What this error means
Pressure sensor fault — the water level sensor is giving an incorrect reading
The PE error means the pressure sensor — which tells the control board how much water is currently in the drum — has returned a reading outside the expected range or has stopped responding. This is most commonly caused by a blocked or kinked pressure hose, detergent residue inside the pressure hose or sensor chamber, or a failed pressure sensor. If left unresolved this fault can lead to the machine overfilling.
What you'll need first
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Step-by-step
Symptoms to look for
- Machine fills then pauses for an unusually long time before tumbling
- Drum appears to fill beyond the normal level — water visible high in the door glass
- Programme stops during the fill phase with PE displayed
- Machine fills normally sometimes and overfills or underfills on other cycles
Diagnostic steps
Unplug the machine and hold the power button for 10 seconds to discharge the control board. Leave unplugged for 60 seconds. Plug back in and run a 40-degree programme. Observe whether the drum fills normally and PE does not reappear.
Place a spirit level on top of the machine and check in both directions. Adjust all four feet until the machine is stable with no rocking at any corner. Tighten each locking nut against the machine base.
With the machine unplugged, remove the top panel by undoing the two rear screws and sliding it backwards. The pressure hose is a narrow plastic or rubber tube running from a small connection stub on the outer drum body up to the pressure sensor — a small cylindrical component with an electrical connector and the hose on its lower port. Check the full length for kinks, cracks, splits, or disconnection at either end.
Disconnect the hose gently from both the drum stub and the pressure sensor. Blow gently through the full length — airflow should be completely unobstructed. If restricted, flush with a small amount of warm water and dry it fully before refitting. Clear the drum stub with a cotton bud if blocked with hardened detergent or limescale.
With the hose disconnected from the sensor and the wiring connector removed, test across the sensor terminals with a multimeter. Gently blow into the hose port while watching the reading — the resistance should change as pressure increases. A sensor that reads OL in all states has failed.
Push the hose firmly onto both stubs until fully seated. Replace the top panel. Run a 40-degree programme and observe the fill — it should stabilise at the normal level before tumbling begins.
When to call an engineer
- Pressure hose is cracked, split, or has collapsed internally
- Pressure sensor reads OL across all terminal combinations — sensor has failed
- Machine overfills even after hose clearing and sensor check — control board fault
- Drum connection stub is completely blocked with hardened limescale
Frequently asked questions
What does the pressure sensor do?
Can a blocked pressure hose cause the machine to overfill?
Is PE dangerous?
Can I clear the pressure hose myself?
🎯 What is likely causing this fault?
⚠️ Estimates based on common faults — not a guaranteed diagnosis. Always verify before ordering parts.
Parts you may need
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Usually found on a label inside the door frame or on the back panel of the machine.
| Part | Approx. UK Cost | Find it |
|---|---|---|
| Pressure Switch | £10 - £20 | 🛒 Amazon UK → |
| Pressure Switch | £10 - £20 | 🏷️ eBay UK → |
ℹ️ Prices are approximate. Always check the part number matches your model before ordering. Not sure of your model number? Find out how to locate it here.