Sudden appearance of code i20 on the display of your dishwasher Electrolux is a signal that cannot be ignored. This combination of symbols indicates a critical malfunction in the water level control system, namely problems with level sensor or aqua control. The equipment stops drawing water or, conversely, cannot pump it out, blocking the start of the washing program.
There is no need to panic in such a situation, since in most cases the problem can be solved independently, without resorting to the services of an expensive service center. Often the cause is simple contamination of the filtration system or sticking of the float, which can easily be fixed in 15 minutes. However, in some cases we are talking about the failure of electronic components that require deeper intervention.
⚠️ Attention: Before starting any work on diagnosing or disassembling the dishwasher, be sure to disconnect the device from the electrical network. Working with wet, live components is deadly!
Decoding the code and the principle of operation of the protection systemError code i20 on technology Electrolux (and also Zanussi and AEG) indicates that the control module does not receive correct data from the overflow control system. In modern models, not just a mechanical float is responsible for this, but an electronic sensor, often called aqua sensor or a pressure switch. This element continuously monitors the amount of liquid in the working chamber and pan.
When the machine takes in water, the sensor records the change in pressure in the air chamber. If the readings do not correspond to the established algorithm - for example, water takes too long to fill or the level does not rise - the electronics blocks the cycle and generates an error. This is a safety mechanism that prevents the kitchen from flooding or the pump from running dry, which could burn out without water cooling.
Technical details of the pressure switch
The pressure switch is a sealed capsule with a membrane. As the water level in the tank rises, the air in the tube is compressed and puts pressure on the membrane, closing the contacts. Electronic versions use a change in inductance or signal frequency instead of contacts, which improves measurement accuracy.
The main reasons for the appearance of the i20 indicationThere are several key factors that can cause a water level system to fail. Understanding the nature of the problem will help you choose the right repair method. Most often, the problem lies in mechanical obstacles or contamination, less often in electrical breakdowns.
List of most likely causes:
- 💧 Clogged filters: Residues of food and grease clog the mesh filter, water does not drain out, and the system incorrectly reads the level.
- 🧼 Excess foam: Using the wrong detergent created a “foam head” that entered the level sensor and distorted the pressure reading.
- 🔌 Contact oxidation: The humid environment has caused corrosion of the connectors running from the control board to the pump or sensor.
- ⚙️ Pump fault: The drainage pump hums, but does not pump water due to a blocked impeller or worn windings.
It is worth mentioning separately the problem with hydraulic accumulator (storage tank). If an air lock has formed in the system or the tightness of the connecting tubes is broken, the pressure in the control system will jump. This makes the electronics think that there is either water where there is none, or that there is no water when the tank is full.
Primary diagnosis and simple solutionsBefore disassembling the dishwasher body, you need to perform a number of simple steps. Often a mistake i20 is temporary and is caused by a software glitch or a short-term power surge. The first step should always be a complete system reset.
Unplug the device from the outlet for at least 20-30 minutes. This time is necessary for the capacitors on the control board to be completely discharged and the memory to be cleared of temporary errors. After switching on, try running a short program. If the error disappears, the problem was an electronic failure.
If the code appears again, check the status of the filters. Even if they appear clean, a film of grease can block the flow of water.
⚠️ Attention: Never ignore the reappearance of an error after a reboot. Continued operation may lead to failure of the expensive control module or combustion of the heating element.
It's also worth checking the hoses. Make sure that the drain hose is not kinked and is raised to the correct height (usually 60-80 cm from the floor). If the hose is lying on the floor, a siphon effect may occur when water leaves the machine by gravity, and the level sensor constantly requires it to be added, causing an overfill or underfill error.
Step-by-step instructions for clearing blockagesIf simple methods do not help, move on to deeper cleaning. The main enemy of dishwashers Electrolux is fat combined with food residues. It accumulates in the siphon and at the bottom of the chamber, blocking operation drain pump and distorting sensor readings.
☑️ Checklist for cleaning the system
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The cleaning process requires care. Remove the lower basket and remove the filters. Wash them with hot water and a degreaser. Then look into the hole where the filter was - the pump impeller is located there. Rotate it with your finger to check the free movement. If you feel a jam or hear a crunching sound, there may be a piece of glass or a bone in there.
To access internal components, you may need to remove the side wall of the case.
1. Remove the screws securing the panel.
2. Remove the wall to gain access to the pump and pipes.
⚠️ Attention: Never ignore the reappearance of an error after a reboot. Continued operation may lead to failure of the expensive control module or combustion of the heating element.
☑️ Checklist for cleaning the system
The cleaning process requires care. Remove the lower basket and remove the filters. Wash them with hot water and a degreaser. Then look into the hole where the filter was - the pump impeller is located there. Rotate it with your finger to check the free movement. If you feel a jam or hear a crunching sound, there may be a piece of glass or a bone in there.
To access internal components, you may need to remove the side wall of the case.
1. Remove the screws securing the panel.
2. Remove the wall to gain access to the pump and pipes.
3. Check the connections of the tubes going to aqua sensor.
4. Make sure there is no water in the tubes (they should be empty when dry).
Use citric acid to dissolve fat deposits. Dissolve 50 grams of acid in a liter of warm water and pour it into the bottom of the car for 30 minutes before the main wash.
Checking and replacing the water level sensorIf the system is clean, but the error i20 persists, there is likely a malfunction of the level sensor itself (pressure switch) or its wiring. On modern models Electrolux this element is often integrated into the pump housing or located next to it in the form of a small plastic box with suitable tubing and an electrical connector.
