Washing Machine
E33
The E33 error code on an Electrolux washing machine indicates a conflict between the pressure sensor (water level sensor) and the anti-flood device — it’s a fault you should act on promptly, as it can prevent the machine from draining or filling correctly and may point to a water detection issue.
What does this error mean?
E33 means your Electrolux washing machine has detected a disagreement between two separate water-sensing systems: the main pressure switch (which measures how much water is in the drum) and the anti-flood pressure switch (a safety device that sits in the base of the machine). When these two sensors give conflicting readings simultaneously, the machine halts as a precaution. In plain terms, the machine isn’t sure whether there’s a flood risk or not, so it stops and shows E33 to protect your home.
Est. repair cost
£80–£150 professional repair; £15–£35 DIY pressure switch part if self-diagnosing
🔍 Likely causes
🛠️ Step-by-step fix
Reset the machine first: switch it off at the wall, wait 2 minutes, then turn it back on and start a short cycle. A temporary sensor glitch will clear itself this way.
Check for water in the base tray: tilt the machine gently forward about 15 degrees (have towels ready) to see if water pours out from underneath. If it does, there is a leak somewhere — mop it out, then investigate the source before running another cycle.
Inspect the pressure switch hose: unplug the machine, then pull it away from the wall. Remove the top panel (usually two screws at the back). Locate the thin rubber tube running from the drum to a small round sensor — check it isn’t kinked, cracked, or blocked with gunk. Blow gently through it to confirm it’s clear.
Run a drum clean cycle with no detergent: if over-sudsing is suspected, run an empty 60°C cycle. Switch to a low-suds detergent and use the correct dosage (check the drawer drawer markings) going forward.
Check wire connections to both pressure switches: with the machine unplugged, gently reseat any connectors going to the pressure switch and the anti-flood switch in the base. A loose connector is a quick fix.
If the error returns after all of the above, do not attempt to replace the PCB yourself — call a qualified appliance engineer, as further diagnosis requires a multimeter and service mode access.
📞 When to call a professional
Call an engineer if the error reappears after a reset, if you found standing water in the base tray (indicating an active leak), or if the pressure hose and wiring both appear fine. Tell the engineer: ‘My Electrolux is showing E33 — I’ve reset it and checked the base for water, but the fault persists.’ This tells them it’s likely a faulty pressure switch or PCB rather than a simple overflow issue.
⚖️ Repair or replace?
A professional repair for E33 typically costs £80–£150, covering diagnosis, a replacement pressure switch, and labour — the part itself is usually £15–£35. If your machine is under 5 years old, repair is almost always worth it. For machines over 8 years old approaching the end of a typical 10-year lifespan, weigh repair costs against a new machine (budget models start from around £350); if the fault turns out to be a PCB failure (£150–£250 to repair), replacement makes more financial sense.