Electrolux dryers display a series of codes to make diagnosing errors in your dryer easier, such as an E50 error which can appear quite frequently. Is seeing this code a cause for panic? Should you call a mechanic, or can you solve it alone?
The E50 error is due to the motor malfunctioning. The most likely motor components causing this error are the capacitors and the motor brushes. Fixing the error may require replacing the capacitor, the motor brushes, or both.
The article will discuss the internal processes that allow the E50 to show up on your dryer. I’ll also discuss some quick fixes. Read on, and let’s get your dryer back in action!
1. There’s a Problem With the Motor Capacitor
Motor failures happen much more frequently than you think. Even in Electrolux dishwashers, several codes are due to one or more forms of motor failure.
In your dryer, the motor will wear out the more you use it. The capacitor is particularly vulnerable to this as it’s one of the components that always operates whenever you turn the dryer on.
When the capacitor has problems, there may be issues with the dryer’s turning, or it may not start at all.
Capacitors degrade due to the material makeup. Most of them are made of aluminum and paper, and they can quickly degrade due to excessive voltage, excessive heat, or even lack of heat.
How To Fix
You can fix the issues by following these steps:
- Unplug your dryer. This is incredibly important because it helps prevent accidental electrocution.
- Remove the screws and open the cover.
- Take out the heater to gain access to the inside of the dryer.
- You won’t be able to see the capacitor yet because it is concealed by a metal plate. You can locate the plate by looking for a white-colored wheel. Below this wheel is a screw that you must remove.
- What you have unscrewed is the capacitor, and you may notice that it has two differently-colored wires attached to it. Unplug the capacitor from both wires.
- Your replacement capacitor will have two plugs, and you should place it where the old one used to be.
- Place the screw back on the metal plate, reinstall the heater, and then re-screw the lid on.
- Turn on your dryer. If it’s now spinning and the error code does not appear, you should be good to go.
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- Electrolux Dryer Steam Won’t Stop
2. There’s a Problem With the Motor Brushes
Inside your dryer’s motor are rotating and stationary wires. Continuous electrical current transfer between these wires will eventually wear them out, causing a problem with the dryer. Luckily, motors have brushes specifically designed to transfer currents between the two wire types.
Motor brushes (or carbon brushes) are disposable components, and they are frequently changed in dryers. This means that they are readily available online or at appliance spare parts stores.
How To Fix
The entire replacement process will take you about 10 minutes. You will need the following tools:
- Torx screwdriver
- Socket wrench
Here is what you need to do:
- Unplug the dryer from its power source.
- Unscrew the screws that hold the cover. You should be able to easily see the motor.
- If a belt is attached to the motor, remove it.
- Disconnect all the wires connected to the motor. Be very careful with this, and ensure that you disconnect the head of the wire only and don’t pull the wire away.
- Using a socket wrench, unscrew the bolts that keep the motor attached to the unit. In some models, the motor is hanging, so hold out your hand to catch it once you’re done unscrewing.
- A wire (usually white in color) is on the back of the motor. Take this wire out, and you will find the motor brushes above it.
- Take the old motor brushes out and insert the replacements.
- Reconnect the wire at the back of the motor and re-screw the motor back to its place.
- Reconnect all the wires you disconnected earlier.
- Reattaching the belt in some units can be difficult because you need to open the top of the dryer by unscrewing the screws that hold it in place. Give it a thud and lift it up.
- Place one part of the belt onto the shaft that holds the motor, and hold it in place using a finger. Attach the rest of the belt onto the pulley, and then hold it in place as you spin it until the entire belt is attached.
- Give it a series of spins before letting go to ensure the belt is in place, and replace the top.
- Check if your dryer is spinning. If there is no error code E50, you have solved the problem.
Summary
If you check Electrolux manuals, they usually state that E50 errors are due to motor problems. After all, capacitors and motor brushes are prone to damage and are likely behind your dryer woes. Fixing the problems, however, and getting your dryer back in action is much easier than you think if you follow the steps in this article.
