Stopping the wash cycle with the flashing of the error indicator I20 on the Electrolux dishwasher display signals a critical disruption of the process of draining water from the working chamber. This code appears when the built-in level sensor detects that the liquid has not left the tank in the time allotted by the program, which blocks the transition to the rinse or drying step. Ignoring this signal and attempting to restart without eliminating the cause may cause the pallet to overflow and activate the AquaControl leak protection system.
The main reason for the I20 code is a physical obstruction in the path of water movement or failure of the discharge pump actuator. Most often, the problem lies in the banal clogging of the filtering system with food residues, scale or foreign objects that got inside the chamber. However, in some cases, the culprit is overheating of the pump motor winding or mechanical jamming of the impeller with a solid piece of glass or a bone.
Diagnosis of malfunction should begin with a visual inspection and inspection of the most accessible nodes, without resorting immediately to disassembling the case. The owner of the appliance must consistently rule out simple causes, such as flush hose overbending or siphon contamination, before suspecting complex electronics. Understanding the algorithm of the wastewater disposal system will allow you to quickly localize the unit that requires cleaning or replacement, and return the dishwasher. Electrolux into operational mode.
Code decoding and the principle of the drain system
Code. I20 error in the manufacturer's technical documentation indicates a malfunction associated with the impossibility of pumping water from the washing chamber. The dishwasher control system constantly monitors the fluid level using a pressostat or flow sensor. If after switching on the drain pump, the water level does not decrease during a given time interval, the controller fixes the failure and interrupts the program, displaying the corresponding message on the control panel.
The operation of the drain circuit is built on the sequential passage of water through several stages of purification and transportation. First, the liquid flows by gravity or under low pressure through a rough and thin filter located at the bottom of the chamber. Then circulation-pump (in some models) or directly drain pump creates the necessary pressure to lift water through the drainage hose into the sewer network.
⚠️ Attention: The constant occurrence of error I20 when the pump is running may indicate that the water is draining, but the level sensor is stuck in the position "full". This requires checking the sensor itself and the connecting tubes.
It is important to understand that pump in dishwashers Electrolux It operates pulsed or continuously depending on the stage of the cycle. If the impeller pump is blocked, the motor buzzes, but the water is in place, which causes the drain timeout. In the case of a complete absence of sound pump operation in the presence of voltage at the terminals, we are talking about a burned winding or the absence of a signal from the control module.
Primary diagnosis and verification of external factors
Before starting to disassemble the equipment, it is necessary to exclude external factors that can simulate a serious breakdown. Often users forget that the path of water from the machine to the sewer can be mechanically blocked. Check the drain hose along its entire length: it should not have cracks, furniture transfers or twists that block the flow of liquid.
☑️ Checking the external causes of the I20 error
Particular attention should be paid to the place of insertion of the drain hose into the sewer pipe. If the connection is made incorrectly or the siphon of the sink is clogged, there is a “resistance” effect when the water has nowhere to go, and it returns back to the dishwasher. In such cases pressure The pump cannot overcome it, which the system perceives as its own malfunction.
The length of the drainage hose also plays a role. If you have recently rearranged the equipment and lengthened the main line, the power of the regular pump may not be enough to raise the water column to the required height. The standard length should not exceed 4-5 meters, otherwise the hydraulic resistance will become too large. Make sure the hose is raised to the correct height (usually 60-80 cm from the floor) before descending to the sewer to exclude back current.
Cleaning of the filter system and bottom valve
The most common cause of I20 error is the common contamination of filters. At the bottom of the wash chamber is a water purification system consisting of a flat mesh filter, a cylindrical microfilter and often an additional valve. The accumulated fat, food residues and scale create a dense plug through which water cannot pass to the pump unit.
To clean, you need to remove the bottom basket, twist the locking handle or turn the central element counterclockwise and get the entire filter assembly. Wash all the parts under hot water using a brush and detergent. Pay special attention to the area under the filter, where small debris often accumulates, and check the condition. return-valveIf it is designed in your model Electrolux.
Subtleties of cleaning the discharge valve
If you see a plastic valve (petal or float) under the filter in your model, check its mobility. It should not be stuck in the closed position. Sometimes a piece of glass or a lemon bone gets stuck in the mechanism of this valve, preventing water from going into the pump. Carefully remove the foreign object with tweezers.
After the filters are assembled, run a short rinse cycle to make sure the error disappears. If the water is going slowly but the error does not appear, it is possible that the bandwidth is partially restored and more thorough washing with dishwashers chemicals is required. Regular cleaning of filters every 1-2 weeks will prevent the situation from recurring.
Diagnostics and maintenance of the drain pump
If the filters are clean and the hose is free, the next object of inspection is the drain pump. It is an electromechanical node that can fail over time. Access to the pump in most models Electrolux you will need to remove the lower panel of the body or put the car on its side (pre-dumping water).
When diagnosing, pay attention to the following signs:
- 🔊 No rotational buzzing: If you hear the engine buzzing, but the water is standing, then the impeller is blocked by a foreign object or jammed the sleeve of the shaft.
- 🤫 Total silence: The absence of sound when starting the drain may indicate a break in the engine winding, no voltage, or a malfunction of the control module.
- 💧 Leaks under the car: Vibration of the blocked pump often leads to the destruction of seals and the appearance of water on the floor.
