Beko Washing Machine Error Code E18: Spin Didn't Start Because the Load Was Unbalanced

What the code means

Beko's user manuals for its newer washers (for example the TB621EESEE and TB6521EESEE models) list E18 in their error table as "Spin cycle is not initiated due to an imbalance of the machine." Beko's fix is to check the laundry inside: the amount may not be enough, so try adding more; or the laundry may be causing the imbalance, so sort it out by hand, spread it evenly around the drum and retry the spin cycle. On these models the table sits under the cycle-counter section: with the machine turned off, holding auxiliary function buttons 2 and 5 shows the total number of washes and then any stored failure codes, so E18 can show up as a recorded event from an earlier wash as well as on the day it happens. Beko's support pages explain why it happens: Beko machines check the load before spinning and stop or slow the spin if it's uneven, and a mix of heavy and light items, a single absorbent item, or only a few items can keep the drum from reaching full speed. Beko doesn't publish one code list for every washer, so check your own manual's table if your model is different.

Likely causes

• Too little laundry in the drum, for example spinning one or two items on their own
• A single heavy, absorbent item (towel, bath mat, dressing gown, duvet) soaking up water and pulling the drum off balance
• Heavy and light items mixed together, or a load that has balled up or tangled inside a duvet cover
• An overloaded drum that can't spread out evenly (Beko says you should still fit a hand in at the top of the drum)
• Water left in the drum because of a kinked drain hose or blocked pump filter, which also stops the spin
• The machine standing unlevel, or less often a worn suspension part, which only a technician should diagnose

Safe DIY checks

1. Stop the programme, let the door unlock and open it. If there's still water in the drum, drain it first (see the drain step below).
2. Pull the laundry apart and spread it evenly around the drum. Unwind anything twisted together and empty out duvet covers that have collected smaller items.
3. If you're spinning one heavy item, add a couple of other towels or similar items so the weight balances, or wash heavy items together with other large items, as Beko suggests.
4. If the drum is packed, take some out. Beko's guidance is that you should be able to fit your hand into the top of the drum once it's loaded.
5. Select a spin (or rinse and spin) programme and start it again. Beko machines try to redistribute the load themselves first, so give it a few minutes before deciding it has failed.
6. If water is left in the drum, check the drain hose isn't kinked, crushed or pushed more than 15 cm into the waste pipe, then unplug the machine and clean the pump filter behind the flap at the bottom right, with towels and a shallow tray ready for the water.
7. Make sure the machine stands level and doesn't rock. Adjust the feet by hand and tighten the lock nuts again, as the manual describes.

Parts that commonly fix it

Always match the part number to your exact model.

Related codes

• E2 Beko Washer E2
• 5d Amana Washer 5d
• F8 E1 Amana Washer F8 E1
• F9 E1 Amana Washer F9 E1
• nd Amana Washer nd

All Beko codes →

Sources

1. Beko user manual TB621EESEE (failure code table: E18 spin cycle not initiated due to imbalance; check amount of laundry, redistribute by hand, retry spin; cycle counter shows stored codes)
2. Beko user manual TB6521EESEE (same E18 table)
3. Beko UK: Why is my washing machine not spinning, and how to fix it? (uneven loads, too few items, automatic redistribution, drain checks)
4. Beko UK: How to load your washing machine correctly (single absorbent items, do not overload)
5. Beko UK: My washing machine will not drain (drain hose 15 cm into waste pipe, 40-100 cm height, pump filter cleaning)
6. Beko user manual B5W59411A (drain hose height and 3.2 m maximum length, levelling the feet)