Continental Girbau Washer Error Code ALn / VAR 6: Inverter Overheating
ALn / VAR 6 (also VAR 7, V-13 or U-55) means the inverter temperature went above its working range. Switch the washer off, let it cool and make sure the inverter area is clean and its cover is on. If the alarm returns, call a technician.
High: the inverter has shut down for protection and the washer stops until it is cooled and fixed.
- Code
- ALn / VAR 6, ALn / VAR 7, ALn / V-13, ALn / U-55
- 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 6 mean?
The inverter that drives the drum motor produces heat, so it has a heatsink, a cooling fan and a cover that guides air across it like a small wind tunnel. A sensor watches the temperature, and when it goes above the inverter's operating range the drive shuts down and the control displays ALn / VAR 6. The ST-101 sheet shows VAR 6, VAR 7, V-13 and U-55 together as the high-temperature group. U-49 is not part of this group: it is a DC bus voltage code listed with VAR 5. The manual's checks follow the airflow and the load: over-sudsing, a restricted basket, debris in the drain, the inverter heatsink, fan and fan motor, the inverter cover, motor bearings, windings, amp draw and the harness, and Test Mode with the motor disconnected. On EH020 pump models a standpipe that is too high is also named. The listed causes are over-sudsing, a dirty inverter or failed fan, a missing inverter cover and, on the EH020 pump machine, a high standpipe.
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. The standpipe cause applies to EH020 pump models only.
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 6, VAR 7, V-13 or U-55 on the display
- Cycle stops after the washer has been running for a while
- Inverter cabinet warm and fan noisy or silent
Possible causes
Listed in Continental Girbau's documentation
- Over-sudsing
- Dirty inverter or failed fan
- Inverter cover missing
- Standpipe too high (EH020 pump)
Other likely causes — what usually sits behind error code ALn / VAR 6 on this control. A technician confirms which one it is before any part is replaced.
- Lint and dust from a nearby dryer coating the inverter fins
- Too much detergent for the soft water in the building, leaving suds that load the motor
- Washer installed too close to a wall, blocking the cooling air
Safe checks before calling for service
- Press stop, let the drum stop fully and switch the washer off.
- Allow at least 30 minutes for the inverter to cool before restarting.
- Check that detergent amounts match the maker's guidance, and that the standpipe on an EH020 pump model is not raised.
- Make sure nothing is stacked against the washer. If the alarm returns, write down how long the washer had run before it stopped.
How a technician diagnoses error code ALn / VAR 6
- Confirm the alarm group and note how long the machine ran before it tripped.
- Inspect the inverter heatsink, fan, fan motor and cover for lint, damage or a missing cover.
- Check the drain, the basket movement and the sudsing level.
- Verify the standpipe height on EH020 pump models.
- Check motor bearings, windings, amp draw and harness, and run Test Mode with the motor disconnected.
- Replace the fan or inverter only after the airflow and load checks pass.
- The inverter and fan sit behind panels in the electrical area with dangerous voltage present.
- Cleaning an inverter requires correct tools and power lockout, since stored charge remains after shutdown.
- The cause may be in the motor or drain rather than the inverter, which needs measurement to prove.
How error code ALn / VAR 6 differs from similar codes
VAR 6, VAR 7, V-13 and U-55 all describe inverter high temperature on this sheet. U-49 is a different alarm listed with VAR 5.
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
Why is my inverter overheating when the room is not hot?
Lint on the fins, a failed fan, a missing cover or a load problem like over-sudsing can do it, even in a cool room.
Can I use the washer once it cools?
You can try one restart. If the alarm repeats, further use risks damaging the inverter.
Is U-49 the same as VAR 6?
No. The manual lists U-49 as a DC bus voltage alarm together with VAR 5.
Need help with Continental Girbau error code ALn / VAR 6?
A technician confirms the cause on site and gives you the price in writing before any work starts.