Speed Queen washing machines are legendary for their durability. Built with commercial-grade components, they are designed to last roughly 25 years. However, even the toughest appliances have bad days.
If your Speed Queen washer flashes an error code, don’t panic. These codes appear as digital letters or blinking lights to tell you exactly what is wrong.
We will break down every Speed Queen error code and show you how to fix the problem quickly so you can get back to laundry day.
Key Takeaways
- Longevity: Speed Queen washers are heavy-duty machines built to last up to 25 years.
- Indicators: Error codes appear as digital text on front loaders or flashing status lights on top loaders.
- Common Issues: Most codes relate to door locks, drainage blockages, or unbalanced loads.
- Troubleshooting: Always unplug the machine for 15 seconds to attempt a system reset before calling for service.
How to Read Speed Queen Error Codes
Reading the codes depends on your specific model type. On front-load washers with a digital display, a combination of letters appears on the control panel. You might see specific codes like “Er, do” or “PR.”
Top-load models without digital screens use blinking lights to communicate. For example, the “Wash” or “Spin” lights might flash in a specific sequence. You must count these flashes to identify the error.
Speed Queen Front Load Error Codes
Here are the most common error codes for front-loading machines, along with actionable steps to fix them.
Code Er, do
- What It Means: The door was opened during the cycle.
- How to Fix It: Close the door firmly and ensure the lock engages. If the door is physically broken, check the latch for debris. Once clear, restart the cycle.
Code Er, dL
- What It Means: The door unlocked during the cycle, or the door lock switch failed.
- How to Fix It: Open and close the door again. Listen for the distinct click of the lock. Unplug the machine for 15 seconds to reset the sensor, then restart.
Code Er, dr
- What It Means: This is a drain error. The water is taking too long to drain, or water remains in the drum after the spin cycle.
- How to Fix It: Check the drain hose for kinks or clogs. Ensure the drain pipe is not submerged in water. Clean the debris trap. After clearing the line, unplug the washer for 15 seconds to reset.
Code Er, FL
- What It Means: The washer failed to reach the proper fill level after 30 minutes.
- How to Fix It: Verify that your home water valves are fully open. Check the inlet hoses for kinks. Clean the mesh screens on the water inlet valve, as sediment often blocks flow here.
Code Er, nF
- What It Means: “No Fill” error. The machine detects no change in water level for five minutes.
- How to Fix It: Ensure the hot and cold water taps are turned on. Inspect hoses for twists. Disconnect the hoses and clean the filter screens. Unplug the machine for 15 seconds before retrying.
Code Er, OF
- What It Means: Overflow error. The water level is too high, and the machine is pumping water out for safety.
- How to Fix It: Check the air tube connected to the pressure switch for blockages. If the machine keeps filling while unplugged, the water inlet valve is defective and needs replacement.
Code Er, PS
- What It Means: Pressure sensor error. The machine cannot detect the water level accurately.
- How to Fix It: Inspect the wiring harness between the main control board and the pressure sensor. If the wiring looks good, the pressure sensor likely requires replacement.
Code Er, dU
- What It Means: Door Unlock error. The door is stuck in the locked position.
- How to Fix It: Unplug the machine and wait three minutes for the thermal lock to cool down. Turn the power back on and attempt to open the door.
Code Er, ub
- What It Means: Unbalanced load. The washer limits spin speed to prevent damage.
- How to Fix It: Open the door and manually redistribute the laundry. Heavy items like towels should be spread out. Avoid washing single heavy items. Close the door and restart the spin cycle.
Code PR
- What It Means: Pressure switch sequence issue. The sensor is reading a water level when the machine should be empty.
- How to Fix It: Turn off and unplug the washer. Wait 15 seconds and plug it back in. If the code persists, the pressure switch or control board may need service.
Code Er, SL
- What It Means: Suds Lock. The machine detects too many suds.
- How to Fix It: Allow the machine to finish its specialized clear-out routine. In the future, use High-Efficiency (HE) detergent and reduce the amount you use.
Code Sr
- What It Means: Suds Removal routine is active.
- How to Fix It: Do nothing. The washer is automatically running a cycle to flush out excess foam. Wait for it to finish.
Speed Queen Top Load Error Codes
Top-loading machines use blinking status lights to signal errors. Watch the lights closely to count the flashes.
