Error E18 in the Siemens washing machine

If the Siemens machine has a display on the control panel, the process of diagnosing a problem will be easier: the system will automatically display a special code on the screen. Knowing its decryption, you can narrow the search for a malfunction that happened and start repairing faster. So, error E18 in the washing machine indicates a drain problem. More specifically about the possible sources of damage - we will tell in our article.

The value of the specified code

The Siemens machine fault codes provided by the system are standard for all produced models, which simplifies their decoding. We repeat that E18 signals a malfunction in the drain system. We are talking about the following "sore points":

• clogged trash filter;
• failed pump;
• contamination of drainage channels, hoses or nozzles;
• faulty pressure switch;
• defective functioning control module.

Often the cause of the failure is broken small parts, loose contacts or loose fixation of individual elements. All these are the consequences of improper use of the machine with coins forgotten in pockets, buttons torn off, wool and hair adhering to clothes. Foreign objects enter the tank, filter and hoses from the drum, making it difficult for the water to circulate and the pump impeller to rotate.

Most of the listed sources of E18 error can be replaced, adjusted and repaired without involving service workers. If there is a desire to deal with the problem without strangers, we begin the diagnosis ourselves.

Where to start checking?

The very first thing on the list of what to do with the E18 error is to prepare the machine for diagnosis. We stop the wash with the Stop button, disconnect the machine from the mains and turn off the water supply tap. Next, disconnect the drain hose and pour out the remaining fluid. After we move the unit away from the wall or pull it out of the cabinet and begin a sequential check of all possible sources of failure. We act in this order.

1. Check the pump filter. We wait 15-20 minutes until the water heated during washing cools down, and pay attention to the cap of the base in the lower right corner of the case. We find a small drain hose, pull it towards ourselves and unscrew the plug. When the accumulated liquid merges, remove the lid from the filter and clean it.
2. Carefully inspect the filter housing for signs of damage: browning, burn marks or rust. Next, we study the integrity of the existing nozzles and impellers of the pump.
3. Blow out the drain hose, checking for blockages.

If there is severe contamination, lumps of wool, scale or other foreign objects, carefully clean all parts. It is recommended to probe the hoses and fittings, and then tighten all the terminals and clamps. If there is damage to the face, we change the pump.

At the end of all manipulations, restore all connections, not forgetting about reliable fixation and tightness.

Check the level sensor

Often, to solve the E18 problem, it is necessary to eliminate the breakdown of the pressure switch. Do it yourself is not difficult. The main thing is not to forget about safety and disconnect the machine from all communications. Then we begin to check the operability of the water level sensor:

• unscrew the two upper screws on the back of the case;
• we shift the top cover, gently tapping it in the direction from ourselves;
• we find a tube having a diameter equal to the pressure switch fitting;
• weaken the clamp on the pressure hose and disconnect it;
• we insert a tube into it and slowly inhale air into it;
• we listen: if there were 1-2 clicks, then the contacts worked.

We complete the testing with a visual inspection. We feel the tubules for blockages, and we consider the device for integrity. In case of clogging, wash the holes with a stream of water, and if damaged, change the pressure switch.

There is another, more reliable, way to check the water level sensor - to ring it with a multimeter. We configure the device in the resistance measurement mode, attach the probes to the contacts and evaluate the result on the display. The fluctuation of numbers indicates the complete functioning of the pressostat, and the absence of changes signals its malfunction. Repair does not work out - a complete replacement is needed.

If both the pump system and the pressure switch have passed the test, then the problem is in the control module. Doing DIY repair with the electronics of the washing machine is strongly discouraged: there is a high risk of aggravating the situation. It is better to stop the diagnosis and contact the service center.