Zanussi washing machines are fantastic since they are reliable and durable. Just like any other appliance, however, there are times when a problem arises even with a Zanussi. An example would be when the cycle gets stuck and you need to do a reset to get it unstuck.
There are many reasons that a washing machine can get stuck in a wash programme. It may seem like you’ll need to call in an expensive technician to get things going again, but that may not be the case. A simple restart may be all you need to finish your laundry.
Of course, there could be other issues that you should know about which we will cover in this resetting guide for your Zanussi washing machine.
Zanussi washing machine reset instructions
When Zanussi owners realize that there is the option to reset their washing machine, they often ask “Is there a reset button on a Zanussi washing machine?” Unfortunately, the answer is no, there is no button. You do need to do a short and simple operation to reset the machine.
Start by locating the program dial and the soak and pre-wash buttons on the machine. Press and hold those two buttons while turning the cycle selector counterclockwise to the delicate spin cycle. Release the buttons but then continue turning the dial to the “Off” position. At this point, you should be able to resume a normal wash.
This operation does depend on the model, however. If you have a Zanussi zwd16270w washer/dryer appliance, for instance then the procedure is a bit different. Begin by pressing the “Start” button and the button to the left of it simultaneously. Then, turn the dial to the “Off” position. Keep pressing and holding the “Start” button and the one to the left and click the dial over one position clockwise. When the lights flash, release the two buttons and turn the dial to the off position and your machine will be reset.
Of course, there are times when things don’t go so smoothly and a simple reset of the system is not going to solve your problem. You’ll have to keep reading to find out what to do when your Zanussi doesn’t resume the cycle.
How to enable test mode to find the problem
After having tried to reset your appliance, you could find that it is not resuming its normal washing cycle on its own. You then have to go through the test mode to find the problem.
To do this, there is a diagnostic mode that will allow you to see the error code so you know where the problem lies.
- Switch off the washing machine
- Press the “Start/Pause” button and any of the option buttons at the same time
- While pressing both buttons, turn the machine on by turning the dial one position to the right going clockwise
- Continue to press the buttons down until the LED lights flash
- Turn the programme dial 10 positions toward the “Off” selection in a clockwise manner
- Watch for the End of Cycle and the “Start/Pause” button light flashing
- This is now in diagnostic mode and will give you the error code in a series of light flashes
The error code is a bit tricky to deduce since you won’t be given a number to easily reference in the appliance user manual. Instead, you will have a series of lights flashing to indicate the number.
For instance, count the red flashes and that is the first number of the code. Then count the green flashes and that is the second number. If there are two red flashes, then the first number is two. If you then get four green flashes the second number is for which coincides with the error code of E24.
Some of the issues can be done by anybody even without any experience in fixing an appliance. Other issues will require an appliance technician to do a service call to repair. You’ll need to go through each of the codes to understand what the likely problem is that is causing your washing machine to malfunction.
Zanussi washing machine error codes
Hopefully, you wrote down the fault code so you can remember it and then look to see what the issue is that is causing your washing machine troubles. Although they are meant for washing machine repairmen to be able to find the source of the problem quickly, you can also use the fault code to see which problems you can take care of yourself. Let’s go through them now.
E11
A very common problem that is, fortunately, possible to troubleshoot by the owner without needing a technician for a repair when the machine is not filling with water. Very often this happens when the water inlet supply is not working because it is blocked or the hose gets kinked. At times it is not filling simply because the water was turned off and somebody forgets to turn the valve back to let the water back into the machine or the house.
Take a look at the hose that brings the water into the machine and check for any kinks. If it looks fine then check the valves to see if the water is shut off.
E13
This fault code indicates that your machine is leaking. Likely, you won’t need to get the code to see what is wrong since you will probably see the water before you search for the code in the diagnostic test mode.
E21, E23 or E24
Another common problem that many washing machines have is the water does not drain. These lights all relate to this problem in one way or another. Unfortunately, they don’t let you know if the problem is from an internal malfunction such as a faulty pump. You’ll need to go through the process of elimination to find the root cause of the water not draining.