Wash and Spin Lights Flash Twice
- What It Means: The drum could not reach maximum speed during the final spin.
- How to Fix It: This is usually caused by an unbalanced load or a drain issue. Redistribute the clothes evenly around the agitator. Check the drain hose for clogs.
Wash and Rinse Lights Flash
The combination of “Wash” and “Rinse” lights indicates several different pressure or fill issues depending on the frequency.
Flashes Once
- What It Means: Pressure sensor error.
- How to Fix It: Check the clear tube attached to the pressure switch for holes or blockages. Unplug the machine to reset it. If it continues, call for service.
Flashes Twice
- What It Means: No water flow or fill error.
- How to Fix It: Verify water taps are open. Clean the inlet valve screens. Ensure the drain hose is not siphoning water out as fast as it fills.
Flashes Three Times
- What It Means: Over-sudsing condition.
- How to Fix It: The machine is struggling to spin through the foam. Use less detergent next time and ensure you use HE-rated soap.
On Continuously
- What It Means: Overflow or standing water error.
- How to Fix It: The pump will automatically activate to remove water. Inspect the drain system for blocks. If the machine pumps continuously even when empty, the pressure switch tube may be disconnected.
Rinse and Lid Lock Lights Flash
This combination specifically points to issues with the lid mechanism.
Flashes Twice
- What It Means: Lid lock fault. The lid unlocked unexpectedly.
- How to Fix It: Clear any debris from the latch area. Close the lid firmly and restart.
Flashes Three Times
- What It Means: The lid was open during a cycle.
- How to Fix It: Close the lid. If the lid is closed but the error persists, the magnet in the lid or the reed switch in the cabinet may be misaligned or broken.
How to Reset a Speed Queen Washer
If you fixed the underlying issue but the lights are still flashing, perform a hard reset. This clears the onboard computer’s memory.
Follow these simple steps:
- Power Down: Turn the washing machine knob to the “Off” position.
- Unplug: Remove the plug from the wall outlet or flip the circuit breaker.
- Wait: Leave the machine without power for at least 5 minutes. This discharges the capacitors on the control board.
- Restart: Plug the machine back in and start a new cycle.
Note that a reset will not fix a broken part. If the code returns immediately, you still have a mechanical or electrical fault to address.
FAQs
What Does Er Mean on a Speed Queen Washer?
“Er” simply stands for “Error.” It is always followed by a two-letter code (like “dL” or “FL”) that identifies the specific component causing the problem.
How Do You Force a Speed Queen Washer to Drain?
To manually drain the washer, you must lower the drain hose.
- Safety first: Unplug the machine.
- Prepare: Place a shallow bucket or towels near the drain hose.
- Lower hose: Detach the drain hose from the standpipe and lower it into the bucket. Gravity will force the water out.
- Clean: Once empty, check the hose and pump filter for obstructions like coins or lint.
Does My Speed Queen Washer Have a Filter?
Yes, most front-load models have a drain pump filter (coin trap) accessible behind a small door on the front panel. Additionally, all models have mesh filter screens inside the water inlet valve connections where the hoses attach.
How Long Do Speed Queen Washers Last?
Speed Queen washers are tested to last 10,400 cycles. For the average household, this translates to roughly 25 years of use, which is significantly longer than the 7 to 10-year lifespan of standard residential brands.
What Is the Warranty on a Speed Queen Washer?
Warranties vary by model tier. The TR3 usually carries a 3-year warranty, the TR5 has a 5-year warranty, and the top-tier TR7 often comes with a 7-year warranty. These warranties typically cover all parts and in-home labor.
How Do I Enter Diagnostic Mode on a Speed Queen Washer?
To enter diagnostic mode on many electronic control models, press and hold the “Signal” and “Rinse” buttons simultaneously while pressing the “Start” button. This allows you to test individual components like the door lock and drain pump.
Fixing Speed Queen Problems
Speed Queen machines are the tanks of the laundry world. While error codes can be annoying, they are actually helpful tools that protect your investment from further damage.
By using the list above, you can often solve the issue in minutes without spending a dime. However, if the reset procedure doesn’t work and the code persists, check your warranty status. Given the brand’s excellent coverage, you might be eligible for a free professional repair.
