washing machine's way of telling you that water has risen beyond the maximum safe level inside the drum. The machine's pressure sensor — sometimes called a water level sensor or pressostat — monitors the water height throughout every cycle, and when it detects an overfill condition, it triggers E35 to stop the programme and protect both the appliance and your home from flooding.
When this error occurs, the machine will typically halt mid-cycle, and in many cases it will attempt to drain the excess water automatically. You may notice water sitting unusually high in the drum, or the machine may refuse to start a new cycle until the fault is cleared. The door lock may also remain engaged as a safety precaution.
The fault can stem from a faulty inlet valve that won't close properly, a blocked or damaged pressure sensor system, or in some cases a control board issue. Most causes are straightforward to investigate at home before calling in a service technician.
Causes
- Blocked or kinked pressure sensor hose — The pressure sensor relies on a small rubber or plastic hose to measure air pressure inside the drum. If this hose is kinked, cracked, or blocked with detergent residue, the sensor receives an inaccurate reading and may falsely trigger E35 — or fail to detect a genuine overfill.
- Faulty water inlet valve — The inlet valve controls the flow of water into the drum and should close completely once the correct level is reached. If the valve's solenoid is worn or debris is lodged in the valve seat, it can stick open and allow water to keep entering, causing a genuine overfill.
- Defective pressure sensor (pressostat) — The pressure sensor itself can fail over time, sending incorrect signals to the control board even when the water level is normal. A faulty sensor may report an overfill condition that doesn't actually exist, triggering E35 as a false alarm.
- Siphoning effect from incorrect drain hose installation — If the drain hose is positioned too low or inserted too far into the standpipe, water can siphon back into the drum continuously during a fill cycle. This creates an apparent overfill that the machine cannot correct on its own.
- Control board fault — In less common cases, the main control board may misinterpret signals from the pressure sensor or fail to send the correct cut-off signal to the inlet valve. This is usually a last-resort diagnosis after all other components have been checked.
Step-by-Step Fix
- 1
Switch off and unplug the machine
Turn the programme dial to off and unplug the machine from the mains socket. This resets the control board and removes any risk of electric shock before you begin inspecting components. Wait at least 10 minutes before proceeding.
- 2
Check the drain hose position
Pull the machine out slightly and inspect where the drain hose connects to your standpipe or sink. The top of the hose loop should sit between 60 cm and 90 cm from the floor — if it's lower, water can siphon back in. Reposition the hose and secure it with a hose clip or cable tie if needed.
- 3
Locate and inspect the pressure sensor hose
Remove the top panel of the machine (usually two screws at the rear) to access the pressure sensor, which is a small round component connected to a thin rubber hose. Trace the hose from the sensor down to the drum tub and check for kinks, cracks, or a loose connection at either end. Detach it, blow gently through it to confirm it's clear, and reattach it firmly.
- 4
Test the pressure sensor
With the hose detached from the sensor, blow gently into the sensor's inlet port — you should hear a faint click as the internal diaphragm moves. No click suggests the sensor diaphragm has failed and the unit needs replacing. If you have a multimeter, you can also test the sensor's resistance across its terminals against the values in your model's service data.
- 5
Inspect the water inlet valve
Turn off the water supply tap behind the machine. Disconnect the inlet hose and check the small mesh filter inside the valve inlet for debris — rinse it under a tap if blocked. Reconnect everything, restore the water supply, and run a short cycle to see whether the machine still overfills. A valve that continues to let water in after the cycle ends needs to be replaced.
- 6
Restart and run a test cycle
Plug the machine back in, select a short cotton cycle, and observe the machine during the fill phase. Watch for water rising above the door seal level or the machine failing to stop filling at the correct point. If E35 does not return, the fault is resolved. If it reappears, note exactly when in the cycle it triggers — this information will help a service technician diagnose the problem faster.
Affected models
Select your model to see its full troubleshooting page.
When to call a service technician
If you have checked the pressure sensor hose, confirmed the drain hose is correctly positioned, and replaced or tested the inlet valve, but E35 continues to appear, the fault is likely inside the control board or the pressure sensor wiring harness. These components require specialist diagnostic tools and are not straightforward to replace safely at home.
You should also call a service technician immediately if you notice water actively leaking onto the floor, if the drum remains full of water that won't drain, or if there is any sign of burning smell or visible damage to wiring near the inlet valve or sensor. Do not attempt to run the machine in any of these conditions.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I still use my Electrolux washing machine while it shows E35?
No — you should not run the machine while E35 is active. The error indicates a potential overfill condition, and continuing to use the appliance risks water damage to your home and could cause further damage to the machine's electronics. Resolve the fault before running another cycle.
Will turning the machine off and on again clear the E35 error?
A power reset may temporarily clear the error code, but if the underlying cause — such as a faulty inlet valve or blocked pressure hose — is still present, E35 will return during the next fill cycle. A reset is a useful first step to confirm whether the fault is intermittent, but it is not a fix on its own.
How do I know if my inlet valve needs replacing rather than just cleaning?
If cleaning the mesh filter inside the valve inlet does not stop water from continuing to enter the drum after the machine has reached the correct level, the valve's internal solenoid has likely failed. You can confirm this by unplugging the machine — if water still trickles into the drum with the power off, the valve is definitely stuck open and must be replaced.
Is E35 the same as a flood protection error on Electrolux machines?
E35 specifically relates to the drum water level exceeding the safe limit as measured by the pressure sensor. Some Electrolux models also have a separate base tray flood sensor that triggers a different error code. If water has collected in the base tray beneath the machine, you may see a different code alongside or instead of E35.
How much does it typically cost to fix an E35 fault?
If the fix is a blocked pressure hose or a repositioned drain hose, the cost is effectively zero. A replacement inlet valve or pressure sensor typically costs between £15 and £40 for the part, and fitting it yourself takes around 30–60 minutes. If a service technician is needed for a control board fault, labour and parts combined can range from £80 to £180 depending on your location and the specific model.