Homeowners widely regard Speed Queen washers and dryers as some of the most reliable and durable laundry systems available. Speed Queen, a brand solely dedicated to laundry products, is known for its exceptional manufacturing quality and industry-leading warranty, setting it apart from competitors. Unlike other brands that have switched to plastic components, Speed Queen continues to use durable steel parts, ensuring longevity and dependability in every machine.
As a subsidiary of Alliance Laundry Systems, a company renowned for its commercial-grade machines used in laundromats and other high-demand settings, Speed Queen brings commercial-grade reliability into residential laundry rooms. Yet, even the best-built machines can experience issues over time. When homeowners encounter Speed Queen error codes, understanding their meaning is essential to clearing them and restoring full functionality.
At BA Appliance Repair Service, we are Speed Queen certified and have direct access to brand-specific training and technical support. This certification allows us to deliver repairs with expertise and confidence, ensuring any issue is resolved quickly and professionally. Let us reveal, decipher, and troubleshoot the various Speed Queen error codes to get your appliance back to peak performance.
Common Speed Queen Error Codes and How To Fix Them
Generally, error codes appear on an appliance’s display when operations go wrong. They can present themselves as alphanumeric on models with displays, while other models will display error codes by a sequence of flashing lights. These codes are not the enemy but valuable tools that alert you that something needs attention. While some Speed Queen washer problems are easy to fix, others require professional expertise. If basic troubleshooting does not work, turn to professional washer repair services for solutions. Please note that while DIY repairs can seem cost-effective, having your machine serviced by an unauthorized provider—or attempting repairs yourself—may void your warranty. Before disassembling or making repairs, we encourage you to check with Speed Queen to see if your unit is under warranty. Most Speed Queen units are covered for a minimum of three years, and some models have coverage up to seven years for residential use.
Here are the top 10 most common Speed Queen Top Load Washer error codes and simple ways to clear each.
Er, Ub Error Code – Fatal Unbalance Error
This error code means your washer is severely unbalanced, usually beyond the normal circumstance of the legs not being level. It can mean wires to unbalance switch are broken or not connected. Switch may be stuck closed. Broken springs or unlevel UI Control is causing tub to lean on unbalance switch.
Er, Co Code – Communication Error
When you see this error code, your unit is experiencing issues with the control board or panel communicating with the drive board. This can mean that one of these components is faulty, or the wire harness that connects the two has a short. The easiest troubleshooting here is to make sure that the wire harness connections to these electronics are secured and not loose or off altogether.
Er, Dr Error Code – Drain Error
This error is somewhat self explanatory. When the washer is unable to expel water in the allotted amount of time, this error will display. It most commonly indicates a restriction in the tub to pump hose or a drain hose blockage in the pump. To remedy, check and clear any restrictions from hoses. If no restrictions are found and the drains appear clear, it is likely that the pump itself is faulty and needs replacement. After repairs are made, the error code must be cleared by powering down entirely and restarting.
Er, FL Error Code – Fill Error
This code is the result of the unit not reaching the desired fill level within 30 minutes. The most common and easiest to check are the water supply lines. If the water supply line is closed, kinked, twisted, or if the filter screens are plugged, this error will display. It is also possible that low water pressure to the supply will cause this. Recommended water pressure is 20-120 psi. A less common failure that would result in this code is the output control board not sending voltage to the water valve. To check for this, inspect that 120V from the output board is making its way to the water valve using a multimeter.
Er, LE Error Code – Water Leak Detection Error
This error code means water level is dropping during the leak detection step if enabled. This could have numerous causes, the simplest step to take here is to check your mixing valve in the back for leaks or look for signs of visible water leak around the tub.
Er, OF Error Code – Overflow Error
This error indicates the washing machine control was not able to lower the water level within five minutes. This can be caused by a leaky water valve but it more commonly points to a blockage in the pressure hose or an air leak in that pressure hose. Rule out the inlet valve with visual inspection checking for leaks. Clear any blockage in the pressure hose. If an air leak is found in the pressure hose, replace the pressure hose. Once repairs are performed, clear the error code by powering down completely and restarting. This code is stored in memory so if it isn’t cleared, it will display regardless if repairs were successful.
tP Error Code – Possible Overload / Transmission Error
This error occurs when the thermal protection on the motor is open. This can be caused by overloading the machine or improper distribution of clothing in the unit. However this error can also be caused by the brakes or transmission not functioning properly. The easy solution would be to properly distribute the clothes evenly in the drum or lessen the load. Like other error codes, it is important to power down and restart to clear the error. If this is not successful, a thorough inspection of the brakes or transmission is required. These repairs are rather involved and you may want to consult a service provider.
