GE Washer Error Code E27

E27 means the washer's inverter drive system has detected power consumption above its maximum design limits and has shut down to protect itself and the motor. This is a protective fault code, not just a warning. The most common reason it appears, especially on recently installed or moved machines, is that the 4 shipping bolts have not been removed from the back of the washer. Other causes include overloaded drums, worn bearings, or a faulty motor or inverter board.

No, you should not continue operating the washer while E27 is active. The error indicates the inverter is being pushed beyond its design limits, which can cause permanent damage to the drive board, motor, or electrical components if operation continues. Stop use, identify the root cause, and resolve it before running another cycle.

If the fix is simply removing the shipping bolts, there is no parts cost and only minimal time involved. If the issue is a worn drum bearing, repair costs typically range from around $150 to $350 including labor. A motor replacement can range from $200 to $450 depending on the model and labor rates in your area. An inverter board replacement generally falls in the $180 to $400 range. Getting a professional diagnostic first helps avoid replacing parts unnecessarily.

Start by locating and removing all 4 shipping bolts from the rear panel of the washer, as this is the most frequent cause of E27. After removing them, power cycle the machine and run a small test load. If the error persists, check that the drum rotates freely by hand, reduce your load size, and inspect for any signs of bearing noise or motor issues. Persistent errors after these steps typically require a technician to test the motor and inverter board.

A power reset may temporarily clear the E27 code, but the error will return if the underlying cause is not corrected. Unplugging the washer for a few minutes and restarting it is a reasonable first step, but if the shipping bolts are still installed, the drum is binding, or the motor is failing, the fault will reappear during the next cycle.