Continental Girbau Inteli Washer Error Codes 38 and 41: Inverter Relay
Codes 38 and 41 mean the control does not detect the inverter, or the inverter disconnection relay is misbehaving. Restart once. If they return, a technician checks the 12 VDC at the KA1 coil, the inverter fan and cover, and the input and output voltage.
High: the control cannot detect or switch the inverter, so the washer is down.
- Code
- 38, 41
- Maker
- Continental Girbau
- Equipment
- Coin & card laundry
- Applies to
- E-Series washer-extractors with Inteli control
What does Continental Girbau error code 38 mean?
The control switches power to the inverter through a relay called KA1, and it checks that the inverter has come on. Code 38 is an inverter disconnection relay failure, and code 41 is an inverter detection relay failure. In both, the control does not see the inverter as expected, or the relay that connects it does not behave. The display shows 38 or 41 with the labels given by the sheet. The manual's actions are to verify 12 VDC across the KA1 coil terminals 0 and 1 at the moment the inverter should be on, then to check the inverter fan, the cover, debris, and the phase-to-phase input and output voltage. No individual causes are itemized for this code. If the coil gets its 12 volts but the contacts do not close, the relay is suspect. If the coil gets nothing, the control output or its wiring is at issue.
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 38 or 41 on the display
- Drum fails to start
- Click from the KA1 relay is missing or heard repeatedly
Possible causes
Likely causes — what usually sits behind error code 38 on this control. A technician confirms which one it is before any part is replaced.
- KA1 contacts burned or stuck
- Coil wiring loosened at terminals 0 and 1
- Debris or heat in the inverter area affecting detection
Safe checks before calling for service
- Power down for a minute to let the control reset, then restart one time.
- Restart and listen for a click as the cycle starts.
- Do not open panels or touch the contactor.
- Tell the technician whether you heard the click, and whether the code was 38 or 41.
How a technician diagnoses error code 38
- Read the code and note 38 or 41.
- Measure 12 VDC across the KA1 coil, terminals 0 and 1, when the inverter should be on.
- Check the inverter fan and cover and remove debris.
- Measure phase-to-phase input and output voltage.
- Replace the relay or contactor if it fails, or the inverter if the input is good and the inverter is not detected.
- The KA1 relay switches line voltage to the inverter.
- Voltage checks are made with the control energized.
- Contactor replacement needs the power locked out and the right part.
How error code 38 differs from similar codes
Codes 38 and 41 involve the KA1 relay and detection. Code 2 is a communication loss and code 3 an auto-block.
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 is KA1?
The relay that connects power to the inverter.
Are 38 and 41 the same?
They share a row. One concerns disconnection and the other detection.
Why check 12 VDC?
It shows whether the control is commanding the relay at all.
Need help with Continental Girbau error code 38?
A technician confirms the cause on site and gives you the price in writing before any work starts.