What Does Error Code E60 Mean on an Electrolux Washing Machine?
Clean the pump filter to rule out any drainage restriction that may be masking a heating cycle, then power cycle the machine by unplugging it for 5 minutes and restarting a hot wash programme to see whether the error clears (takes about 10 minutes).
Fault description
Error code E60 tells you that your Electrolux washing machine has detected a problem with its heating circuit. During a wash cycle, the machine monitors water temperature and expects it to rise to a set target within a defined time window. When that target is not reached — or the heating element draws no current at all — the control board logs E60 and typically halts or skips the heating phase.
You may notice that clothes come out of the machine feeling cold, detergent residue is left on fabrics, or the cycle takes unusually long before stopping with the error displayed. The fault sits within the heating system, which includes the element itself, its wiring, the NTC temperature sensor, and the control board that drives them.
Many E60 faults are caused by a failed heating element or a faulty NTC sensor — both are relatively straightforward parts to replace. Work through the steps below before calling a service technician, as a good proportion of cases can be resolved without professional help.
Causes
- Failed heating element — The heating element burns out over time, particularly in hard-water areas where limescale builds up on its surface. A scaled or broken element will either draw no current or insufficient current to heat the water, triggering E60.
- Faulty NTC temperature sensor — The NTC sensor monitors water temperature and reports back to the control board. If the sensor has drifted out of range or failed completely, the board may believe the water is not heating even when the element is working normally.
- Wiring or connector fault — The wires and spade connectors linking the heating element and NTC sensor to the control board can corrode, loosen, or break — especially after years of vibration. A poor connection interrupts the heating circuit and produces the same E60 symptom.
- Tripped or faulty thermal cut-out — Most Electrolux heating assemblies include a thermal cut-out fuse that trips if the element overheats. Once tripped, it breaks the circuit permanently and must be replaced before the element will work again.
- Control board (PCB) fault — In a smaller number of cases the main PCB fails to send the correct voltage to the heating element, or its relay responsible for switching the heater becomes stuck open. This is the least common cause and is usually diagnosed only after all other components have been checked.
Step-by-Step Fix
- 1
Power cycle the machine
Switch the machine off at the programme dial, unplug it from the wall socket, and leave it for at least 5 minutes. Plug it back in and run a 60°C cotton cycle to see whether E60 returns. Occasionally a transient control board glitch triggers the code and a full power reset clears it.
- 2
Check and clean the pump filter
A blocked filter can cause the machine to drain slowly, which in some models interferes with the heating phase. Locate the filter behind the small access panel at the bottom front of the machine, place a towel and shallow tray underneath, then unscrew the cap slowly to drain residual water. Remove any fluff, coins, or debris and refit the filter firmly.
- 3
Inspect the wiring to the heating element and NTC sensor
Unplug the machine and pull it away from the wall. Remove the rear panel (usually held by two or three screws). Locate the heating element at the bottom of the drum and check that all spade connectors are firmly seated and free from corrosion. Gently tug each connector — any that pull off easily should be crimped or replaced. Do the same for the NTC sensor, which is typically clipped into the element housing.
- 4
Test the heating element with a multimeter
With the machine unplugged, disconnect the two main terminals on the heating element. Set your multimeter to resistance (Ω) and touch the probes to the two terminals. A healthy element typically reads between 20 Ω and 50 Ω depending on wattage. A reading of zero (short circuit) or infinite resistance (open circuit) confirms the element has failed and needs replacing.
- 5
Test the NTC temperature sensor
Disconnect the NTC sensor connector and measure resistance across its two pins at room temperature. Most Electrolux NTC sensors read approximately 10,000 Ω (10 kΩ) at 20°C. A reading far outside this range — or an open circuit — means the sensor is faulty. Replacement NTC sensors are inexpensive and straightforward to swap out.
- 6
Check the thermal cut-out fuse
The thermal cut-out is usually a small disc-shaped component clipped to the heating element or its bracket. Test it with a multimeter set to continuity — a healthy fuse will beep, while a tripped one will show no continuity. If it has tripped, replace it along with the heating element, as the element likely caused the overheating in the first place.
- 7
Replace the heating element
If the element has failed, source a compatible replacement using your machine's full model number (found on the label inside the door frame). Drain any remaining water, remove the rear panel, disconnect the wiring, unscrew the element retaining nut, and withdraw the element. Fit the new element with a fresh seal, reconnect the wiring, and refit the panel before running a test cycle.
Affected models
Select your model to see its full troubleshooting page.
When to call a service technician
If you have tested and replaced the heating element, NTC sensor, and thermal cut-out and the E60 error still appears, the fault is most likely within the main control board (PCB). PCB diagnosis requires specialist equipment to confirm, and fitting a replacement board incorrectly can cause further damage — this is the point at which a qualified service technician should take over.
You should also call a technician immediately if you notice any signs of burning smell, scorch marks around the element housing, or water leaking near the heater assembly. These symptoms suggest a more serious electrical or mechanical failure that is not safe to investigate without professional training and tools.
Spare parts and service
Visit our partners for spare parts and service
Spare parts
Book a repair
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I still use my Electrolux washing machine while it shows E60?
You can run cold-water cycles in the short term, but the machine will not heat the water, so hygiene washes and programmes that rely on temperature will not work properly. Detergent also dissolves less effectively in cold water, leaving residue on clothes. It is best to resolve the fault as soon as possible rather than relying on cold cycles long-term.
How long does a heating element last in an Electrolux washing machine?
A heating element typically lasts between 5 and 10 years, though this varies considerably with water hardness and how frequently the machine is used. In hard-water areas, limescale accumulates on the element surface and causes it to overheat and fail earlier. Running regular descaling cycles can meaningfully extend its lifespan.
Is E60 always a heating element fault, or could it be something else?
E60 specifically points to the heating circuit, but the root cause is not always the element itself. The NTC temperature sensor, thermal cut-out fuse, wiring connectors, or in rare cases the control board can all produce the same code. Working through the diagnostic steps in order will help you identify the actual failed component before buying parts.
How much does it cost to replace a heating element on an Electrolux washing machine?
A replacement heating element for an Electrolux washing machine typically costs between £15 and £40 for the part, depending on the model. If you fit it yourself the total cost is just the part price. A service technician call-out will add labour costs on top, but the overall repair is still usually far cheaper than replacing the machine.
Will descaling my machine prevent E60 from coming back?
Regular descaling is one of the most effective ways to protect the heating element and reduce the risk of E60 recurring. Limescale acts as an insulator on the element surface, forcing it to run hotter to achieve the same water temperature, which accelerates wear. Running a 90°C maintenance wash with a proprietary descaler once a month is recommended in hard-water areas.