Washing Machine
E42
The E42 error code on an AEG washing machine indicates a problem with the door lock — the machine believes the door is not properly secured and has stopped the cycle as a safety measure. It’s a common fault and often straightforward to resolve, but it can point to a failed component that needs replacing.
What does this error mean?
E42 means the washing machine’s control board is not receiving a confirmed signal that the door is locked shut. AEG machines will not run a cycle unless the door interlock sends a positive ‘locked’ signal — E42 means that signal never arrived or was lost mid-cycle. This could be a mechanical issue with the door catch, an electrical fault in the interlock module, or a wiring problem between the two.
Est. repair cost
£15–£45 DIY (door handle or interlock part); £80–£150 for a professional repair including labour
🔍 Likely causes
🛠️ Step-by-step fix
Power off and wait 10 minutes: Switch the machine off at the wall and leave it for 10 minutes, then restart. A temporary software glitch can trigger E42 and a hard reset often clears it.
Check the load: Open the door and redistribute or reduce the laundry. An overpacked drum can bow the door outward so it won’t latch — remove a few items and try again.
Inspect the door catch and handle: Look at the door handle and the plastic latch that hooks into the door frame. If the handle is cracked or the latch tab is broken, you’ll need a replacement door handle assembly (£15–£35 DIY part — widely available for AEG models).
Check the door seal and hinge alignment: Run your hand around the rubber door gasket for any bulging or trapped fabric. Also gently press the door closed and check it sits flush — if the hinge is bent or sagging, this can throw off the alignment.
Test the door interlock: If the door closes and feels secure but E42 persists, the interlock module itself is likely faulty. This part sits inside the door frame and can be replaced as a DIY repair — switch off the machine at the mains, unplug it, prise away the door seal, and unscrew the interlock. Replacement interlocks for AEG machines cost £20–£45.
Check visible wiring: With the machine unplugged, check the wire connector on the interlock for loose or corroded terminals. Reseat any loose connectors firmly. Do not open the main control panel or handle internal wiring beyond this point — call a professional instead.
📞 When to call a professional
If you’ve replaced the door handle and interlock and E42 still appears, the fault is likely in the wiring harness or the main control board (PCB) — both require a qualified appliance engineer to diagnose and repair safely. Call an engineer and tell them you have an AEG washing machine showing error code E42, that you’ve already ruled out the door handle and interlock, and that you suspect a wiring or PCB fault.
⚖️ Repair or replace?
A professional repair for an E42 fault typically costs £80–£150 depending on the part required and your location in the UK. If your AEG machine is under 5 years old, repair is almost always the right call. For machines over 8–10 years old, especially if other faults have occurred, consider replacement — a reliable new washing machine starts at around £350–£450, and repair costs on older machines can escalate quickly.