What Does Error Code E57 Mean on an Electrolux Washing Machine?
Unload the drum completely, check for and remove any items jamming the drum rotation, then restart the machine to see if it completes a cycle normally (takes about 10 minutes).
Fault description
Error code E57 is an inverter overcurrent fault. The inverter board is the component that controls the speed and power delivered to the wash motor. When the current flowing through that circuit rises above a safe threshold, the machine's control system trips the fault and halts the programme to prevent damage to the motor or the inverter board itself.
When E57 appears, the washing machine will typically stop mid-cycle — often during the main wash or spin phase when motor load is highest — and display the code on the control panel. The drum will cease rotating and the machine will not restart until the fault is cleared.
In many cases the root cause is mechanical rather than electronic: an overloaded drum, a foreign object jamming the drum, or a worn component forcing the motor to work harder than it should. Working through the checks below in order will resolve the fault for most households without needing professional help.
Causes
- Overloaded or unbalanced drum — Packing too much laundry into the drum forces the motor to draw extra current to turn the load, which can push the inverter circuit past its safe limit. Heavy, water-saturated items like duvets or towels are a common trigger.
- Foreign object jamming the drum or pump — Coins, bra underwires, buttons, or small garments can become lodged between the drum and the door seal or inside the pump housing, creating mechanical resistance that causes the motor to strain and overcurrent. The drum may feel stiff or make a grinding noise when turned by hand.
- Worn or seized drum bearings — As drum bearings wear, they create increasing friction that the motor must overcome on every rotation. This extra load raises current draw steadily over time until the inverter protection trips. A rumbling or grinding noise during the spin cycle is a tell-tale sign.
- Faulty or failing wash motor — A motor with damaged windings or worn carbon brushes (on brush-type motors) can draw abnormally high current even under normal load conditions. The fault may appear intermittently at first before becoming permanent.
- Defective inverter board — The inverter board itself can develop faults — including failed capacitors or damaged transistors — that cause it to misread current levels or fail to regulate power delivery correctly. This is less common than mechanical causes but becomes more likely if all other checks pass.
- Wiring fault between inverter board and motor — Loose connectors, chafed wiring, or corroded terminals on the harness linking the inverter board to the motor can cause intermittent resistance or short circuits that register as an overcurrent event.
Step-by-Step Fix
- 1
Power cycle the machine
Switch the machine off at the control panel, then unplug it from the wall socket. Wait at least two minutes before plugging back in and restarting. This clears any transient fault that may have triggered the code without an underlying mechanical problem.
- 2
Reduce the load and redistribute laundry
Remove all laundry from the drum and weigh it if possible — check your model's maximum load rating in the user manual. Reload with no more than three-quarters of the rated capacity, distributing items evenly around the drum. Restart the programme and observe whether the fault returns.
- 3
Check for foreign objects in the drum and door seal
With the machine unplugged, reach inside the drum and run your hand around the full circumference of the door seal, feeling for trapped objects. Try rotating the drum slowly by hand — it should turn with moderate, even resistance. Any grinding, clicking, or stiff spots suggest something is lodged inside.
- 4
Clean the drain filter and check for blockages
Locate the filter access panel at the bottom front of the machine. Place a shallow tray and towels underneath, then slowly unscrew the filter cap to drain residual water. Remove the filter completely and check for debris, coins, or small items. Rinse the filter under a tap, refit it firmly, and run a short cycle to test.
- 5
Inspect the motor brushes (brush-type motors only)
On older Electrolux models with brush-type motors, worn carbon brushes are a frequent cause of overcurrent faults. With the machine unplugged and the back panel removed, locate the motor and check the brush holders. Brushes worn down to less than 5 mm should be replaced. This is a straightforward part swap if you are comfortable working inside the appliance.
- 6
Check wiring connections at the motor and inverter board
With the machine unplugged, access the motor and inverter board (typically reached by removing the back panel). Inspect all connectors for signs of burning, corrosion, or looseness. Press each connector firmly home and look for any wiring that shows chafing or bare copper. Damaged wiring should be repaired or replaced before running the machine again.
- 7
Test the machine on a short cycle
After completing the checks above, run a short cotton cycle at 30°C with a small, balanced load. Monitor the machine through the wash and spin phases. If E57 does not return, the fault is resolved. If it reappears consistently at the same point in the cycle, the motor or inverter board is likely faulty and will need professional assessment.
Affected models
Select your model to see its full troubleshooting page.
When to call a service technician
Contact a service technician if the E57 code returns immediately after a power cycle with an empty drum, or if the drum is noticeably stiff or noisy when turned by hand — this points to seized bearings or a failing motor that require specialist tools and parts to replace safely. Similarly, if you can see burn marks, smell burning, or find scorched connectors on the inverter board or motor wiring, do not attempt further DIY work.
A service technician can use diagnostic equipment to read live current data from the inverter circuit, confirm whether the motor, inverter board, or wiring harness is at fault, and carry out the replacement safely. Attempting to run the machine repeatedly with an active electrical fault risks causing further damage to the control electronics.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I keep using my Electrolux washing machine while it shows E57?
No — you should not run the machine while E57 is active. The fault indicates the motor circuit is drawing unsafe levels of current, and continuing to operate it risks damaging the inverter board or motor permanently. Resolve the fault first, then resume normal use.
Why does E57 only appear during the spin cycle?
The spin cycle places the highest mechanical demand on the motor, so faults that cause only a modest increase in current draw — such as slightly worn bearings or a marginally overloaded drum — may only push the inverter past its threshold at high speed. If the fault is consistent during spin, check the drum bearings and ensure the load is balanced and within the rated weight.
How do I know if my Electrolux washing machine has a brush-type or brushless motor?
Most Electrolux washing machines manufactured after around 2010 use brushless inverter motors, which do not have carbon brushes to replace. Older models typically use brush-type motors. Check your model number against the Electrolux parts database, or look for small rectangular brush holders on the sides of the motor when you access it — their presence confirms a brush-type motor.
How much does it cost to replace an inverter board on an Electrolux washing machine?
Inverter board prices vary by model but typically fall in the range of £60–£150 for the part alone. If a service technician is fitting it, add labour costs on top. It is worth getting a quote and comparing it against the age and value of the machine before committing to the repair.
Will a factory reset clear the E57 error code permanently?
A power cycle or reset will clear the displayed code, but if the underlying fault — such as worn bearings, a failing motor, or a damaged inverter board — is still present, the code will return as soon as the machine reaches the point in the cycle that triggers it. A reset is a useful first diagnostic step, not a fix in itself.