The first place to look is the sump hose since it is flexible and can get bent or kinked. If you recently moved the washing machine then this could have caused the hose to get bent and water flowing out of the machine to be restricted causing it to back up into the tub. This shuts the machine down in the middle of a programme.
There could also be an obstruction in the hose or even the drainage pipes leading out of the house. Take a look at the U-bend under the pipe where the washing machine water is discharged. Sometimes this is under a sink. Carefully remove it and see if there is a blockage.
Lastly, there could be an obstruction in the pump housing filter which is also called a coin trap since it commonly gets objects stuck in there that cause the water to stop flowing out.
You can find out if this is the case by emptying the remaining water in the tub by using the drain hose located behind the service flap at the bottom of the machine. Have a receptacle and towel ready to mop up any water spillage. When no more water comes out, replace the nozzle and work to remove the pump filter. Turn the cover cap anti-clockwise until the water starts coming out and then remove it completely once the flow stops. Remove the filter and look for any foreign objects.
There could also be sludge in there that will need to be cleaned. Make sure to also check in the filter housing for any small objects or residue.
Once you have checked all of these, if there doesn’t seem to be any obstruction then it is likely that you have a pump failure and it will need to be replaced. This is a good one for a professional.
E33, E35, E36, E37 or E39
All of these fault codes are connected to the pressure switch that regulates how much water comes into the tub. If things are working correctly, the water will stop entering the machine once it hits the proper level for the set program.
The E35 fault code means that your water level is too high and it shuts the wash down. This could be because the pressure switch is faulty and the sensor has detected that too much water is present. Or, it could have been caused by using the wrong detergent or too much detergent and it caused an excess amount of suds. This trips the sensor because it thinks it is all water.
The E33, E36, E37 and E39 fault codes all mean that there is a problem specifically with the switch or the wires that connect it which means that it will need to be seen by a professional.
E40, E41, E42, E43, E44 or E45
These are indications that there is a problem with the washing machine door closing. There could be an obstruction, or the door lock assembly may be loose. Whatever the cause, if the door can’t latch properly the machine won’t be able to start. If it gets loose during the programme it will shut off in the middle.
Luckily, these codes all have a specific problem they allude to. For instance, E40 means that the door is not closing properly. This may be due to the assembly being loose, that there is an obstruction, or that the door was simply not closed all the way. Try to open and close the door to see if it clears the code. If not then check for an obstruction in the door lock assembly.
E41 means the door has been left open. If you see this and the door is closed make sure it is fully closed. If it is then this could be a sign that there is faulty wiring that makes it seem as though the door has been left open. If it is due to the wiring then you will likely see the E42 code.
E43 means that you have a problem with the wiring that connects the sensor in the door assembly to the circuit board so the signal isn’t being sent if the door is closed. E44 and E45 also deal with the circuitry so if you see any of these three codes it is time to call in a professional.
E51, E52, E53 or E54
If you see any of these codes then you have a problem with your motor, it could be the motor itself, the carbon motor brushes, or the wiring that leads to the motor. Except for the brushes being worn, you will need a professional. The carbon brushes can be changed yourself if you are at all handy.
E61, E62, E66 or E71
All of these codes relate to the heater or the heating element and control if the water heats up at all or is left cold. Any of these codes will cause the machine to stop and have to be reset. Each of the codes relates to a specific problem and will have to be checked to see what it is. The repair itself needs to be done by a technician, but if you have a multimeter you can check to see what is faulty and let the repairman know.
For instance, E61 means the heating element is the problem so you can check it out and see if there is any electricity running to or from it. E62 means that the control panel is heating the water to a temperature that is too high. E66 and E71 mean that you have to check the connections and sensors for the heating element.
Final Word
In a perfect world, resting the Zanussi washing machine will be enough to get things back on track. However, if things are still not going well then at least you can find out the source of the problem through the error codes. Knowing what the problem is will help you take back your laundry day.
