Washing Machine
E45
The E45 error code on an AEG washing machine indicates a fault with the triac or the motor control circuit on the main PCB (printed circuit board). It’s a moderately serious fault — the machine will typically stop mid-cycle and refuse to run until the issue is resolved.
What does this error mean?
E45 signals that the washing machine’s control board has detected a problem with the triac, the electronic component responsible for controlling the motor’s speed and direction. Essentially, the board cannot properly regulate power to the motor. This is an electrical control fault rather than a mechanical one, meaning the drum and motor themselves may be perfectly fine.
Est. repair cost
£100–£200 professional PCB repair; £10–£20 DIY motor brush replacement if brushes are the cause
🔍 Likely causes
🛠️ Step-by-step fix
Perform a hard reset first: switch the machine off at the wall, unplug it, and leave it for 10–15 minutes. Plug back in and run a short cycle to see if the error clears — power surges can trigger false E45 codes.
Check the motor brushes if your AEG model uses a brushed motor (common in older machines). Unplug the machine, remove the back panel, locate the motor, and inspect the carbon brushes for wear. Brushes under 1cm long should be replaced — replacement brushes cost £10–£20 and are a straightforward DIY job.
Inspect the wiring harness running from the PCB to the motor. Look for loose connectors, burnt wires, or corrosion. Reseat any loose connectors firmly. Do not attempt to repair burnt wiring yourself — call a professional.
Check for moisture around or on the PCB (usually located behind the front or rear panel). If you can see visible water damage or corrosion on the board, do not power the machine on again — call an engineer.
If the above steps don’t resolve the fault, the triac on the PCB or the PCB itself will need professional diagnosis and likely replacement. Do not attempt to solder or repair the PCB yourself — this requires specialist equipment and carries a risk of electric shock or further damage.
📞 When to call a professional
If the error persists after a hard reset and you’ve confirmed the motor brushes are in good condition, call an appliance repair engineer — the PCB or triac will need professional diagnosis. When you call, tell them you have an AEG washing machine showing error code E45 and that you suspect a triac or PCB fault on the motor control circuit. A qualified engineer will have the diagnostic tools to confirm the fault before ordering parts.
⚖️ Repair or replace?
A PCB repair or replacement on an AEG washing machine typically costs £100–£200 including parts and labour from a UK appliance engineer. If your machine is under 5 years old, repair is almost always worth it. For machines over 8–10 years old, weigh the repair cost against a new mid-range AEG or equivalent (£400–£600) — if the repair exceeds 50% of a new machine’s value, replacement is the smarter financial choice.