Washing Machine
E19
The E19 error code on a Grundig washing machine indicates a problem with the heating system — specifically that the water is not reaching the required temperature within the expected time. It’s a moderately serious fault that will stop your machine completing a cycle, but it’s often fixable without a call-out.
What does this error mean?
E19 means the washing machine’s control board has detected that the water temperature is not rising as it should during a wash cycle. The machine monitors how long it takes to heat water to the target temperature, and if that target isn’t met within a set window, it throws the E19 code and halts the programme. This is most commonly a heater or thermistor fault, but can also point to a wiring or control board issue.
Est. repair cost
£80–£150 professional repair (element + labour); £15–£35 DIY heating element part only
🔍 Likely causes
🛠️ Step-by-step fix
Power off and reset: Switch the machine off at the plug and leave it for 10 minutes. Restart and run a short cycle to see if the error clears — occasional sensor glitches can trigger E19.
Run a hot descale cycle: If you’re in a hard water area, run an empty 90°C cycle with a proprietary washing machine descaler (e.g. Calgon or Dr. Beckmann). Limescale on the element is a very common cause of E19.
Check the filter and water supply: A blocked pump filter or kinked inlet hose can restrict water flow into the drum. Clean the pump filter (usually behind a small panel at the bottom front of the machine) and check the inlet hose is not restricted.
Test the heating element resistance: If you’re comfortable using a multimeter, disconnect the machine from the mains, access the element terminals (typically at the back or front lower panel), and test resistance. A healthy element reads 20–30 ohms; an open circuit (OL) means it’s failed and needs replacing.
Inspect wiring connections to the element and thermistor: With the machine unplugged, visually check for burnt, corroded, or disconnected wires around the heater assembly. Reseat any loose connectors.
If steps above don’t resolve the fault, do NOT attempt to open or replace the main control board (PCB) yourself — this requires a qualified appliance engineer.
📞 When to call a professional
If a descale and reset haven’t cleared the error and you’re not confident testing components with a multimeter, call an appliance engineer. Tell them your Grundig model number (found on the door frame label) and that the machine is displaying E19, pointing to a suspected heating element or NTC thermistor fault. Stop using the machine until it’s inspected — running repeated cycles with a heating fault can cause further damage to the PCB.
⚖️ Repair or replace?
A heating element replacement by a professional typically costs £80–£150 including parts and labour in the UK — a worthwhile repair if your machine is under 8 years old. If your Grundig is older than 8–10 years and facing a PCB fault, replacement may make more sense given a new budget washing machine starts at around £300–£350. For a failed element alone on a machine under 7 years old, always repair.