Washing Machine
E60
The E60 error code on an AEG washing machine points to a motor fault — specifically a problem the machine has detected with the motor’s operation or control. It’s a moderately serious fault that will stop your machine mid-cycle and needs attention before it can run again.
What does this error mean?
E60 tells you the washing machine’s control board has detected an abnormality with the drive motor or its associated circuits. AEG machines use a brushless inverter motor (or a traditional carbon brush motor on older models), and E60 is triggered when the motor fails to reach the correct speed, draws unexpected current, or stops responding to the control board’s commands. In short, the drum can’t spin properly — and the machine shuts itself down as a precaution.
Est. repair cost
£60–£180 professional repair depending on faulty part; £5–£15 DIY if only motor brushes need replacing
🔍 Likely causes
🛠️ Step-by-step fix
Reset the machine: Switch it off at the mains, wait 5 minutes, then power it back on and try a short spin cycle. A one-off motor stall can trigger E60 and a reset clears it.
Check the load size and balance: Remove half the load and try again. An overloaded or heavily unbalanced drum is a common cause of motor stalls. AEG recommends not exceeding the drum’s rated capacity.
Listen for drum bearing noise: Spin the drum by hand with the machine unplugged. If it feels rough, grinds, or is very stiff, seized bearings are likely straining the motor — stop here and call an engineer.
Check carbon motor brushes (older brushed-motor models only): If your AEG is 5+ years old and has a brushed motor, the brushes wear down over time. These are accessible from the rear or base of the machine without opening electrical components. Replacement brushes cost £5–£15 and are a straightforward DIY swap — search your model number plus ‘motor brushes’ to confirm compatibility.
Inspect the motor wiring: With the machine unplugged and the back panel removed, visually check the wiring loom running to the motor for any obvious burns, loose connectors, or chafed wires. Reseat any loose connectors firmly. Do not proceed further into electrical components — if wiring looks burnt, call a professional.
If the above steps don’t resolve it: The fault lies with the motor itself or the motor control board. Both require a qualified appliance engineer — do not attempt to test or replace these components yourself.
📞 When to call a professional
Call an engineer if the error returns after a reset, if you hear grinding from the drum, or if your visual check reveals burnt wiring. Tell them you have an AEG washing machine showing error code E60 and describe whether the drum spins freely by hand — this helps them diagnose whether it’s a motor, brush, or control board fault before they arrive.
⚖️ Repair or replace?
Motor brush replacement costs around £60–£100 via a professional; a motor control board repair or replacement typically runs £100–£180 all-in; a full motor replacement sits at £150–£250+ including labour. If your AEG is under 8 years old and was a mid-to-high-end model, repair is almost always worth it. For budget machines over 8–10 years old, a repair quote above £150 makes a new machine the more sensible choice.