mypros+
Error code reference

Continental Washer Error Code A-19

Motor Overload

Continental codesContinental washer codes

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

First step from the service manual

Remove drive belt and rotate drum to verify it turns freely and that the drum bearings are moving freely.

The complete diagnostic procedure includes additional test steps, resistance specifications, wiring diagram references, and component test points.

MyPros+ Max

Get the full diagnostic procedure for A-19.

  • Step-by-step tests with expected resistance, voltage, and continuity values
  • Wiring diagram references and connector pinouts from the OEM service manual
  • Verified part numbers when replacement is required
Get the full procedure

$29/month · Cancel anytime · Or $9.95 3-day pass

What A-19 means on a Continental washer

The A-19 error code on a Continental washer indicates a motor overload condition. The inverter drive monitors motor current continuously, and when the current draw exceeds a defined alarm threshold for longer than the programmed time constant, the inverter triggers this fault and displays OLU on its interface. This is a protective shutdown designed to prevent damage to the motor windings and the inverter electronics from sustained overcurrent conditions.

The motor overload fault can originate from mechanical resistance in the drive system or from electrical faults within the motor itself. Mechanical causes include worn or seized drum bearings, a drive belt that is too tight or binding, or a foreign object lodged between the drum and the tub creating drag. All of these conditions force the motor to draw higher current than the inverter's defined limit. On the electrical side, shorted motor windings or a failing inverter that is delivering incorrect voltage can also produce excessive current readings.

The first diagnostic step is to remove the drive belt and manually rotate the drum to check for smooth, free movement. If the drum is difficult to spin by hand or produces grinding or rough sensations, the drum bearings are likely worn and creating the mechanical load that is overworking the motor. If the drum spins freely without the belt, attention should shift to the motor and inverter. Reconnecting the belt and observing whether the load returns will help isolate whether the fault is mechanical or electrical in origin.

Source: manufacturer service documentation.

Common causes of A-19

  1. 01

    Worn or Seized Drum Bearings

    Part replacement

    Failing drum bearings create significant rotational resistance, forcing the motor to draw excessive current to keep the drum spinning. With the drive belt removed, a drum that feels rough, gritty, or difficult to turn by hand points directly to bearing failure.

  2. 02

    Drive Belt Too Tight or Damaged

    Part replacement

    A drive belt that is over-tensioned, frayed, or misaligned adds mechanical drag to the motor load and can push current above the inverter's alarm threshold. Inspect the belt for correct tension, cracking, and proper seating on both pulleys.

  3. 03

    Foreign Object Obstructing the Drum

    Wiring / connection

    Items such as coins, wire bra underwires, or small clothing articles can become lodged between the drum and the outer tub, creating intermittent or constant resistance. Rotating the drum by hand may reveal the obstruction through a grinding or catching sensation.

  4. 04

    Motor Winding Failure

    Part replacement

    Shorted or partially open motor windings cause abnormal current draw independent of any mechanical load. If the drum rotates freely with the belt removed and no mechanical fault is found, the motor itself should be tested for proper resistance values across its windings.

  5. 05

    Inverter Drive Malfunction

    Part replacement

    A failing inverter may supply incorrect voltage or develop internal faults that cause it to read current inaccurately or deliver unregulated output to the motor. If the motor and mechanical components test within normal parameters, the inverter should be evaluated as the source of the fault.

See the test procedure for each cause

Frequently asked questions 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.

Related Continental washer codes

All Continental washer codes
View all 20 Continental washer codes

78,000+ service manuals · 160,000+ error codes · 55+ brands

Get Started

$29/month · Cancel anytime · Or $9.95 3-day pass