Electrolux Dishwasher Error Code Er 12

Er 12 means the dishwasher control has detected that the drain valve is running when it should be off. This points to a shorted component, damaged wiring, or a faulty control board relay that is supplying unintended power to the drain valve circuit. The error is triggered to prevent improper draining during wash or rinse portions of a cycle.

It is not recommended to continue running the dishwasher with Er 12 active. A drain valve that activates at the wrong time can cause water to be expelled during a wash or rinse cycle when it should not be, potentially leading to incomplete cleaning or water pooling issues. Resolving the fault before further use is the safer approach.

A reset may temporarily clear the error code, but if the underlying fault, such as a shorted solenoid or damaged wiring, is still present, the code will return once the dishwasher runs through a cycle and the control detects the drain valve activating at the wrong time. A reset alone is not a repair and the root cause must be diagnosed and corrected.

A knowledgeable DIYer can inspect the wiring harness for visible damage and check the drain valve connector for corrosion without specialized tools. Testing the solenoid coil resistance requires a multimeter. Replacing the control board is also a DIY-possible repair, though it requires careful handling of electrical components and matching the correct part to your model.

Repair costs depend on the root cause. A replacement drain valve typically falls in the range of $20 to $60 for the part, while a new main control board can range from $80 to $200 or more depending on the model. Adding professional labor, total repair costs can range from $100 to $350 or higher.