Continental Girbau Washer Error Code ALn / VAR 2: Inverter Reports Link Loss
ALn / VAR 2 means the communication failure between the microprocessor and the inverter was detected by the inverter itself. Turn the washer off for a minute and restart. If the alarm returns, the inverter power supply and communication harness need to be checked by a technician.
High: the washer stops and cannot run until the inverter link is repaired.
- Code
- ALn / VAR 2
- Maker
- Continental Girbau
- Equipment
- Coin & card laundry
- Applies to
- E-Series washer-extractors with Logi / LogiPro / Vended control
What does Continental Girbau error code ALn / VAR 2 mean?
Two devices share the job of running the drum on an E-Series washer: the microprocessor gives orders and the inverter drives the motor. They exchange messages continuously. In most link alarms the microprocessor is the one that notices silence. ALn / VAR 2 is different, because the alarm text says the inverter detected the communication failure itself, meaning the inverter stopped receiving valid messages from the microprocessor. The ST-101 sheet lists VAR 0, 1 and 2 as one communication group, and Cod. 344739en spells out the VAR 2 wording. Because the inverter can only report this while it is powered, the next question is why the messages stopped. The manual lists missing inverter power and a harness problem as causes, and the same work applies as for VAR 0: discharge resistor and earth ground (ST-112), power at the inverter, fuses and inverter relay, a clean and reseated harness, dip switches, and then the inverter or microprocessor. The display shows ALn / VAR 2.
Affected models and control systems
Continental Girbau E-Series washer-extractors with Logi, LogiPro or Vended control, sheet names EH020, EM025, EH060, RMG055 and smaller. Washers with Inteli control use plain numbered codes 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
- ALn / VAR 2 appears and the cycle stops
- Drum stops turning while the display stays on
- Alarm returns soon after power is restored
Possible causes
Listed in Continental Girbau's documentation
- Missing inverter power
- Damaged communication harness
Other likely causes — what usually sits behind error code ALn / VAR 2 on this control. A technician confirms which one it is before any part is replaced.
- Harness plug at the microprocessor board not fully seated
- Intermittent supply to the inverter that drops out when the motor starts
- Spare inverter fitted earlier with different dip switch settings
Safe checks before calling for service
- Press stop and let the drum come to rest.
- Switch the washer off at its disconnect and leave it off for a minute.
- Turn it back on, start the same program and watch for the alarm.
- Do not touch wiring. Record the program, load size and when the alarm appeared for the technician.
How a technician diagnoses error code ALn / VAR 2
- Record the alarm and test whether it repeats immediately or only under load.
- Confirm the discharge resistor and earth ground per ST-112.
- Measure voltage at the inverter input and check fuses and the inverter relay.
- Clean, reseat and inspect the communication harness along its length.
- Verify dip switches, then isolate the inverter versus the microprocessor.
- The inverter and its supply carry high-voltage charge that stays after the machine is switched off.
- Harness repair means opening the control section, which is not an operator task.
- Choosing between the inverter and the microprocessor needs test equipment and often a known-good board.
How error code ALn / VAR 2 differs from similar codes
VAR 2 is reported by the inverter, VAR 0 by the control, and VAR 1 is an inverter safety disconnect. All three share the same checks.
Technical reference
- Maker documentation
- Continental Girbau owner support
- Edition
- 3/18/24
- Models / control
- E-Series washer-extractors with Logi / LogiPro / Vended control
- Section
- Alarm table, p.1-6; Cod. 344739en s.4.3
- 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
Why do VAR 0 and VAR 2 look so similar?
They describe the same broken link from different ends. The service work is nearly identical.
Can I run the washer until a technician arrives?
No. The drum will not run without the inverter link, so the washer should stay out of service.
Will it come back after a restart?
If a loose connection caused it, it can come back at any time, usually when the machine vibrates or the motor starts.
Need help with Continental Girbau error code ALn / VAR 2?
A technician confirms the cause on site and gives you the price in writing before any work starts.