Electrolux Washer Extractor Error Code 38: High DC Voltage
Error code 38 means the mains or DC input voltage to the motor control exceeded the limit and was still high after the motor stopped. A power surge is one cause. A technician should check the tacho cables and read the logger if the tacho cut-out counters show many entries.
High: over-voltage can damage the drive electronics, and the machine stops until the cause is found.
- Code
- Error code 38, HIGH DC VOLTAGE
- Equipment
- Industrial laundry
- Applies to
- Compass Control washer-extractors (CPU board, motor control, DLCU)
What does Electrolux Professional error code 38 mean?
While the motor slows down, it can feed energy back into the DC circuit and raise the voltage. The motor control watches that level and stops the motor if it goes over its limit. If it is still high after the motor stops, the CPU board shows ERROR 038 / HIGH DC VOLTAGE. The manual names high mains voltage, such as a power surge, and a bad contact in the tacho signal. The tacho tells the motor control how fast the drum is turning, so a poor contact in it can make the control misjudge speed and slow the motor wrongly, raising the DC level. The technician checks the tacho cables if the tacho cut-out registers show many entries, and reads the logger. Staff see the machine stop during a spin or while slowing down.
Affected models and control systems
This applies to the W465H-W4300H, W475S-W4330S and W475N-W4330N washer-extractors, Type W3..., with the Compass Control. The manual links this code to the tacho signal as well as the mains supply.
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
- Display shows ERROR 038 / HIGH DC VOLTAGE
- Machine stops during a spin or when slowing down
- Message appears after a storm or a power event
- Tacho counters in the history show many entries
Possible causes
Listed in Electrolux Professional's documentation
- High mains voltage, for example a power surge
- Bad contact in tacho signal
Other likely causes — what usually sits behind error code 38 on this control. A technician confirms which one it is before any part is replaced.
- Tacho cable plug loose or corroded
- Tacho cable running too close to motor cables and picking up noise
- Utility voltage on the high side for the building at night
Safe checks before calling for service
- Check whether there was a power event, such as a storm or a switch at the transformer.
- Switch the machine off and on once.
- Try a normal program and see if it stops during the spin again.
- Note when the message appeared and what happened on the power line, then call us.
How a technician diagnoses error code 38
- Read the code and the motor control logger.
- Look at the tacho cut-out registers; if they show many entries, check the tacho cables.
- Measure the supply voltage and compare it with nominal.
- Inspect the tacho connector and cable.
- Replace the defective part.
- Supply and DC voltage measurements are made on live circuits by a technician.
- Tacho signals need a meter and correct routing of the cable.
- A surge can also damage other boards, so the whole machine should be checked.
How error code 38 differs from similar codes
Code 38 is a high supply level; code 37 is the matching low-voltage condition.
Technical reference
- Maker documentation
- Electrolux Professional owner support
- Edition
- 438 9228-61/EN, 2011.08.25
- Models / control
- Compass Control washer-extractors (CPU board, motor control, DLCU)
- Section
- Troubleshooting, printed p.130 (Error codes)
- 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 Electrolux Professional industrial laundry error codes
Was it a power surge?
Possibly. The manual lists high mains voltage, such as a surge, as a cause.
Can the tacho cause it?
Yes. A bad contact in the tacho signal is the manual's second cause.
Can I keep using the machine?
Try once after a power event. If the message repeats, stop and have it checked.
Need help with Electrolux Professional error code 38?
A technician confirms the cause on site and gives you the price in writing before any work starts.