For diagnostics you will need a multimeter. It is necessary to “ring” the sensor contacts. In different conditions (dry/wet) the resistance should change. If the device shows a break or constant resistance regardless of the position of the membrane, the sensor must be replaced. Also check the integrity of the wires going from the sensor to the board - they often rub against the sharp edges of the case.
element
Problem Symptom
Test method
Solution
Pressostat
Error i20, the machine does not fill with water
Measuring resistance with a multimeter
Replacing the sensor
Drain pump
It hums, but does not drain, there is water in the pan
Visual inspection of the impeller
Cleaning or replacing the pump
Sensor tubes
Unstable operation, false alarms
Blowing and inspection for cracks
Replacement of tubes, sealing
Control module
Error with working sensors
Checking the voltage at the connector
Board repair or replacement
When replacing a sensor, it is important to use original spare parts or high-quality analogues. Cheap Chinese copies may have incorrect calibration, which will cause the error to reappear after a short time. After installing a new element, be sure to conduct a test run without dishes.
Difficult cases: problems with the control moduleIn rare cases, when all mechanical elements and sensors are working properly, the problem lies in the “brain” of the machine - control module. The board could have become corroded due to micro-leaks or power surges in the network. Visually, this manifests itself in the form of oxidized tracks, swollen capacitors or blackened elements.
Can I repair the board myself?
Theoretically, yes, if you have the skills to solder and read electrical diagrams. However, a modern module is a complex device with proprietary software. It is often easier and more reliable to replace the entire board, after rewriting the settings from the faulty one (if this is possible for your model).
If you find traces of water on the board, try gently drying it with a hairdryer (without overheating!) and clean the contacts with alcohol. However, if obvious signs of burnout of components are visible, independent repair without special equipment is impossible. In this case, error i20 will be returned constantly.
Electronics diagnostics require special knowledge. If you are not confident in your abilities, it is better to limit yourself to replacing external sensors and pumps, leaving board repairs to professionals.
Can I repair the board myself?
Theoretically, yes, if you have the skills to solder and read electrical diagrams. However, a modern module is a complex device with proprietary software. It is often easier and more reliable to replace the entire board, after rewriting the settings from the faulty one (if this is possible for your model).
Electronics diagnostics require special knowledge. If you are not confident in your abilities, it is better to limit yourself to replacing external sensors and pumps, leaving board repairs to professionals.
Prevention and operating rulesTo make a mistake i20 in the dishwasher Electrolux never appeared again, it is important to follow the operating rules. Regular maintenance extends the life of equipment and maintains its efficiency. Neglect of simple appliance hygiene rules is the main cause of 90% of breakdowns.
Basic care recommendations:
- 🍽️ Pre-cleaning: Always remove large food particles from plates before loading, even if the machine has a chopper.
- 🧴 Quality chemistry: Use only special tablets and gels for dishwashers, avoid the formation of excessive foam.
- 🌡️ Regular filter cleaning: Once a week, wash the filters under hot water with a brush.
- 🔁 Idle starts: Once every 1-2 months, run the machine empty and add descaling agent to clean the internal channels.
Also check the condition of the drain hose. Over time, it may become clogged from the inside or become bent. If the machine has been installed for a long time, it makes sense to preventively remove and wash the hose, and also check its connection to the sewer.
⚠️ Attention: Using regular dishwashing detergent (Fairy and similar) in the dishwasher is strictly prohibited! Excessive foam can damage level sensors and flood the electronic board.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Can I continue to use the car if the i20 error is on?
It is not recommended to operate equipment with the i20 error message illuminated. The machine may not drain, causing bacteria to grow, or, conversely, it may overflow and flood the kitchen. In addition, constant attempts to operate the pump in emergency mode can lead to its complete combustion.
How much does it cost to replace a water level sensor?
The cost of the sensor itself (pressure switch) for Electrolux varies from 1500 to 4000 rubles depending on the model. If you contact a service center, the price of the technician’s work will be added to the cost of the spare part. Replacing it yourself will cost less, but requires basic skills.
Why does the error only appear on certain programs?
Different programs use different volumes of water and different cycle times. If the sensor is in a borderline state (for example, slightly dirty or has oxidized contacts), it may make errors under certain pump operating conditions when the load on the system changes.
How to reset i20 error permanently?
You can reset the error by turning off the power. However, to prevent it from appearing “forever”, it is necessary to eliminate the physical cause of its occurrence (clogging, pump failure, sensor malfunction). Without repair, a reset will only give a temporary effect.
⚠️ Attention: Using regular dishwashing detergent (Fairy and similar) in the dishwasher is strictly prohibited! Excessive foam can damage level sensors and flood the electronic board.
Can I continue to use the car if the i20 error is on?
It is not recommended to operate equipment with the i20 error message illuminated. The machine may not drain, causing bacteria to grow, or, conversely, it may overflow and flood the kitchen. In addition, constant attempts to operate the pump in emergency mode can lead to its complete combustion.
How much does it cost to replace a water level sensor?
The cost of the sensor itself (pressure switch) for Electrolux varies from 1500 to 4000 rubles depending on the model. If you contact a service center, the price of the technician’s work will be added to the cost of the spare part. Replacing it yourself will cost less, but requires basic skills.
Why does the error only appear on certain programs?
Different programs use different volumes of water and different cycle times. If the sensor is in a borderline state (for example, slightly dirty or has oxidized contacts), it may make errors under certain pump operating conditions when the load on the system changes.
How to reset i20 error permanently?
You can reset the error by turning off the power. However, to prevent it from appearing “forever”, it is necessary to eliminate the physical cause of its occurrence (clogging, pump failure, sensor malfunction). Without repair, a reset will only give a temporary effect.