Error E20 in Zanussi washing machine

If, while using a Zanussi automatic washing machine, you notice that the equipment displays error E20, this indicates a problem with the used water drainage system. We will find out why this type of damage occurs and how to fix the damage yourself.

Why did this error appear?

If there is a malfunction in the drain system, the user will be notified by fault code E20, which will appear on the electronic display of the automatic machine. In addition to this designation on the screen, the Zanussi washing machine will emit a specific signal that will be repeated twice. Error E20 indicates that the washing machine either cannot drain the waste water and spin out the loaded items, or the draining process is functioning properly, but the failure occurs directly in the program, which freezes, since the intelligence of the machine does not receive notification that the tank empty

Attention! There are models of Zanussi washing machines that, in the event of damage of this kind, display error E21 or C2.

Let's take a closer look at what damage can occur in the used water drainage device. The washing machine displays error E20 due to detection of the following types of breakdowns:

• clogged hose intended for draining water or pipe;
• clogging and/or damage to the drain pump (pump);
• defect in the liquid level sensor and 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 service center specialists; you can fix the washing machine yourself.Let's figure out what to do in such a situation, how to eliminate the causes of the machine malfunction.

We repair it ourselves

If you see that your Zanussi washing machine is displaying error E20, disconnect it from the network and only then proceed to diagnose the problem. To begin, disconnect the drain hose from the utility lines and drain the water from the drum into a bathtub or any other container. If the waste water comes out easily, it can be assumed that the sewer pipe is clogged and needs to be cleaned, or there is a blockage in the pump. After emptying the tank of water, remove the laundry from the washer and continue examining 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, examine it carefully, place it under running water, and rinse well. You can access the pump in Zanussi automatic cars by removing the rear housing cover. To do this, perform the following algorithm of actions:

• Unscrew all the bolts holding it around the perimeter of the rear wall;
• remove the housing wall;
• Carefully remove the electrical wiring going to the pressure switch from the pump;
• Unscrew the self-tapping screw holding the pump, the bolt is located on the bottom of the washing machine;
• release the clamps on the drain hose and pipe;
• pull out the pump.

After removing the pump from the Zanussi washing machine, unhook the pipe from the tank. Carefully examine it for damage, rinse it under running water, and clean the drain hose using a special cleaning cable. Then work on the pump.

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

Important! When disassembling the machine and disconnecting various wires and parts, it is advisable to take photographs of all stages of work, this will help you to properly reassemble the washing machine at the end of the repair process.

Having carried out the above steps with the drain pump, install it in place, start the washing program on the machine and observe the operation of the machine. If the washer still displays error E20, it means that the pump was working properly, but the problem lies elsewhere.

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

If you have checked all the named elements, but error E20 does not resolve, you will have to check the electronic module. This work is classified as very difficult, it requires maximum concentration and care. Even the craftsmen who repair washing machines take on it with reluctance. 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 malfunctions of the electronic module are isolated cases that occur extremely rarely.

As you have seen, you can identify the cause of error E20 on the screen of a Zanussi machine on your own. The unit should be inspected in stages, starting with the simplest and moving to the more complex. There is no 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, in case the root cause of the breakdown lies precisely in this. By the way, don’t forget about preventive measures: if you “look after” the machine every day, use only automatic powder, use water softeners, wash things in a special bag, then you can prevent clogging of the drain system and the occurrence of problems in it.

1 reader comment

1. 12/31/2021 at 03:07

   Valery:

   Good day everyone, I had an E20, I removed the pump. If the valve barely turns, then disassemble and clean the rotor. There's a lot of stuff on it, wash it straight in hot water and soap. I washed with the wrong toothbrush. Wiped, dried, assembled and everything worked! All the best!

   Answer