Continental Girbau Inteli Washer Error Codes 5, 30, 31, 32: Overcurrent
Codes 5, 30, 31 and 32 mean the inverter saw excessive motor current or a shorted output. Turn the washer off and make sure the basket turns freely and the drain is clear. If the code returns, a technician should test the motor and inverter.
High: the inverter shuts off the drive and the washer does not complete cycles.
- Code
- 5, 30, 31, 32
- Maker
- Continental Girbau
- Equipment
- Coin & card laundry
- Applies to
- E-Series washer-extractors with Inteli control
What does Continental Girbau error code 5 mean?
These four numbers describe the same kind of event: the current flowing to the drum motor was too high, or the inverter output was shorted, and the inverter shut itself down. The sheet describes it as excessive motor current or a shorted inverter output, called an IPM shunt error. Code 30 occurs during acceleration and code 31 during deceleration, which helps place the problem in the cycle. Code 5 is the general overcurrent entry and code 32 is an inverter overcurrent. The manual's checks follow what loads a motor: a restricted basket, the drain valve and pump, the inverter heatsink and fan, the inverter cover, motor bearings with the belt off, the input voltage, and motor windings and amp draw. A technician can also run Test Mode with the motor disconnected to tell whether the inverter itself is sound. The sheet lists no individual failed parts, so the stage of the cycle at which it trips is the most useful clue.
Affected models and control systems
Continental Girbau E-Series washer-extractors with Inteli control, sheet names RMG055 and smaller and EH060 and larger. Washers with Logi, LogiPro or Vended control use ALn alarms instead.
Code numbers and their meaning can change between control generations. We match the full model and control before acting on a code.
What you may notice
- Code 5, 30, 31 or 32 on the display
- Cycle stops during a speed change
- Rubbing or rough noise from the drum before the stop
Possible causes
Likely causes — what usually sits behind error code 5 on this control. A technician confirms which one it is before any part is replaced.
- Belt tension too tight after a replacement
- Load jammed between the basket and shell
- Motor winding insulation breaking down on one phase
Safe checks before calling for service
- Press stop, let the drum come to rest and turn the washer off.
- Open the door and check for objects stuck between the basket and shell.
- Turn the basket by hand with the power off to feel for dragging, without removing panels.
- Restart with a lighter load and note whether the code appeared on acceleration (30) or slowdown (31).
How a technician diagnoses error code 5
- Note which code and which phase of the cycle it appeared in.
- Check the basket for restriction and the drain valve and pump for debris.
- Inspect the inverter heatsink, fan and cover.
- With the belt off, check the bearings, then measure motor windings and amp draw.
- Confirm input voltage and run Test Mode with the motor disconnected.
- Replace the motor or inverter based on the readings.
- Amp-draw readings and winding tests are taken on energized motor circuits.
- Removing the drive belt means opening guarded moving parts.
- A shorted output can damage the inverter further if the washer is restarted repeatedly.
How error code 5 differs from similar codes
Code 30 is overcurrent on acceleration and 31 on deceleration. Codes 5 and 32 are the general overcurrent entries. Code 40 is an inverter overload.
Technical reference
- Maker documentation
- Continental Girbau owner support
- Edition
- 7/17/2023
- Models / control
- E-Series washer-extractors with Inteli control
- Section
- Alarm table, p.1-5
- Checked
- October 2026
We use the maker's document to read the code and do not reproduce it. Always confirm the complete model and control before applying these steps.
Related Continental Girbau coin & card laundry error codes
What do 30 and 31 add?
They tell you whether the trip happened while the drum was speeding up or slowing down.
Is the inverter always the failed part?
No. A binding basket, bad bearings, debris or a shorted motor can all push the current up.
Can I run it again?
Try once with a lighter load. If it trips again, stop to avoid damaging the drive.
Need help with Continental Girbau error code 5?
A technician confirms the cause on site and gives you the price in writing before any work starts.