Error E52 On A Zanussi Washing Machine? (here’s why & what to do)
If you own a Zanussi washing machine and it’s displaying the E52 error code, keep reading. In this article we take a close look at the E52 error code and explain what it indicates and ways to solve this issue.
If you own a John Lewis washing machine, this article is also for you because Zanussi are currently making washing machines sold under the John Lewis brand.
What Does Error Code E52 Mean On A Zanussi (Or John Lewis) Washing Machine?
The E52 error code on a Zanussi washing machine, indicates that there is no signal from the tachometric generator.
The tachometric generator, or tacho coil as it is commonly known, is a small coil that is situated on the end of the winding armature. It monitors a magnet which turns when the motor is running.
Every time the motor turns, the magnet turns as well. The tacho coil detects the movement of the magnet and this information is sent to the PCB (printed circuit board) which can then monitor the spin speed of the drum.
The E52 error code indicates that the PCB is not receiving a signal from the tacho coil. It is sending power to the motor, but not receiving anything back. As there is no other fault detected, the PCB assumes that the motor is faulty.
What Causes The E52 Error Code To Be Displayed?
The most likely cause for the E52 error code to be displayed is that the motor is jammed. However, there are a few more problems that could cause this same error code to be displayed.
Let’s list them all to make it easier to diagnose the actual fault;
| Probable Cause | Solution |
|---|---|
| Electrical Glitch | Reset the appliance |
| Jammed Motor | Contact a technician |
| Magnet Fallen From The Armature | Contact a technician |
| Tacho Coil fallen From The Motor | Contact a technician |
| Wiring Fault | Contact a technician |
| Worn Carbon Brushes | Contact a technician |
Let’s take a closer look at each of these faults;
Electrical Glitch
In some cases, the PCB suffers from an electrical glitch that sends a false message and displays the E52 error code. You can try clearing this by disconnecting the power supply for 10 to 15 minutes.
This allows any residual power to dissipate, clearing the system. Once the power is restored, the washer has cleared the glitch and the appliance will run as normal again.
If that doesn’t work you can;
- Turn the dial to “off”
- Press and hold the start button and the button to the left of it
- While still holding the buttons, turn the dial to 90 degrees temperature (1 click)
- Once the lights or digital screen is flashing, release the buttons
- Then turn the dial 9 clicks in a clockwise direction this should display the error code
- Turn the dial clockwise until you reach the “off” position again
The error code should now be cleared and you can select any programme and start the appliance.
However, if the error code returns, it indicates that the fault is real and will need addressing before using the washer again.
The Motor Is Jammed
If the motor becomes jammed it will not turn even if it is receiving power. The motor can become jammed if the motor bearings seize, something has physically jammed it (like a dead rodent) or the drum has jammed which would prevent the motor from turning.
You can check whether the motor is jammed by opening the door and turning the drum by hand. If the drum turns easily, the drum and motor are not jammed.
However if the drum is difficult to turn, you will need to remove the drive belt to determine whether it’s the motor or the drum that’s stuck. Once the belt is removed, turn the drum again, if it is still difficult, it’s the drum that’s jammed.
If it turns easily, it’s the motor that is jammed and will almost certainly need to be replaced. We recommend getting a technician to do this for you.
The Magnet Has Fallen Off The Armature
If the magnet that’s on the end of the winding armature has become loose or fallen off, the PCB would not know whether the motor is turning or not.
This should show other signs though, like the motor would run out of control from the washer and spin too fast. This is another job for a technician to deal with.
The Tacho Coil Has Fallen Off The Motor
If the tacho coil falls from the motor it would not send a message to the PCB which would then display the E52 error code. To check on this involves dismantling the washer’s panels and removing the motor cover.
Which is why we recommend getting a technician to do this for you.
A Wiring Fault Between The Tacho Coil & PCB
Any one of the wires connecting the tacho coil to the PCB could have burnt or shorted out. This would lead to the PCB displaying the E52 error code because it hasn’t received a message from the tacho coil.
This is another job we recommend getting a technician to do for you.
Worn Carbon Brushes
It would be unusual for the washing machine to display the E52 error code if the carbon brushes are worn, but it’s not impossible. You will need to get the carbon brushes on the motor checked for any sign of wear or damage.
This is another task best left to a technician as it involves dismantling panels and removing the motor cover.
SEE ALSO: Washing Machine Error Codes (the full guide)
Frequently Asked Questions
The E52 error code on a Zanussi washing machine indicates there is no signal received by the PCB from the tacho coil. The tacho coil sends a signal to the PCB every time the motor turns which is how the Spin speed of the drum is regulated.
This is the same error code as E52 on a Zanussi washing machine. This is because Zanussi makes washing machines sold under the John Lewis brand.The E52 error code indicates there is no signal received by the PCB from the tacho coil. The tacho coil sends a signal to the PCB every time the motor turns which is how the Spin speed of the drum is regulated.
You can tell whether the motor is jammed on a Zanussi washing machine by turning the drum. If it turns easily, the motor isn’t jammed. If it is difficult to turn it could indicate that the motor or the drum is jammed. You will then need to remove the drive belt and turn the drum again, if it’s still difficult, it’s most likely the drum that’s jammed. However, if the drum turns easily with the drive belt removed, it’s likely that the motor is jammed.
