Speed Queen Quantum Topload Washer Error Code E tp: Thermal Protect
E tp means the motor's built-in protector tripped because the motor is overloaded or failing. The washer waits until the motor cools. If the display shows Push Start, press Start to continue, try a smaller load, and call us if E tp returns.
High: the motor is overheating, and the washer cannot run until it cools.
- Code
- E tp
- Maker
- Speed Queen
- Equipment
- Washers
- Applies to
- Quantum topload (TLW13C family) electronic control
What does Speed Queen error code E tp mean?
Inside the motor is a thermal protector that opens when the windings get too hot. On Quantum topload washers the control watches for that trip, stops the machine and shows E tp. The washer stays down until the motor cools, and a wet load may sit in the tub in the meantime. When the display shows Push Start, the control allows the cycle to continue on request. The code is about the motor, not about water or the lid, so it narrows the search to the drive. A heavy load that drags in the tub puts extra work on the motor, and so does a worn belt or other drive parts adding drag. A motor that cannot shed heat because airflow is poor will trip sooner, and motor wiring that is damaged can overheat the winding. One trip after an oversized load is normal protection; repeated trips on ordinary loads point to a drive or motor problem that is only going to get worse.
Affected models and control systems
This page covers Quantum topload washers in the TLW13C family. Other Speed Queen controls report motor trouble with different codes.
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
- The washer stops mid-cycle and stays quiet
- A wet load sits in the tub
- E tp shows, sometimes with Push Start
Possible causes
Listed in Speed Queen's documentation
- A heavy load that drags in the tub and loads the motor
- A motor that cannot shed heat because airflow is poor
- A worn belt or drive adding extra drag
- Motor wiring that is damaged and overheats the winding
Other likely causes — what usually sits behind error code E tp on this control. A technician confirms which one it is before any part is replaced.
- Lint packed around the motor housing that blocks cooling air in a busy laundry room
- A drive pulley that has begun to bind, so the motor works harder than the load requires
Safe checks before calling for service
- If the control displays Push Start, press Start to continue the cycle, as the owner's manual says.
- Leave the lid shut until the lock lets go.
- Try a smaller load.
- If E tp returns, note the load size and how long the motor had been running, and ask us to set up a visit.
How a technician diagnoses error code E tp
- Read the code and ask about load size, run time and room temperature.
- Check the area around the motor for lint and blocked airflow, with power off.
- Inspect the belt and drive parts for wear and free rotation.
- Measure motor winding resistance and the wiring to the motor.
- Check motor current under load and replace the motor or drive part only after it fails.
- The motor draws high current at line voltage, and measuring it under load is work for a licensed technician.
- A hot motor housing can burn, and reaching drive parts means working near a rotating assembly.
- Separating an overloaded motor from a dragging drive takes current and resistance readings.
Technical reference
- Document
- Commercial Troubleshooting Topload Washers TLW13C, Part No. 203502R4, March 2024, Error Code Listing (pp. 30-32)
- Edition
- Part No. 203502R4, March 2024
- Models / control
- Quantum topload (TLW13C family) electronic control
- Section
- Section 3 General Troubleshooting - 20. Error Code Listing, printed pp. 30-32 (PDF pp. 32-34)
- 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 Speed Queen washer error codes
Can I press Start when Push Start shows?
Yes, the control allows the cycle to continue on request, but repeated trips mean the motor needs a check.
How long until the motor cools?
The manual says the washer stops until the motor cools, so allow it time before restarting.
Is E tp a water problem?
No. It concerns the motor, not water or the lid.
Need help with Speed Queen error code E tp?
A technician confirms the cause on site and gives you the price in writing before any work starts.