Electrolux Washer Extractor Error Code 45: Motor Not Following
Error code 45 means the motor control got no tacho feedback, so about 10 seconds after starting the code is set. Switch the machine off and call us. The manual points to tacho cables and connectors, a motor phase, the tacho generator and the tacho circuits.
High: the drum does not follow its command, and the machine will not run until the cause is found.
- Code
- Error code 45, MOTOR NOT FOLLOWING
- Equipment
- Industrial laundry
- Applies to
- Compass Control washer-extractors (CPU board, motor control, DLCU)
What does Electrolux Professional error code 45 mean?
The motor control drives the motor and expects a speed signal back from the tacho generator. This feedback tells it the drum is turning as commanded. If no feedback arrives, the motor control waits about 10 seconds after the start and then sets the code, and the CPU board shows ERROR 045 / MOTOR NOT FOLLOWING. The cause may be that the motor is not turning at all, for example because one phase is broken, or that it is turning and the speed signal is lost. The manual lists a break in tacho cables or connectors, a break in one motor phase in a cable or connector, a failed tacho generator, and a failure in the tacho circuits in the motor control. The technician studies the FC error logger: the motor-not-following count, the last 8 codes and the tacho cut-out counters. Staff see the drum try to start and then stop.
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 motor control logger entries named in the manual are the motor-not-following count, the last 8 codes and the tacho cut-out counters.
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 045 / MOTOR NOT FOLLOWING
- Drum hums or twitches and does not turn
- Machine stops about 10 seconds after start
- Drum turns by hand with the machine off
Possible causes
Listed in Electrolux Professional's documentation
- Break in tacho cables or connectors
- Break in one motor phase (cable or connector)
- Failed tacho generator
- Failure in tacho circuits in the motor control
Other likely causes — what usually sits behind error code 45 on this control. A technician confirms which one it is before any part is replaced.
- Motor plug pins burned or corroded in one phase
- Tacho cable damaged where it flexes or touches a hot motor part
- Drum jammed by an object so the motor cannot move
Safe checks before calling for service
- Switch the machine off and check that nothing is jammed in or around the drum.
- Turn the drum by hand with the power off to feel for a hard spot.
- Switch on and try one start only.
- Note how the drum behaves at start, hum or twitch or silent, then call us.
How a technician diagnoses error code 45
- Read the code and study the FC error logger: motor-not-following count, last 8 codes and tacho cut-out counters.
- Check tacho cables and connectors.
- Check each motor phase through cable and connector.
- Test the tacho generator and the tacho circuits in the motor control.
- Replace the defective part.
- The motor phases carry high-current line voltage, so continuity tests are done with the machine isolated.
- Reading the logger counters requires the service program.
- Telling a tacho problem from a broken phase needs both a meter and the logged history.
How error code 45 differs from similar codes
Code 45 means no speed feedback after start; code 35 means the motor current was over its limit.
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.132 (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
Does the drum have to be jammed?
No. The manual lists cable, connector, phase and tacho problems as well.
Why about 10 seconds?
That is the manual's delay: the code is set about 10 seconds after starting without feedback.
Is the tacho the same as a speed sensor?
It is the speed feedback to the motor control, and a bad contact there can also cause the high DC voltage code 38.
Need help with Electrolux Professional error code 45?
A technician confirms the cause on site and gives you the price in writing before any work starts.