Washing Machine
E70
The E70 error code on an AEG washing machine indicates a problem with the water heating system — specifically that the machine is not detecting a temperature rise during the wash cycle. It’s a moderately serious fault that will stop your machine completing a cycle, but in many cases it’s fixable without a call-out.
What does this error mean?
The E70 code means the washing machine’s control board has monitored the water temperature during heating and found it either isn’t rising at all, or isn’t reaching the target temperature within the expected time. The machine uses a thermistor (a temperature sensor) and a heating element working together — if either fails, or if there’s a wiring fault between them and the PCB, the E70 code is triggered. The machine halts the programme as a safety precaution to prevent damage to your laundry or the appliance.
Est. repair cost
£80–£150 professional repair; £15–£40 DIY (element or thermistor part only)
🔍 Likely causes
🛠️ Step-by-step fix
Reset the machine first: switch it off at the wall socket, wait 5 minutes, then power back on and re-select your programme. A temporary control board glitch can trigger E70 and a reset clears it.
Check the water supply: ensure the inlet hose tap is fully open and the filter at the back of the machine isn’t blocked with debris. Low water flow can cause heating issues.
Run a hot maintenance wash: select a 90°C cotton cycle with no laundry and add a washing machine cleaner (e.g. Dettol Washing Machine Cleaner). Limescale on the element is a common culprit in hard water areas and this can help dislodge it.
Inspect the heating element resistance with a multimeter (DIY-competent users only): after isolating from the mains, access the element at the back of the drum. A healthy element typically reads 20–30 ohms. An open circuit (infinite resistance) confirms a failed element — replacements cost £15–£35 and are available for most AEG models.
Test the thermistor (NTC sensor): with the machine isolated, locate the sensor clipped to the heater assembly and test resistance against a temperature chart for your model. At room temperature (~20°C) it should read approximately 10,000–12,000 ohms. A wildly different reading means the sensor needs replacing (£10–£20 part).
If the element and thermistor both test as good, the fault likely lies in the wiring harness or PCB — do not attempt to repair the PCB yourself. Stop here and call an engineer.
📞 When to call a professional
Call an appliance engineer if the reset and basic checks don’t resolve the fault, or if you’re not comfortable using a multimeter to test components safely with the machine fully isolated from the mains. When you call, tell them the exact error code (E70), your AEG model number (printed on the door seal or inside the door), and whether the machine fills with water but fails to heat. This will help them quote accurately and arrive with the right parts.
⚖️ Repair or replace?
A professional repair for an E70 fault — typically a heating element or thermistor replacement — costs £80–£150 including labour. If your AEG machine is under 7 years old and was mid-to-high range (£400+), repair is almost always worthwhile. For machines over 8–10 years old or budget models, weigh repair cost against a new machine; if the PCB is the cause, repair bills can rise to £150–£250, at which point replacement may make more financial sense.