PF Error Code – Power Fail Error
This error is extremely common among all appliances and points to a power failure. This means the washer was unable to start the cycle due to insufficient electric supply or was unplugged during Delay Start Mode. In most instances no service is required. Check to make sure your outlet is getting sufficient supply. If so, press Power/Cancel to continue normal operation.
Er, Sd Error Code – Slow Drain Detection Error
This error is similar to the above drain error and indicates the machine is taking longer to drain than a preset time. Like the above error, check the tub and drain for leaks. Also check to ensure nothing is clogging the drain pump. Unlike the Dr (drain) error, this is not normally indicative of a faulty pump but rather a clog.
Er, bS Error Code – Board Shorted Error
This one is pretty straight forward. It points specifically to a short in the output board enabled relay. This can only be repaired by replacing the output board and clearing the error code from the system with a restart.
Additional Error Codes and Solutions
The above error codes are some of the most common that we see in the field but it is important to note that there are many more. Depending on the model year, error codes can change. It is important to refer to your specific owner’s manual to find which codes apply to your specific unit. Below we will list some additional top load washing machine error codes for units without a digital display :
- All LEDs flash continuously: Hardware Electric Error. This code can be tricky and display multiple symptoms aside from the flashing. This means that the driveboard is defective and not providing power to one or more of the other components. Replace drive board and power cycle unit to clear error codes.
- Wash, Rinse, Spin flash one time: Over Motor Temp Error. This error occurs when motor temperature is detected to be too high. Check that the wash tub spins freely when empty. Check for overloading. Check the motor harness for damage. Reduce agitation time and duty cycle if rotate/pause times are very short. Power cycle to clear errors. If the issue persists, the problem is likely the motor drive board or the motor itself.
- Wash, Rinse, Spin flashes 6 times: Locked Rotor Failure. Indicates a locked rotor detected due to high motor current with low motor voltage. Check for obstructions preventing free rotation of the wash tub and remove. If error persists, the failure is likely a shorted motor board or drive board.
- Spin, Lid Lock flashes continuously: Communication Error. Error indicates voltage interruption between timer / control panel to the unit drive board. Inspect H2 connector from the panel to the drive board for broken wires or pin not making contact.
- Wash, Spin flashes two times: Non-Fatal Unbalance Error. Error indicates the washing machine has sensed the load is unbalanced. The first step would be rebalancing the load and attempting to start the cycle again. Do not adjust the balance switch first as this failure is unlikely. If only one single large item (ex. Blanket) is present, add towels or clothes to the opposite side to balance load. This error can also present if excessive suds are detected or too much water is left in the tub due to slow draining. Please note: The same error code is used for fatal and non-fatal conditions but will present itself at different times. In instances of a fatal unbalance error, the wires to the unbalanced switch are broken, not connected, or the switch itself is stuck in a closed position. If the first steps don’t work, check the suspension rods to make sure the tank is secured. If so, it is likely the unbalance switch needs to be replaced.
When To Call a Professional
Knowing what the Speed Queen top load error codes mean gives you a head start in coming up with solutions. However, not all simple restarts, careful reconnections, or tweaks can solve appliance problems. Moreover, washers involve water and electricity, which is a hazardous combination to those without adequate knowledge and proper equipment.
If the same Speed Queen error codes repeatedly show up or do not clear despite your troubleshooting efforts, it may be time to seek professional repair assistance. BA Appliance Repair Service offers expert help for appliance issues in the Greater Cincinnati area, including reliable washer repair in Cincinnati for all major brands and models. Our technicians have the training, tools, and experience to identify underlying causes and provide accurate solutions for various Speed Queen washer problems, ensuring your appliance runs smoothly again.
When the appliance dilemma is beyond your capability, leave the job to us licensed repair technicians. Call BA Appliance Repair Service at (513) 233-8209 or book your Speed Queen washer repair online and save yourself from the hassle and risk of DIY fixes!
Conclusion
Understanding and addressing Speed Queen error codes stop minor issues from becoming expensive repairs and replacements, ultimately prolonging the life of your washer. Learn what the codes mean and apply the recommended solutions to make your unit run efficiently and avoid disruptions in your daily routine.
For homeowners in the Cincinnati area, BA Appliance Repair Service is your expert, reliable partner in all your washer concerns. With a deep knowledge of Speed Queen products, our team is eager to provide timely, professional service. We are here to help you get the most out of your washer. Get in touch with us today!
