Continental Girbau Washer Error Code ALn / VAR 3: Inverter Overcurrent
ALn / VAR 3 (also shown as U-47 or U-59) means the inverter saw a fast, high rise in motor current. Turn the washer off and make sure the basket is not catching and the drain is clear of debris. If it comes back, a technician should test the motor and inverter.
High: the inverter shuts off the drum and the washer cannot complete a cycle.
- Code
- ALn / VAR 3 (U-47, U-59)
- 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 3 mean?
The inverter keeps a close watch on how much current the drum motor pulls. A sudden jump can happen when the motor speeds up, slows down or runs steadily, and it usually means the motor is working against something. If the current climbs too fast, the inverter shuts off its output to protect itself, and the control displays ALn / VAR 3. The same condition appears as ALn / U-47 and ALn / U-59 on this table. The manual lists five conditions: a basket that catches or is restricted, a motor that is seizing or has bad bearings, debris in the drain valve or pump, a dirty inverter or failed fan with the cover off, and shorted or open motor windings. Its checks follow that list: basket movement, drain valve and pump, the inverter heatsink and fan, the inverter cover, motor bearings with the belt removed, windings and amp draw on each leg, and the motor harness. A technician can also run Test Mode with the motor disconnected and the klixons jumped to separate inverter problems from motor problems.
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. VAR 3, U-47 and U-59 share one row on the ST-101 sheet.
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
- Cycle stops in the middle of an acceleration or spin
- Drum feels heavy or noisy before the alarm
- ALn / VAR 3, U-47 or U-59 on the display
Possible causes
Listed in Continental Girbau's documentation
- Basket catching or restricted
- Motor seizing or bad bearings
- Debris in the drain valve or pump
- Dirty inverter or failed fan, or the cover left off
- Shorted or open motor windings
Other likely causes — what usually sits behind error code ALn / VAR 3 on this control. A technician confirms which one it is before any part is replaced.
- Drive belt too tight after a replacement and loading the motor
- A coin, button or zipper pull jammed between the basket and the shell
- Overloaded drum on the previous cycle that strained the motor
Safe checks before calling for service
- Press stop and let the drum come to rest, then wait for the door lock to release.
- With the washer off, open the door and check for objects trapped between the basket and the shell, and remove any you can see.
- Spin the empty basket by hand to feel for rubbing. Do not remove any panels.
- Restart with a smaller load. If the alarm returns, note whether it appeared on acceleration, on slowdown or in steady running.
How a technician diagnoses error code ALn / VAR 3
- Identify the phase of the cycle where the overcurrent trips.
- Check the basket for restriction and the drain valve and pump for debris.
- Inspect the inverter heatsink, fan and cover.
- With the belt off, turn the motor by hand for bearing drag, then measure windings and amp draw on each leg.
- Inspect the motor harness, then run Test Mode with the motor disconnected and klixons jumped.
- Replace the motor or inverter only after the load side tests clean.
- Amp-draw readings and winding tests are taken on 208-240 V or higher motor circuits.
- Removing the drive belt and testing bearings means opening the machine and handling moving parts.
- Test Mode with the klixons jumped must be done carefully to avoid overheating the motor.
How error code ALn / VAR 3 differs from similar codes
U-47 and U-59 appear on the same row on the ST-101 sheet. VAR 3 is the number shown when the alarm is listed by VAR.
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
- 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
Is overcurrent always an inverter problem?
No. Most of the causes the manual lists are on the machine side: a binding basket, bad bearings or debris. The inverter is only the part that notices.
Can I try another cycle?
One restart with a lighter load is reasonable. If the alarm repeats, further tries can overheat the motor.
Do VAR 3, U-47 and U-59 mean different things?
On this sheet they are listed together as the same overcurrent condition.
Need help with Continental Girbau error code ALn / VAR 3?
A technician confirms the cause on site and gives you the price in writing before any work starts.