What Does Error Code E38 Mean on an Electrolux Washing Machine?
Locate the pressure sensor hose at the back or side of the machine, disconnect it, and blow gently through it to clear any blockage — if the hose was clogged, the machine should resume normal operation after reconnecting and restarting the cycle (takes about 15 minutes).
Fault description
Error code E38 points to a problem with the pressure sensor system — specifically, the small air trap chamber or the rubber hose that connects it to the pressure sensor is blocked. The pressure sensor is the component your washing machine relies on to measure how much water is in the drum at any given moment during a cycle.
When this tube or trap becomes clogged — usually with detergent residue, limescale, or debris — the sensor can no longer read water levels accurately. As a result, the machine may overfill, underfill, or simply stop mid-cycle and display E38 to alert you that something is wrong with the water level detection system.
The good news is that this fault is almost always caused by a physical blockage rather than an electrical failure, which means most homeowners can resolve it without specialist tools or replacement parts.
Causes
- Blocked pressure sensor hose — The narrow rubber or plastic tube running from the air trap to the pressure sensor is the most common culprit. Over time, detergent residue, limescale deposits, and lint can accumulate inside the hose and restrict or completely block airflow.
- Clogged air trap chamber — The air trap is a small plastic chamber, usually located at the bottom of the drum tub, that captures an air pocket used to measure water pressure. Soap scum and debris can build up inside it, preventing it from functioning correctly.
- Kinked or pinched pressure hose — If the machine has been moved or the drum has shifted slightly, the pressure sensor hose can become kinked or pinched. Even a partial kink is enough to disrupt the air pressure signal and trigger E38.
- Faulty or damaged pressure sensor — Less commonly, the pressure sensor itself may have failed or developed a fault. If the hose and air trap are both clear and undamaged, the sensor may need to be tested with a multimeter or replaced.
- Cracked or split pressure hose — A hose that has developed a crack or a loose connection at either end will leak air, causing inaccurate pressure readings. This can produce the same E38 fault even when there is no blockage present.
Step-by-Step Fix
- 1
Switch off and unplug the machine
Before doing anything else, turn the washing machine off at the dial and unplug it from the mains socket. Wait at least two minutes to allow any residual electrical charge to dissipate. Never work on the machine while it is connected to power.
- 2
Locate the pressure sensor hose
Remove the top panel of the machine — this usually involves unscrewing two or three screws at the rear and sliding the panel back. The pressure sensor is a small round component, typically mounted near the top of the side panel, with a thin rubber hose running down toward the drum tub. Trace the hose from the sensor down to where it connects to the air trap.
- 3
Disconnect and inspect the hose
Carefully pull the hose free from both connection points — the sensor end and the air trap end. Hold it up to a light source and look through it to check for visible blockages. Feel along its length for any kinks, cracks, or soft spots that might indicate damage.
- 4
Clear the blockage from the hose
Blow firmly through the hose with your mouth to dislodge any debris. If this does not work, run warm water through it or use a thin, flexible brush to clear the interior. Rinse thoroughly and allow it to dry before refitting.
- 5
Clean the air trap chamber
The air trap is the small plastic stub or chamber where the hose meets the drum tub. Use a thin brush or a cotton bud dipped in warm water to clean out any residue from inside the chamber. Make sure the opening is completely clear before reattaching the hose.
- 6
Refit the hose and check connections
Push the hose firmly back onto both connection points — the air trap and the pressure sensor. Give each end a gentle tug to confirm it is seated securely. A loose connection will allow air to escape and may reproduce the E38 fault.
- 7
Reassemble and run a test cycle
Replace the top panel, plug the machine back in, and run a short wash cycle — a rinse and spin programme is ideal for a quick test. Monitor the machine through the first few minutes to confirm it fills correctly and the error code does not return.
Affected models
Select your model to see its full troubleshooting page.
When to call a service technician
If you have cleaned the hose and air trap thoroughly, confirmed there are no kinks or cracks, and the E38 error continues to appear, the pressure sensor itself is likely faulty. Testing a pressure sensor requires a multimeter and some familiarity with reading component specifications — if you are not comfortable with this, it is safer to contact a service technician rather than risk misdiagnosis.
You should also call a service technician if you find that the air trap chamber is cracked or that the hose connection point on the drum tub is broken, as these repairs involve partial disassembly of the drum assembly and are not straightforward DIY jobs.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I still use my washing machine while it is showing E38?
It is not advisable. When the pressure sensor cannot read water levels accurately, the machine may overfill and cause a leak, or it may fail to fill properly and run a cycle without enough water. Either situation can damage your laundry or the appliance itself. Clear the fault before running another load.
How do I find the pressure sensor on my Electrolux washing machine?
Remove the top panel by unscrewing the bolts at the rear and sliding it backward. The pressure sensor is a small disc-shaped component, usually grey or white, mounted on the inside of the side panel near the top of the machine. A thin rubber hose runs from it down to the drum tub.
Will the E38 error clear itself after I fix the blockage?
On most Electrolux models, the error code will clear automatically once the machine is unplugged, the fault is resolved, and the machine is restarted. If the code persists after a successful repair, try switching the machine off at the mains for five minutes before turning it back on.
How often should I clean the pressure sensor hose?
There is no fixed schedule, but cleaning it once a year as part of a general machine service is a sensible habit. If you use your machine heavily or live in a hard water area, consider checking it every six months. Running a hot maintenance wash monthly will help slow the rate of residue build-up.
Could a detergent drawer blockage cause the E38 error?
Not directly — the E38 fault is specific to the pressure sensor circuit rather than the water inlet system. However, using too much detergent over time contributes to the soap residue that eventually blocks the air trap and pressure hose, so keeping the detergent drawer clean is still worthwhile preventive maintenance.