Electrolux Washer Code E42 – Troubleshooting Guide

Have you ever gotten a blue screen on your computer? Getting an E42 code on your Electrolux washer is kind of like that. It stops working and you don’t have a clue why it isn’t working and no idea what the code means. It’s a good thing the answer may be more simple than you think. 

The main problem you are facing with an Electrolux washer code E42 is the door lock device failed. That doesn’t mean you will necessarily need to replace the door lock system as the problem could be as obvious as an obstruction. 

Diagnosing the washer error code yourself is the first step to figuring out whether you need to call a repairman or not. This problem is one of those issues that you may be able to fix yourself unless it involves replacing a lid switch, a locking system, or the main operational board.

When it comes to home repairs and fixing problems, always look to the easiest solution first. It is typically the simplest problem that is the root cause of a repair.

Check for Obstructions

In this case, that would be checking to see if anything is sticking to the lid lock that is preventing the door lock from working. If you see something, clear it and run the washer on a diagnostic cycle to check for other problems. 

Check the Lid Switch

Look to see if the lid switch is broken or damaged. The lid switch is near where the door meets the washer. A small rod will push the lid switch down when it’s closed. A lid switch is the most used part on a washer, takes a lot of abuse, and can break over time. 

A lid switch that looks okay will still need to be tested for continuity. You will need a multimeter to do this. The multimeter needs to be set to the lowest ohms of resistance. A switch that doesn’t get any reading is bad and needs to be replaced.

Replacing a lid switch isn’t challenging. You will need the part, a screwdriver and maybe some pliers. You will need to be able to get to the switch, take off the wiring, and switch it out. 

Be sure to always turn off the water and the power before doing any repair work on your washer. Also, always run a diagnostic cycle after each repair to make sure there aren’t any other issues.

Replace the Lid Lock

Assuming the lid switch is fine, you or your repair person will need to replace your lid lock and the wires attached to it. Once that is done, repeat the diagnostic cycle to see if the error goes away. At this point, this should solve your problem. However, there is a chance you will get the error again in the diagnostic cycle. 

Replace the Main Control Board

Those who get the error after replacing the lid lock will need to replace the main control board. You will need to run the diagnostic cycle one last time to make sure there aren’t any more errors. 

Source: Washer and Dryer repair service

The Electrolux washers don’t normally break down but, like any other washer, could see some issues after years of use. They are designed to remain as simple as they are smart and fixing them isn’t a big problem for appliance repair people. 

You can fix many of the common issues of your Electrolux front load washer yourself with little to no tools. Tools like a screwdriver, clamps, and pliers will be the most you will need for basic repairs. 

Good Housekeeping rates the Electrolux Front Load Perfect Steam Washer with SmartBoost high on the favorability scale. The magazine named this washer the best one to prevent stains from detergent. 

U.S. News also touts Electrolux washers as being excellent for conserving both energy and water with the washer using only 85 kilowatts an hour in power and between 10 to 15 gallons of water per cycle. That earned this washer the Energy State honor of Most Efficient Clothes Washer for 2021.

How much would repairs cost?

Repairs for this type of error fall on the low end of the cost scale but it would depend on your repairman. Typically, most washing machine repairs cost around $200 after including the service call.

How is the Electrolux washer cleared and reset?

Have you ever gotten a blue screen on your computer? Getting an E42 code on your Electrolux washer is kind of like that. It stops working and you don’t have a clue why it isn’t working and no idea what the code means. It’s a good thing the answer may be more simple than you think. 

The main problem you are facing with an Electrolux washer code E42 is the door lock device failed. That doesn’t mean you will necessarily need to replace the door lock system as the problem could be as obvious as an obstruction. 

Diagnosing the washer error code yourself is the first step to figuring out whether you need to call a repairman or not. This problem is one of those issues that you may be able to fix yourself unless it involves replacing a lid switch, a locking system, or the main operational board.

When it comes to home repairs and fixing problems, always look to the easiest solution first. It is typically the simplest problem that is the root cause of a repair.

Check for Obstructions

In this case, that would be checking to see if anything is sticking to the lid lock that is preventing the door lock from working. If you see something, clear it and run the washer on a diagnostic cycle to check for other problems. 

Check the Lid Switch

Look to see if the lid switch is broken or damaged. The lid switch is near where the door meets the washer. A small rod will push the lid switch down when it’s closed. A lid switch is the most used part on a washer, takes a lot of abuse, and can break over time. 

A lid switch that looks okay will still need to be tested for continuity. You will need a multimeter to do this. The multimeter needs to be set to the lowest ohms of resistance. A switch that doesn’t get any reading is bad and needs to be replaced.

Replacing a lid switch isn’t challenging. You will need the part, a screwdriver and maybe some pliers. You will need to be able to get to the switch, take off the wiring, and switch it out. 

Be sure to always turn off the water and the power before doing any repair work on your washer. Also, always run a diagnostic cycle after each repair to make sure there aren’t any other issues.

Replace the Lid Lock

Assuming the lid switch is fine, you or your repair person will need to replace your lid lock and the wires attached to it. Once that is done, repeat the diagnostic cycle to see if the error goes away. At this point, this should solve your problem. However, there is a chance you will get the error again in the diagnostic cycle. 

Replace the Main Control Board

Those who get the error after replacing the lid lock will need to replace the main control board. You will need to run the diagnostic cycle one last time to make sure there aren’t any more errors. 

Source: Washer and Dryer repair service

The Electrolux washers don’t normally break down but, like any other washer, could see some issues after years of use. They are designed to remain as simple as they are smart and fixing them isn’t a big problem for appliance repair people. 

You can fix many of the common issues of your Electrolux front load washer yourself with little to no tools. Tools like a screwdriver, clamps, and pliers will be the most you will need for basic repairs. 

Good Housekeeping rates the Electrolux Front Load Perfect Steam Washer with SmartBoost high on the favorability scale. The magazine named this washer the best one to prevent stains from detergent. 

U.S. News also touts Electrolux washers as being excellent for conserving both energy and water with the washer using only 85 kilowatts an hour in power and between 10 to 15 gallons of water per cycle. That earned this washer the Energy State honor of Most Efficient Clothes Washer for 2021.

How much would repairs cost?

Repairs for this type of error fall on the low end of the cost scale but it would depend on your repairman. Typically, most washing machine repairs cost around $200 after including the service call.

How is the Electrolux washer cleared and reset?