Error E20 in the Zanussi washing machine

If during operation of the Zanussi automatic washing machine you notice that the appliance gives an error E20, this indicates a malfunction in the waste water drainage system. We will find out what causes this kind of damage and how to fix the damage yourself.

Why did this error appear?

The user will be notified of a malfunction in the drain system by DTC E20, which will be displayed on the electronic display of the machine. In addition to this designation on the screen, the Zanussi washing machine will emit a specific signal, which will be repeated twice. Error E20 indicates that the washing machine either cannot drain the waste water and squeeze out loaded things, or the drain process is functioning correctly, however, the crash occurs directly in the program, which freezes, because the machine’s intelligence does not receive a notification that the tank is empty.

Attention! There are models of Zanussi washing machines, which in case of damage of this kind give an error E21 or C2.

Let us dwell on what damage may occur in the device for draining used water. The washing machine generates error E20 due to the detection of breakdowns of the following types:

• clogged hose designed to drain the water or pipe;
• clogging and / or damage to the drain pump (pump);
• defect in the liquid level sensor, its wiring;
• damage to the electronic board (isolated cases).

To return the machine to its previous performance, it is not necessary to resort to the help of a service center, you can fix the washer yourself. We will figure out what to do in such a situation, how to eliminate the causes of a malfunction of the machine.

Do it yourself

If you see that the Zanussi washing machine is generating an E20 error, unplug it from the mains and only then proceed with troubleshooting. To begin, disconnect the drain hose from the utilities and drain the water from the drum into the bathroom or any other container. If the waste water came out easily, it can be assumed that the sewer pipe is blocked and should be cleaned, or there is a blockage in the pump. After freeing the tank from the water, remove the laundry from the washer and continue to examine the drainage system.

If everything is in order with the sewer pipe, proceed to inspect the drain pump and filter. Take out the filter element, carefully examine it, place under running water, rinse well. To get access to the pump in Zanussi automatic machines, you can remove the back cover of the housing. To do this, perform the following algorithm of actions:

• unscrew along the perimeter of the back wall all the bolts holding it;
• remove the case wall;
• carefully disconnect the wiring going to the pressure switch from the pump;
• unscrew the self-tapping screw holding the pump, the bolt is located on the side of the bottom of the washer;
• unclip the clamps located on the drain hose and nozzle;
• pull out the pump.

Having taken out the Zanussi pump from the washing machine, unhook the pipe from the tank. Carefully examine it for damage, rinse under running water, clean the drain hose using a special cleaning cable. Then take care of the pump.

To clean the pump, you must unscrew the cap on it and examine the impeller. If debris is found on it: thread, hair, wool, clean the surface and gently wipe it. Next, check the part using a multimeter. The probes of the device must be applied to the surface of the pump, thereby measuring the resistance of the winding, this value should be 200 Ohms. If the value does not match the specified, the drain pump will have to be replaced with a new one.

Important! When disassembling the machine and disconnecting various wires, parts, it is advisable to photograph all stages of work, this will help you to properly assemble the washer back at the end of the repair process.

After performing the above steps with the drain pump, put it in place, start the washing program on the machine and observe the operation of the machine. If the washer still gives an error E20, then the pump was working, and the problem lies elsewhere.

Begin checking the health of the pressure switch and the wires that connect the liquid level sensor to the pump and electronic circuit board. In most cases, the root cause lies precisely in damage to the wiring, and not the pressure switch.

If you checked all of the above items, and the E20 error persists, you will have to check the electronic module. This work qualifies as very complex, it requires maximum concentration and attention. Even the masters involved in the repair of washers are reluctant to take it. Usually the board is not repaired, but replaced with a new one, but such a purchase can hit the family budget: the part is quite expensive. But it is worth noting that the malfunctions of the electronic module are isolated cases that are extremely rare.

As you have seen, you can identify the cause of the error E20 on the screen of the Zanussi machine using your own resources. Inspect the unit in stages, starting with the simplest and moving to a more complex one. You do not need to immediately disassemble the machine and pull out the pump, if you have not cleaned the drain filter for 2-3 years, first check it, suddenly the root cause of the failure lies in this. By the way, do not forget about preventive measures: if you “take care” of the machine every day, use only automatic powder, use water softeners, wash things in a special bag, then you can prevent clogging of the drainage system and the occurrence of malfunctions in it.