Code: E11🧺 Smeg Washer

Smeg Washing Machine E11 Error Code: Motor Control (Triac) Fault

Reviewed 2026-10-26 · Based on 4 manufacturer & service sources

What the code means

Smeg UK's washing machine and washer dryer help page lists E11 among the codes (with E01-E04, E07-E11 and others) where you will need an engineer visit to resolve the issue. It doesn't describe the fault itself, but the service-level code tables do. Pacifica, a UK appliance repair network that covers Smeg, lists E11 as "motor control triac in short circuit or interrupted", and UK Whitegoods' table for Smeg washing machines and washer dryers from about 2003 on calls it a "motor triac short error" that can be a short circuit to the motor or the PCB. UK Whitegoods adds the detection rule: the board flags E11 when it sees more than 300 motor tacho signals a second while the drum should be turning at under 90 RPM, which means the motor is running faster than the board asked for because the switch that controls it is stuck on. In plain terms, the board has lost control of the motor. Neighbouring codes help narrow it down: E10 is motor over-current, E12 is a motor tacho (speed sensor) fault on these tables, and E13 is the door lock. Smeg's own help page lists E12 with water supply checks on some models, so codes do vary by generation; always go by the code your model's manual gives.

Likely causes

Safe DIY checks

⚠ Before you start

Unplug the appliance (or switch off its breaker) and shut off the water supply valves before removing panels or disconnecting hoses. Keep towels handy for residual water.

  1. Turn the machine off, unplug it, wait about five minutes and plug it back in. If a one-off glitch caused E11, a fresh start of a short programme will run normally.
  2. Make sure the machine is plugged straight into a wall socket rather than an extension lead or adapter, since UK Whitegoods lists the mains supply as the first check.
  3. If there's water left in the drum, drain it through the pump filter flap before going any further, and take out any heavy waterlogged laundry.
  4. If E11 comes back, stop there and leave the machine unplugged: Smeg's instruction for E11 is an engineer visit, and the checks that follow need the back panel off near mains-voltage parts.
  5. Note the model and serial number from the label inside the door before you call, so the engineer can bring the right board or motor parts.

🛠 When to call a pro

  • E11 returns after a power reset, which per Smeg UK needs an engineer visit.
  • You smell burning or see scorch marks, or the drum spins wildly fast on its own.
  • The motor, its connector or the main control board needs testing or replacing, which means working near mains voltage.
  • The machine is under warranty: Smeg Service UK lists 0330 094 7779 for in-warranty repairs, and Smeg also has a find-an-engineer service for out-of-warranty machines.

Parts that commonly fix it

Always match the part number to your exact model.

⚙

Smeg washing machine main control board (PCB)

The usual repair, since the motor triac sits on the board. Match it to the model and serial number on the label inside the door.

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⚙

Smeg washing machine drive motor

Only if the motor or its windings test shorted; a shorted motor can take out a new board too.

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⚙

Multimeter

For an engineer-style check of the motor windings and wiring with the machine unplugged.

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Sources

  1. Smeg UK help: I have an error code on my washing machine or washer dryer (E11 is in the group that needs an engineer visit; E05/E06/E12 water supply checks on some models)
  2. UK Whitegoods: Smeg washing machine and washer dryer fault codes, 2003 on (E11 motor triac short error, short to motor or PCB, more than 300 tacho signals a second under 90 RPM; check mains supply, main control module, drive motor; E10, E12, E13 for contrast)
  3. Pacifica: Smeg washing machines error codes (E11 motor control triac in short circuit or interrupted)
  4. Smeg Service UK: Find a Smeg engineer (0330 094 7779 for in-warranty appliances)

Last reviewed 2026-10-26. Always confirm against the manual for your exact model number.