What Does Error Code E50 Mean on a Siemens Washing Machine?
Power off the machine at the wall, wait 10 minutes, then switch it back on and restart the cycle — this resets the motor control electronics and clears a temporary fault in the majority of E50 cases (takes about 5 minutes).
Fault description
Error code E50 relates to the washing machine's motor system. The tachogenerator is a small sensor attached to the motor that monitors drum speed and reports it back to the control board. The motor driver is the electronic circuit responsible for delivering power to the motor in a controlled way. When either component fails or sends an unexpected signal, the machine logs E50 and stops the cycle to prevent damage.
When this error appears, you will typically notice the drum has stopped rotating mid-cycle, or the machine refuses to move past the wash or spin phase. In some cases the drum may attempt to turn, judder, and then stop. The display will show E50 and the programme will be suspended until the fault is resolved.
Many E50 errors are triggered by a temporary electrical glitch rather than a failed component, so a straightforward reset is always worth trying first before investigating further.
Causes
- Temporary motor control glitch — A brief power fluctuation or software hiccup in the motor driver circuit can trigger E50 without any physical fault being present. A full power reset often clears this immediately.
- Worn or damaged carbon brushes — The motor uses carbon brushes to transfer electrical current to the rotating armature. As they wear down over years of use, contact becomes intermittent, causing the motor to stall and the tachogenerator to report an error.
- Faulty tachogenerator — The tachogenerator is a small coil and magnet assembly mounted on the motor shaft. If it is damaged, its wiring is broken, or it has come loose, it cannot accurately report drum speed to the control board, triggering E50.
- Loose or corroded motor wiring connections — The wiring harness connecting the motor, tachogenerator, and control board can work loose over time due to vibration. Corroded or disconnected terminals interrupt the signal and mimic a component failure.
- Failed motor driver on the control board — The motor driver module on the main PCB controls the speed and direction of the motor. If this circuit fails — due to a power surge or component ageing — the motor cannot operate and E50 is logged.
- Seized or overloaded motor — A foreign object lodged between the drum and the tub, or a severely overloaded drum, can cause the motor to stall under excessive load. The tachogenerator detects zero speed and the machine raises the E50 fault.
Step-by-Step Fix
- 1
Reset the machine
Switch the washing machine off at the wall socket and unplug it. Leave it unpowered for at least 10 minutes to allow the motor driver electronics to fully discharge and reset. Plug back in, select a short spin cycle, and observe whether the drum turns freely.
- 2
Check the drum for obstructions
Open the door and try turning the drum by hand. It should rotate smoothly with only light resistance. If it feels stiff, grinds, or will not turn at all, a foreign object may be trapped between the drum and the tub — check the door seal recess and the drum paddles for coins, underwire, or debris.
- 3
Inspect the motor wiring connections
Unplug the machine and remove the back panel (usually held by three or four screws). Locate the motor at the base of the machine and check that all wiring connectors are firmly seated. Gently press each connector home and look for any signs of burning, corrosion, or chafing on the wires. Reconnect the panel and test.
- 4
Examine the carbon brushes
With the back panel removed, the carbon brushes are accessible on either side of the motor body — they slide out after releasing a small clip or unscrewing a retaining cap. A new brush is typically 25–30 mm long; if yours are worn down to 10 mm or less, or are crumbling, they need replacing. Carbon brushes are an inexpensive and common service part for this fault.
- 5
Check the tachogenerator
The tachogenerator is the small plastic component clipped onto the rear of the motor, with two thin wires leading from it. Ensure it is firmly attached and that its wires are connected. You can test it with a multimeter set to resistance — a healthy tachogenerator typically reads between 100 and 200 ohms. A reading of zero or infinite resistance indicates a failed unit.
- 6
Replace the carbon brushes or tachogenerator
If either component has tested as faulty, replace it with a part matched to your specific model number. Carbon brushes simply push into their holders; the tachogenerator unclips and its connector pulls free. Reassemble the machine, run a short spin cycle, and confirm the error has cleared.
- 7
Test on a full cycle
Once any repairs are made, run a complete 40°C cotton cycle with a small load to confirm the machine progresses through wash, rinse, and spin without returning E50. If the error reappears at the same point in the cycle each time, the fault is likely within the motor itself or the main control board.
Affected models
Select your model to see its full troubleshooting page.
When to call a service technician
If you have replaced the carbon brushes and tachogenerator and the E50 error persists, the fault is most likely within the motor itself or the motor driver circuit on the main PCB. Testing and replacing these components requires specialist diagnostic equipment and carries a risk of electric shock if handled incorrectly — this is the point to contact a qualified service technician.
You should also call a technician without attempting DIY repairs if you notice any burning smell coming from the motor area, visible scorch marks on the wiring or PCB, or if the machine trips your household circuit breaker when it tries to spin. These are signs of a more serious electrical fault that needs professional assessment.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I still use my Siemens washing machine while it shows E50?
No — when E50 is active the machine has suspended the cycle because the motor is not operating correctly. Running it repeatedly in this state risks damaging the motor windings or control board further. Resolve the fault before using the machine again.
How long do carbon brushes last on a Siemens washing machine?
Carbon brushes typically last between five and eight years depending on how frequently the machine is used. A household running five or more washes per week will wear brushes faster than one doing two or three. Replacing them is straightforward and the parts are inexpensive, making it one of the most cost-effective repairs for an E50 fault.
Is E50 the same as an E5 error on Siemens machines?
They are related but not identical. E5 is a broader motor fault category, while E50 specifically points to the tachogenerator or motor driver circuit. Always check your model's specific fault code list, as coding can vary slightly between production years and model ranges.
How much does it cost to fix a Siemens E50 error?
If the fix is a power reset, the cost is nothing. Carbon brushes are typically £10–£20 for a pair and are a DIY-friendly repair. A tachogenerator costs roughly £15–£30. If the main control board needs replacing, parts and labour from a service technician can run to £150–£300 depending on the model.
Why does E50 keep coming back after I reset it?
A recurring E50 that clears temporarily but returns during the spin phase almost always points to a worn mechanical component — most commonly the carbon brushes — rather than a one-off glitch. Each time the brushes fail to maintain contact, the tachogenerator loses its signal and the error is logged again. Inspect and replace the brushes to resolve the underlying cause.