Continental Girbau Inteli Washer Error Codes 8 and 39: Inverter Overheat
Code 8 is an inverter over-temperature and code 39 is the inverter current being above its programmed value. Switch the washer off, let it cool, and check for suds and lint. If they return, a technician should check the fan, cover and motor.
High: the inverter has shut down for protection and the washer cannot run.
- Code
- 8, 39
- Maker
- Continental Girbau
- Equipment
- Coin & card laundry
- Applies to
- E-Series washer-extractors with Inteli control
What does Continental Girbau error code 8 mean?
Both codes involve the inverter running beyond its limits. Code 8 is the IPM over-temperature: the power module inside the inverter got hotter than it is allowed to be, so the inverter shut down. Code 39 is a thermal relay overload: the current drawn was above the programmed value, which would heat the inverter and motor if it continued. The Inteli control displays 8 (Inverter overheating) or 39 (Inverter thermal relay overload). The manual's single list of checks covers both: over-sudsing, basket restriction, drain, the inverter heatsink, the fan and the cover, the motor bearings, windings and amp draw, and the dip switch settings. Over-sudsing is on the list because suds make the load heavier and the motor pulls more current. The sheet gives no failed-part list. Telling the two codes apart tells a technician whether to focus on cooling and airflow (8) or on motor load and settings (39).
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 8 or 39 on the display
- Cycle stops after a heavy or sudsy load
- Inverter area warm and fan noisy
Possible causes
Likely causes — what usually sits behind error code 8 on this control. A technician confirms which one it is before any part is replaced.
- Too much detergent in a soft-water supply, leaving suds that overload the motor
- Cover left off, breaking the airflow across the heatsink
- Programmed current value changed by a wrong dip switch
Safe checks before calling for service
- Press stop and switch the washer off.
- Let it rest for at least 30 minutes.
- Check that detergent amounts match the maker's guidance and look for suds in the drum.
- If the code returns, note whether it was 8 or 39 and how long the washer had run.
How a technician diagnoses error code 8
- Read the code and decide between 8 (temperature) and 39 (current).
- Check for over-sudsing and basket restriction.
- Inspect the drain, the inverter heatsink, fan and cover.
- Check the motor bearings, windings and amp draw.
- Verify the dip switch settings against the sheet.
- The inverter sits on live circuits with stored charge.
- Amp-draw and winding tests are done with the machine energized.
- Dip switch settings control the inverter's limits and have to be correct for the model.
How error code 8 differs from similar codes
Code 8 is a temperature alarm and code 39 is a current overload alarm. Codes 5, 30, 31 and 32 cover sudden overcurrent instead.
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 the difference between 8 and 39?
Code 8 is the inverter running too hot. Code 39 is the current going above the programmed value.
Can suds cause this?
Yes, the manual lists over-sudsing among the checks.
Is a longer rest enough?
It lets the inverter cool, but if the cause remains the code returns.
Need help with Continental Girbau error code 8?
A technician confirms the cause on site and gives you the price in writing before any work starts.