Washing Machine
E31
The E31 error code on an Electrolux washing machine indicates a fault with the pressure sensor (also called the water level sensor), meaning the machine cannot correctly detect how much water is in the drum. It’s a moderately serious fault — the machine will stop mid-cycle to prevent overfilling or underfilling — but it’s often something you can resolve yourself.
What does this error mean?
Your Electrolux washing machine uses a pressure sensor connected to a small plastic tube to measure water level inside the drum. When E31 appears, the control board is receiving a signal from that sensor that’s out of the expected range — either no signal at all, or an implausible reading. The machine halts as a safety measure to prevent flooding or a failed wash cycle.
Est. repair cost
£15–£35 DIY pressure sensor part, or £80–£130 professional repair (part + labour)
🔍 Likely causes
🛠️ Step-by-step fix
Reset the machine first: turn it off at the socket, wait 5 minutes, then power it back on and try a short cycle. A temporary sensor glitch can clear itself.
Clean the pump filter: locate the filter behind the small panel at the bottom front of the machine, place a towel down, unscrew the cap, and remove any fluff, coins, or debris. A partially blocked filter can affect water levels and trigger E31.
Check for excess suds: if you’ve been using too much detergent or a non-HE formula, run an empty drum clean cycle (or a rinse-and-spin with no detergent) to clear the foam. Switch to the correct dosage of HE detergent going forward.
Inspect the pressure sensor hose: pull the machine out slightly and remove the top panel (two screws at the rear). Locate the thin plastic or rubber tube running from the side of the drum tub up to a small circular sensor on the side wall. Check it’s not kinked, cracked, or blocked — blow through it gently to confirm it’s clear. Reattach any loose connections.
Check the sensor wiring connector: while the top panel is off, locate the pressure sensor and gently unplug and re-plug the wiring connector to ensure a solid connection. Corrosion or a loose fit here is a common cause of intermittent E31 faults.
If the hose and wiring look fine and the fault persists, the pressure sensor itself likely needs replacing. Genuine or compatible Electrolux pressostats are available from UK parts suppliers (e.g. eSpares, 4ourhouse) for £15–£35. It unclips and unplugs without requiring any electrical work inside the control board.
📞 When to call a professional
If you’ve checked the hose, filter, and wiring connector and the E31 fault remains, call a qualified appliance engineer — the fault likely lies with the pressure sensor needing replacement or, less commonly, the main control board (PCB). When you call, tell the engineer: ‘My Electrolux washing machine is showing error code E31 — I’ve ruled out a blocked filter and hose, and I suspect the pressostat or PCB.’ This saves diagnostic time and money.
⚖️ Repair or replace?
A pressure sensor replacement typically costs £80–£130 with a local appliance engineer (part plus labour). If your machine is under 5 years old, repair is almost always worth it. For machines 8 years or older, weigh the repair cost against a new mid-range Electrolux or equivalent at £350–£500 — if the engineer suspects the PCB rather than just the sensor, replacement is likely the better call.