Washing Machine
E42
The E42 error code on an Electrolux washing machine indicates that the door lock has failed to engage or release correctly — it’s a common fault that can often be resolved at home, but occasionally points to a failed component that needs replacing.
What does this error mean?
E42 tells you that the washing machine’s control board has detected a problem with the door interlock — either it couldn’t confirm the door was locked at the start of a cycle, or it failed to release the lock at the end. The machine will refuse to run or, in some cases, trap your laundry inside as a safety precaution. This is a built-in safety feature to prevent the drum spinning with an unsecured door.
Est. repair cost
£5–£40 DIY (door latch or interlock part); £80–£150 professional repair including parts and call-out
🔍 Likely causes
🛠️ Step-by-step fix
Reset the machine: Switch it off at the plug, wait 10 minutes, then plug back in and start a new cycle. This clears temporary software glitches and costs nothing.
Inspect the door seal and gap: Open the door fully and check the rubber gasket for trapped clothing or debris. Remove anything caught in the door’s path and try the cycle again.
Check the door latch: Look at the plastic striker on the door — if it’s visibly cracked or snapped, it needs replacing. A replacement Electrolux door striker typically costs £5–£15 and clips in without tools.
Examine the door interlock: With the machine unplugged, carefully pull back the door seal to access the lock unit inside the machine fascia. Check the wiring connector is firmly seated. If the lock unit shows scorch marks, melting, or physical damage, replace the interlock (£15–£40 for a genuine or compatible part).
Test the new interlock: Refit the seal, plug in the machine, and run a short cotton cycle to confirm the error has cleared.
If the error persists after replacing the interlock: Stop DIY work — this points to a wiring harness or PCB issue that requires a qualified engineer with a multimeter to diagnose safely.
📞 When to call a professional
Call an appliance engineer if the E42 error returns after you’ve replaced the door interlock, or if you find burnt wiring or damaged connectors — these require safe electrical diagnosis beyond basic DIY. Tell the engineer: ‘My Electrolux washing machine is showing error E42, I’ve checked the door latch and interlock, and the fault persists’ — this saves diagnostic time and money.
⚖️ Repair or replace?
A professional repair for E42 typically costs £80–£150 including parts and labour in the UK. If your machine is under 5 years old, repair is almost always worthwhile. For machines 8 years or older, especially if the PCB is at fault (repair cost £120–£200+), replacing with a new mid-range washing machine (£350–£550) is often the more economical long-term choice.