What Does Error Code E68 Mean on an Electrolux Washing Machine?
Switch off the machine at the wall, wait 10 minutes, then restart a wash cycle to see if E68 clears — if the fault returns immediately, the heating element will need testing or replacing (takes about 5 minutes to check).
Fault description
Error code E68 is an electrical safety fault. It means the washing machine's control board has detected that current is leaking from the heating element to the machine's earth connection, rather than flowing correctly through the circuit. This is sometimes called an earth leakage fault or insulation breakdown.
When E68 appears, the machine will typically stop mid-cycle or refuse to start a programme. This is a deliberate safety response — the machine is protecting you from a potential shock hazard. You may notice the cycle pausing during the heating phase, which is when the element is under load and the fault becomes detectable.
In some cases the fault is intermittent, caused by moisture or a partial breakdown in the element's insulation. In others, the element has failed completely and will need to be replaced. Either way, the fault should not be ignored.
Causes
- Failed or degrading heating element — Over time, the insulation coating on the heating element breaks down, allowing current to leak to the metal drum casing and earth. This is the most common cause of E68 and typically requires element replacement.
- Moisture or water ingress around the element — If water has pooled around the element terminals or entered the wiring connections, it can create a temporary leakage path to earth. This can cause E68 to appear intermittently, especially during or after heavy wash loads.
- Damaged element wiring or connectors — The wires connecting the heating element to the control board can chafe, corrode, or work loose over time. A damaged wire touching the machine chassis can mimic an element earth fault and trigger E68.
- Faulty NTC temperature sensor on the element — Some Electrolux models mount the NTC thermistor directly on or near the heating element. If the sensor or its wiring has shorted to earth, the control board may log E68 rather than a separate sensor code.
- Control board fault — In rare cases, the main PCB itself misreads the heating circuit and generates a false E68 code. This is uncommon and should only be considered after the element and wiring have been properly tested and ruled out.
Step-by-Step Fix
- 1
Switch off and unplug the machine
Before doing anything else, turn the machine off at the wall socket and unplug it. E68 is an electrical fault, so working on the machine with power connected is not safe. Wait at least 10 minutes before touching any internal components.
- 2
Perform a power reset
Leave the machine unplugged for 10 minutes, then plug it back in and run a short wash cycle. Occasionally a moisture-related fault will clear once the machine has dried out. If E68 returns as soon as the heating phase begins, move on to the next steps.
- 3
Inspect the element terminals and wiring
Access the back panel of the machine (usually two or three screws). Locate the heating element terminals at the bottom of the drum. Check for visible corrosion, burnt marks, or wires that have slipped off their connectors. Reseat any loose connections firmly and check that no bare wire is touching the machine body.
- 4
Check for moisture around the element
Look for signs of water pooling near the element terminals or around the drum seal. Dry the area thoroughly with a cloth and allow the machine to air for several hours before testing again. If the drum seal is visibly torn or perished, it will need replacing separately.
- 5
Test the heating element with a multimeter
Set your multimeter to resistance (Ohms) mode. Disconnect both wires from the element terminals. Place one probe on each terminal — a working element typically reads between 20 and 50 Ohms. Then place one probe on a terminal and the other on the element's metal body or the drum casing. A reading of anything other than open circuit (OL or infinite) confirms an earth leakage fault and means the element must be replaced.
- 6
Replace the heating element
If the multimeter confirms an earth fault, the element needs to come out. Drain any remaining water, remove the back panel, unclip the element retaining nut or bolt, and ease the element out of the drum. Fit the new element, reconnect the wiring, and reassemble. Make sure the replacement element matches your exact model number.
- 7
Run a test cycle and monitor
After reassembly, run a 60°C cotton cycle and stay nearby for the first 20 minutes. This is when the element works hardest and any remaining fault will show up. If E68 does not return, the repair is complete.
Affected models
Select your model to see its full troubleshooting page.
When to call a service technician
If you have replaced the heating element and E68 still appears, or if your multimeter tests show the element is fine but the fault persists, the problem may lie with the main control board or a wiring harness fault that is difficult to trace without specialist equipment. These repairs require component-level diagnosis that goes beyond typical DIY scope.
You should also call a service technician if you notice any burning smell, scorch marks on the wiring, or if your home's RCD (residual current device) trips when the machine runs. These are signs of a live earth fault that poses a genuine safety risk and must not be left unresolved.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is it safe to use my Electrolux washing machine while E68 is showing?
No. E68 indicates a live earth leakage fault on the heating element, which is an electrical safety issue. You should not run the machine until the fault has been diagnosed and resolved. In some homes, a faulty element can cause the RCD to trip repeatedly, and in the worst case it poses a shock risk.
Can E68 appear because of a power surge or one-off glitch?
It is possible for a temporary moisture issue to trigger E68 once and then clear after a power reset. However, if the code returns on the next wash — particularly during the heating phase — it is a genuine fault rather than a glitch. Do not assume it has resolved itself without testing the element.
How long does a heating element last in an Electrolux washing machine?
Most heating elements last between 5 and 10 years, depending on water hardness, wash temperature habits, and how frequently the machine is used. Machines in hard water areas tend to see earlier element failure due to limescale coating the element and causing it to overheat.
Will replacing the heating element definitely fix E68?
In the majority of cases, yes — a confirmed earth leakage on the element means the element is the source of the fault. However, if the wiring or connectors were also damaged, those need to be addressed at the same time. In rare cases where the element tests fine, the control board may be at fault.
Do I need a specific heating element for my Electrolux model?
Yes. Heating elements vary in wattage, shape, and flange size between models. Always use your full model number (found on the label inside the door frame) when ordering a replacement. Fitting the wrong element can cause poor heating performance or further electrical faults.