To check the impeller, you need to dismantle the pump (usually it is attached to the latches or screws to the body of the machine) and visually inspect the inlet hole. Often there are stuck small objects: toothpicks, bones, pieces of labels. If there are no mechanical obstacles, but the shaft is not rotated by hand, the pump must be replaced. The check of the electrical part is carried out by a multimeter: the resistance of the winding of a serviceable motor is usually several hundred ohms.
Checking of sewer system and drain hose
Even if the hose is externally intact, a dense fatty plaque could form inside it, significantly narrowing the passage section. This is especially true for machines that have been in operation for a long time without preventive washers with high temperatures. Fat freezes on the walls of corrugated, turning into a hard crust, which eventually completely covers the channel.
It is recommended to disconnect the drain hose from the sewer and dishwasher and blow it or wash it with a powerful stream of hot water. If deposits are found inside, the hose is better to replace with a new one, since it is almost impossible to completely clean the corrugated surface of the old fat. Also check the condition of rubber seals at the ends of the hose - dried rubber can create additional problems during installation.
⚠️ Warning: When reconnecting the hose, make sure it is not immersed deep in the sewer pipe without an air gap. This can lead to the sucking of dirty water from the sewer back into the dishwasher when the pump is turned off.
It is important to check the siphon of the sink itself. If the dishwasher drain is cut into the siphon drain, then the clog of the siphon's main knee will block the drain for the machine. Cleaning the siphon with brushwork or chemical agents often solves the I20 code problem instantly.
Table: Main causes and methods of elimination
For systematization of data on faults causing error I20, it is convenient to use a summary table. It will help you quickly compare symptoms with the probable cause and choose the right algorithm of actions.
| Symptoms. | Probable cause | Elimination method | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| The pump is buzzing, the water is not going away | Impeller or filter clog | Cleaning filters, removing the object from the pump | Low. |
| The pump is silent, there are no errors before the drain. | The pump engine burned or no power | Replacement of the drain pump, check of wiring | Medium |
| Water goes slowly, error later | Hose or siphon clog | Washing or replacement of the drain hose | Low. |
| The mistake happens by accident. | Electronics failure or sensor sticking | Reset, check the contacts of the pressostat | Medium |
Resetting Error and Testing the Work
After all the repairs, you need to reset the error from the controller’s memory. In dishwashers. Electrolux This is usually done by holding the on button for a long time or by a combination of buttons (e.g., "Program" and "On/Off" simultaneously for 3-5 seconds). The exact combination for your model can be found in the instructions or complete the discharge cycle disconnect the machine from the power grid for 15-20 minutes.
Tip: After resetting the error, run the program with the highest temperature (usually 70°C) without the dishes. This will help dissolve the remaining fat in the highways and check the tightness of the joints after disassembly.
If the cycle is successful after resetting and running the test wash, the water is drawn, heated and completely drained without the appearance of the I20 code, the repair can be considered complete. It is recommended to monitor the draining process in the next few cycles to ensure the stability of the pump.
In 80% of cases, the I20 error is eliminated by simply cleaning filters and a drain hose without the need to call a wizard or buy spare parts.
Prevention of blockages and extension of service life
To avoid the I20 error, it is important to follow the rules of the dishwasher. Always remove large food residues from plates before loading, even if the machine has a shredder (which is not available in all models). Electrolux). The use of special tablets "all in 1" with salt-protecting components helps to maintain the cleanliness of the internal nodes.
Regularly, at least once a month, carry out preventive washing using a special cleaner for dishwashers. Such funds dissolve fatty plaque in hard-to-reach places, including corrugated drain hose and the pump itself. Also, be sure to check the cleanliness of the filters after each wash or at least once a week.
⚠️ Note: Do not use conventional gels to wash dishes in the dishwasher. They form a profuse foam that can get into sensors and cause a false water level error or damage electronics.
Compliance with these simple rules will avoid most drain problems and ensure the long and reliable operation of your equipment. If after all the checks and cleanings the error is returned, perhaps the problem lies in the malfunction of the electronic control module or the level sensor itself, which requires professional diagnosis in the service center.
Can I ignore the I20 error and continue to use the machine?
No, you can't ignore this code. If the water does not drain, a new portion will not be collected, and the quality of the wash will be zero. Moreover, the constant operation of the pump in lock mode can lead to its combustion, and overflow of the chamber - to leakage to the floor and flooding of neighbors.
How much does it cost to replace a drain pump with an Electrolux?
The cost of the pump varies from 1500 to 4000 rubles depending on the model and the manufacturer of the spare part. The replacement work usually costs from 1500 to 3000 rubles. Self-replacement in the presence of tools and skills will cost only the cost of the part.
Why does the I20 error only appear on long-form programs?
On long-term programs (Eco, Auto) water circulates longer, and filters can be clogged more gradually. Also, on long cycles, water with a lower temperature is more often used in the initial stages, which dissolves fat worse, contributing to the formation of stoppers in the drain system by the time of the main drain.
How do you know if the pump is burning and not the module?
We need to ring the pump's multimeter winding. If the resistance is infinite (break) or close to zero (short circuit) - the pump is faulty. If the winding is normal, but the voltage on the terminals of the pump when the drain command does not come (with proper wiring), then the problem is most likely in the control module.
Could the I20 error be related to water hardness?
Indirectly, yes. Hard water contributes to the rapid formation of scale, which can settle on the blades of the impeller pump and in the nodes of the valves, making them difficult to move and leading to jamming, which eventually causes a drain error.