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Error code reference

Continental Washer Error Code A-19

Motor Overload-Motor currents higher than defined alarm level including current value and time constant, inverter displays OLU.

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What the A-19 error code actually means

Your washer's motor is working too hard and drawing more electricity than it should, so the machine shut itself off to prevent damage. This is often caused by a mechanical problem like worn drum bearings or a binding belt that makes the motor struggle to turn the drum. The washer will keep displaying this error until the underlying cause is identified and corrected.

Diagnostic procedure

The full A-19 procedure

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1
First diagnostic step
Remove drive belt and rotate drum to verify it turns freely and that the drum bearings are moving freely.
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Most common causes of A-19

Ranked by how often they cause this code
  1. 1Worn or Seized Drum Bearings
  2. 2Drive Belt Too Tight or Damaged
  3. 3Foreign Object Obstructing the Drum
  4. 4Motor Winding Failure
  5. 5Inverter Drive Malfunction

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Questions people ask about A-19

What does A-19 mean on a Continental washer?
The A-19 code indicates a motor overload condition. The washer's inverter drive has detected that motor current exceeded the defined alarm level for longer than the programmed time constant, causing a protective shutdown. The inverter will display OLU alongside this fault. The root cause can be mechanical, such as bad drum bearings or a binding belt, or electrical, such as a failing motor or inverter.
Is it safe to keep using my washer when the A-19 code is showing?
No, you should not continue running the washer while the A-19 fault is active. The code indicates the motor is being overloaded, and continued operation can cause additional damage to the motor windings, the inverter drive, or the drum bearing assembly. The machine shut down as a protective measure, and the underlying cause should be resolved before resuming use.
Will resetting my Continental washer clear the A-19 error code?
A power reset may temporarily clear the A-19 fault display, but the code will return as soon as the washer runs again if the underlying cause has not been fixed. The inverter monitors motor current continuously during operation, so any persistent mechanical drag or electrical fault will trigger the overload condition again. A reset is only useful for confirming the fault is repeatable, not as a repair solution.
How do I start fixing an A-19 error on my Continental washer?
Begin by removing the drive belt and rotating the drum by hand to check if it spins freely and smoothly. If the drum feels rough or difficult to turn, the drum bearings are the likely cause and will need replacement. If the drum spins freely, reinstall the belt and inspect it for correct tension and condition before moving on to testing the motor windings and inverter.
How much does it cost to repair an A-19 motor overload fault on a Continental washer?
Repair costs vary depending on the root cause. Drum bearing replacement typically falls in the range of $150 to $350 including labor. Motor replacement can range from $200 to $500 or more depending on the specific motor and labor rates in your area. Inverter drive replacement tends to be at the higher end of the cost spectrum, often between $250 and $600. Getting a diagnostic from a qualified technician before ordering parts is recommended.

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