Electrolux Washer Extractor Error Code 35: Motor Short Circuit
Error code 35 means the motor current exceeded its limit again after an automatic restart attempt. Switch the machine off and call us. The manual points to a short circuit in the motor, winding, cables or connectors, and to water in the motor connector.
High: a short in the motor circuit stops the machine and can damage the drive electronics.
- Code
- Error code 35, MOTOR SHORT CIRCUIT
- Equipment
- Industrial laundry
- Applies to
- Compass Control washer-extractors (CPU board, motor control, DLCU)
What does Electrolux Professional error code 35 mean?
The motor control watches the motor current very closely. When the current goes over the limit, it stops the motor and tries once more automatically. If the current exceeds the limit a second time, it gives up and the CPU board shows ERROR 035 / MOTOR SHORT CIRCUIT. The manual lists a short circuit in the motor, motor winding, cables or connectors, water drops in the motor connector, shorted output transistors in the motor control and a bad contact in the tacho or interlock signal. A technician finds the failing unit by resistance measurement and tests in the service program, and studies the logger in the motor control, which records short circuit 1 and 2, the last 8 codes and the tacho cut-out counters. Staff see the drum stop at start or when it speeds up.
Affected models and control systems
This applies to the W465H-W4300H, W475S-W4330S and W475N-W4330N washer-extractors, Type W3..., with the Compass Control. The motor control logger entries named in the manual are short circuit 1 and 2, the last 8 codes and the tacho cut-out counters.
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
- Display shows ERROR 035 / MOTOR SHORT CIRCUIT
- Drum stops soon after it starts to turn
- Machine tripped twice in a row
- Building breaker may trip
Possible causes
Listed in Electrolux Professional's documentation
- Short circuit in motor, motor winding, cables or connectors
- Water drops in motor connector
- Shorted output transistors in motor control
- Bad contact in tacho or interlock signal
Other likely causes — what usually sits behind error code 35 on this control. A technician confirms which one it is before any part is replaced.
- Leak from the tub seal or a hose dripping onto the motor connector
- Motor cable insulation rubbed through at a bracket
- Failed output transistors after earlier overheating events
Safe checks before calling for service
- Switch the machine off at the isolator and leave it off.
- Look for water on the floor or under the machine, without touching any wiring.
- Do not restart repeatedly, because every restart sends current through a possible short.
- Note any burning smell or water and the stage when it stopped, then call us.
How a technician diagnoses error code 35
- Read the code and the motor control logger: short circuit 1 and 2, the last 8 codes and the tacho cut-out counters.
- Locate the failing unit by resistance measurement of motor, cables and connectors.
- Inspect the motor connector for water.
- Run the service program tests to separate motor from motor control.
- Replace the defective part.
- The motor circuit carries high current at line voltage and shorts can be dangerous.
- Insulation and resistance tests must be done with the machine isolated.
- Output transistors in the motor control can only be judged by testing.
How error code 35 differs from similar codes
Code 35 follows an automatic restart that failed; compare code 31, 32, 37 and 38, which come from heat or voltage.
Technical reference
- Maker documentation
- Electrolux Professional owner support
- Edition
- 438 9228-61/EN, 2011.08.25
- Models / control
- Compass Control washer-extractors (CPU board, motor control, DLCU)
- Section
- Troubleshooting, printed p.128 (Error codes)
- 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 Electrolux Professional industrial laundry error codes
Why did it try twice?
The motor control restarts once automatically and reports code 35 if the current exceeds the limit again.
Can water cause this?
Yes. The manual lists water drops in the motor connector.
Should I keep trying to start it?
No. Repeated attempts can stress the motor control and a possible short.
Need help with Electrolux Professional error code 35?
A technician confirms the cause on site and gives you the price in writing before any work starts.