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Electrolux Washing Machine Error Code E42

Reviewed by the ApplianceErrors Editorial Team · Verified against manufacturer service documentation · Last verified: June 10, 2026
⚠ Medium Severity 🔧🔧 Moderate DIY

Door lock device failure — door will not lock

💰 DIY cost: $40–$90 👨‍🔧 Pro cost: $150–$300 Save $110+ by doing it yourself
Electrolux Washing Machine error code E42 on the display panel
How the E42 code appears on a Electrolux washing machine display

What Does Error Code E42 Mean on a Electrolux Washing Machine?

Door lock device failure — door will not lock.

The door lock interlock did not confirm a locked state, so the wash cannot begin. The lock assembly (PTC/solenoid) is the usual cause.

What Causes Error Code E42?

Here are the most common causes in order of frequency. Start with the most likely cause before moving to the next:

  1. 1
    Door lock assembly failed 55% of cases
  2. 2
    Striker/latch misaligned 20% of cases
  3. 3
    Wiring to lock faulty 15% of cases
  4. 4
    Control board lock circuit fault 10% of cases

How to Fix Electrolux Washing Machine Error Code E42

🔧🔧 Moderate DIY Est. time: 30–60 min
⚡ Safety first: Unplug the appliance before opening any panels or touching internal components.
  1. 1

    Check door alignment

    Confirm the door closes flush and the striker enters the lock cleanly.

  2. 2

    Reset the washer

    Unplug for one minute and retry.

  3. 3

    Replace the door lock assembly

    If it will not lock, replace the interlock.

    🔩 Electrolux door lock assembly ($40–$90)
    ⚠️ Unplug before replacing the lock.

How to Reset Error Code E42

Unplug one minute. If E42 returns, replace the door lock assembly.

Note: If the error returns after resetting, the underlying issue has not been resolved. Work through the fix steps above.

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When to Call a Professional

If a new lock does not clear E42, the board's lock circuit has failed.

Average professional repair cost for this issue: $150–$300

Related Error Codes

E41
Door open — control cannot confirm the door is shut
✓ Low Severity
E43
Door lock triac failure on the control board
⚠ High Severity
E44
Door-closed sensing fault — closure sensor not detected
⚠ Medium Severity

Same Code on Other Brands

Error code E42 appears on these other brands too. See every brand that shows E42 →

Frigidaire logo
Frigidaire Washing Machine E42
Door will not unlock at the end of the cycle

Find Replacement Parts

Use these links to find the exact replacement parts for your Electrolux Washing Machine:

🔩
Search PartSelect
Electrolux Washing Machine repair parts
🔧
Search RepairClinic
Step-by-step video guides

External links — ApplianceErrors.com is not affiliated with these retailers.

More Electrolux Washing Machine Error Codes

E20 Drain error — water not draining E10 Water inlet error — no water detected E40 Door not closed or door lock failure E50 Motor failure E90 Wiring harness fault — communication error E11 Long fill time — washer not filling during the wash phase

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I keep using my Electrolux Washing Machine when error E42 appears? +
You often can for a cycle or two, but the door issue behind E42 will keep interrupting normal operation until it is fixed. Plan the repair rather than ignoring the code.
What most commonly causes E42 on a Electrolux Washing Machine? +
Across reported Electrolux washing machine repairs, the most frequent is door lock assembly failed (55% of cases), striker/latch misaligned (20%), then wiring to lock faulty (15%). Check them in that order before replacing any parts.
E42 keeps coming back after a reset — what should I check next? +
A reset only clears the stored E42 fault; if it returns, the door problem is still present. Move on to the physical checks — check door alignment, then reset the washer — since the code will reappear until the root cause is resolved. This is a moderate job — a multimeter and some disassembly are usually involved.
How much does it cost to fix Electrolux Washing Machine error E42? +
A DIY repair typically runs $40–$90 in parts, versus $150–$300 for a professional service call, so handling it yourself saves around $110. Expect the work to take roughly 30–60 minutes.

Sources & References

Content verified against manufacturer service documentation. Last verified: June 10, 2026.

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