What Does Error Code E27 Mean on a Siemens Washing Machine?
Firmly close the door until you hear a distinct click, then press Start — if the latch was not fully engaged, the machine should clear the error and begin the cycle within 30 seconds (takes about 2 minutes).
Fault description
Error code E27 tells you that your Siemens washing machine cannot confirm the door is properly locked. The door interlock is a safety-critical component: the machine will not fill with water or begin spinning unless it receives a confirmed signal that the door is shut and secured. When this signal is missing or inconsistent, E27 is displayed and the cycle is halted or prevented from starting.
The fault can originate from the physical latch, the electronic door lock unit (also called the interlock or door lock actuator), the wiring connecting it to the control board, or the control board itself. In most cases the problem is mechanical or electrical rather than a software glitch, so a power reset alone is unlikely to resolve it permanently.
When E27 appears, the machine typically refuses to start, pauses mid-cycle, or unlocks and relocks repeatedly. You may also notice the door feels loose or that the lock does not click as firmly as usual.
Causes
- Door not fully closed or obstructed — Clothing, a seam, or a small item caught in the door seal can prevent the latch from engaging completely. The lock sensor never receives a closed signal, triggering E27 immediately.
- Worn or broken door latch — The plastic hook on the door that engages the lock body can crack or wear down over time. When the hook no longer pushes the lock mechanism far enough, the sensor inside cannot confirm closure.
- Faulty door lock unit (interlock) — The interlock contains a small actuator and sensor that confirm the door is shut and hold it closed during operation. If the actuator fails electrically or mechanically, the machine cannot verify the door state and throws E27.
- Damaged or loose wiring to the door lock — The wiring harness running from the door lock to the main control board can develop loose connectors or broken wires, especially near the hinge area where the loom flexes repeatedly. An intermittent connection produces an unreliable signal.
- Faulty main control board — If the control board cannot correctly read or process the signal from the door lock sensor, it may log E27 even when the lock itself is functioning normally. This is the least common cause and is usually diagnosed only after other components have been ruled out.
Step-by-Step Fix
- 1
Check for obstructions in the door seal
Open the door and run your hand around the full circumference of the rubber door gasket. Remove any clothing, coins, or debris that could be preventing the door from closing flush against the drum. Close the door firmly and listen for a solid click before attempting to restart.
- 2
Power cycle the machine
Switch the machine off at the mains socket and leave it unpowered for at least 60 seconds. This allows any temporary fault stored in the control board to clear. Switch back on, select a programme, and observe whether E27 returns immediately or only after the door lock attempts to engage.
- 3
Inspect the door latch hook
Look at the plastic hook on the door itself — the part that slots into the lock body on the machine frame. Check for cracks, chips, or visible wear. If the hook looks rounded or broken, it will need replacing. Replacement door hooks are inexpensive and usually clip or screw into place without specialist tools.
- 4
Examine the door lock strike and body
With the machine unplugged, look into the lock aperture on the machine frame using a torch. Check that the strike plate is not bent and that no debris is lodged inside. Gently press the lock mechanism with a pen to confirm it moves freely and springs back. A lock that feels stiff or does not return to position is likely faulty.
- 5
Check the wiring connector at the door lock
Unplug the machine before doing this. Remove the top panel or the door seal trim (depending on your model) to access the wiring connector on the back of the door lock unit. Disconnect and firmly reseat the connector. Look for any wires that appear burnt, corroded, or have pulled free from their terminals.
- 6
Test or replace the door lock unit
If all the above checks pass but E27 persists, the door lock unit itself is the most likely culprit. Source a compatible replacement using your machine's full model number (found on the label inside the door frame). The lock unit typically requires removing the door seal and a few screws — follow your model's service guide or a reputable video walkthrough for your specific variant.
- 7
Run a test cycle
After any repair or replacement, run a short cotton cycle at 40°C and stay nearby for the first few minutes. Confirm the door locks audibly at the start, the drum fills, and E27 does not reappear. If the error returns after fitting a new lock, the fault has moved upstream to the wiring or control board.
Affected models
Select your model to see its full troubleshooting page.
When to call a service technician
Contact a service technician if E27 persists after you have replaced the door lock unit and confirmed the wiring connections are sound. At this point the fault is likely within the main control board, which requires specialist diagnostic equipment to test safely and correctly. Attempting to repair or replace a control board without experience risks further damage to the machine.
You should also call a technician if you notice any burning smell near the door lock area, visible scorching on the wiring, or if the door physically will not open at all and the emergency release cord has not resolved it. These symptoms suggest an electrical fault that goes beyond straightforward component replacement.
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 Siemens washing machine while it shows E27?
No. E27 is a safety interlock fault, and the machine will not run a cycle until it can confirm the door is securely locked. Attempting to bypass the lock is dangerous and could result in the door opening during a spin cycle. Resolve the fault before using the machine again.
How do I open the door when E27 is displayed and the door is stuck locked?
Most Siemens washing machines have an emergency door release — a small cord or tab usually accessible by removing the kick panel at the bottom front of the machine. Pull it gently and the door should release. Always unplug the machine before attempting this. If there is water in the drum, drain it first using the filter access point.
Is E27 the same fault as E18 or other door errors on Siemens machines?
Not exactly. E27 specifically relates to the door lock sensor or latch mechanism failing to confirm closure. Other door-related codes on Siemens machines may refer to the door not being closed at all (a simpler detection fault) or to a communication error between the lock and the board. Always check the code against your specific model's manual.
How long does a door lock unit typically last on a Siemens washing machine?
A door lock unit generally lasts between five and ten years under normal household use. Machines used heavily — for example in a large family home running multiple cycles daily — may see the lock wear sooner. Rough handling of the door, such as pulling it open before the lock has fully disengaged, also shortens its lifespan.
Will a software update fix error code E27?
In almost all cases, no. E27 is caused by a physical or electrical fault in the door lock system, not a software bug. A firmware update will not repair a worn latch, a failed interlock actuator, or a loose wiring connector. If a service technician suggests a software update as the first step, ask them to confirm the door lock components have been physically tested first.