Washing Machine
E22
The E22 error code on an AEG washing machine indicates a problem with the drum not rotating correctly — specifically that the machine cannot detect proper drum movement during the wash cycle. It’s a moderately serious fault that will stop your machine completing a cycle, but it’s often fixable at home.
What does this error mean?
E22 signals that the AEG control board has detected an issue with drum rotation — the drum is either turning too slowly, not turning at all, or the rotation sensor (tacho generator) is not sending the expected signal back to the control board. The machine monitors drum speed throughout the cycle, and if the reading falls outside the expected range, it throws E22 and halts. This is a protective measure to prevent damage to the motor, bearings, or laundry.
Est. repair cost
DIY belt or brush fix: £10–£35 in parts. Professional repair: £80–£180 depending on fault (bearings at the higher end).
🔍 Likely causes
🛠️ Step-by-step fix
Reset the machine: switch it off at the plug, wait 60 seconds, and switch back on. Restart the cycle — a temporary software glitch can trigger E22 and a reset often clears it.
Check the load size: remove half the laundry and run the machine on a short cycle. An overloaded drum is a very common cause of motor-related errors on AEG machines.
Spin the drum by hand (with the machine unplugged): open the door and try to turn the drum manually. Resistance or a rumbling/grinding noise points to worn bearings — this will need a professional repair.
Inspect the drive belt: unplug the machine, remove the rear panel (usually 3–4 screws), and visually check the belt around the drum and motor pulley. A snapped, loose, or visibly frayed belt is a straightforward DIY replacement — belts cost £10–£20 from AEG parts stockists or sites like eSpares.
Check the carbon brushes: while the rear panel is off, locate the motor. The carbon brushes slide into the sides of the motor body. If they are worn down to less than 1cm in length, replace them — brush sets cost £8–£15 and are a common cause of E22 on older AEG machines.
Check wiring connections to the motor and tacho: gently reseat any connectors that look loose or corroded. Do not attempt to open the control board or carry out any internal electrical work — if wiring looks burnt or damaged, call an engineer.
📞 When to call a professional
Call an appliance engineer if the drum is stiff or noisy when turned by hand (likely bearings), if the belt and brushes look fine but the error persists, or if you find burnt or damaged wiring. When booking, tell the engineer you have an E22 fault, the drum rotation is the issue, and that you have already checked the load, belt, and brushes — this helps them arrive prepared with the right parts.
⚖️ Repair or replace?
A professional repair for E22 typically costs £80–£160 depending on the fault — brush replacement sits at the lower end, while bearing replacement can reach £150–£200 once labour is included. If your AEG washing machine is under 5 years old, repair is almost always worth it. If it’s over 8 years old and the bearings have gone, replacement is often more cost-effective — a reliable new mid-range washing machine starts at around £350–£450 in the UK.