Speed Queen Washer Error Code EI01: Infra-Red Transmission Failure
EI01 means an infra-red transmission to or from the control's window did not complete. It concerns the data link used for programming and audits, so water, drum and door behave as usual. Re-aim the external device and try again, and call us if EI01 shows on every attempt.
Low: it affects only the infra-red data link, and the washer keeps running.
- Code
- EI01
- Maker
- Speed Queen
- Equipment
- Washers
- Applies to
- Quantum frontload (FLW1535C family) electronic control; Quantum topload (TLW13C family) electronic control
What does Speed Queen error code EI01 mean?
Quantum frontload and topload washers have an infra-red window on the control. A technician or owner holds an outside programming or audit device in front of it to load settings or pull information. The window and the device pass the data in a short exchange. EI01 is posted when that transmission through the window did not complete, and it shows on the display during or right after the attempt. The message belongs to the data link and not to the wash cycle, so the washer fills, washes and spins as it normally would while the code shows. Because it only appears when someone is trying to use the device, it is easy to mistake for a machine failure. The manual's reasons to look at are the alignment between the device and the window, dirt or scratches over the window, whether the device was held still for the whole exchange, and the programming option values sent to the control.
Affected models and control systems
Quantum frontload (FLW1535C family) and Quantum topload (TLW13C family) washers with the electronic control and infra-red window.
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
- EI01 shows on the display after a programming or audit attempt
- The washer itself runs normally
- The code appears again each time the transfer is repeated
Possible causes
Listed in Speed Queen's documentation
- Alignment between the external device and the control's infra-red window
- Dirt or scratches over the window
- The device not held still for the whole exchange
- Programming option values sent to the control
Other likely causes — what usually sits behind error code EI01 on this control. A technician confirms which one it is before any part is replaced.
- A cracked or hazed lens over the window after years of cleaning chemicals
- An external device whose own infra-red sender has weakened
Safe checks before calling for service
- Point the external device straight at the control's infra-red window and try the transmission again.
- Keep your hand still until the display settles.
- A dry cloth across the control face removes smudges that can scatter the signal.
- If EI01 shows on every attempt, jot down the model label and reach out to us for a repair visit.
How a technician diagnoses error code EI01
- Read the full code and ask what was being sent and with which device.
- Inspect the infra-red window for scratches, film or damage.
- Repeat the exchange with a known-good external device at the right distance and angle.
- Check the programming option values being sent for a value the control refuses.
- Verify the control accepts a transfer on another unit of the same series.
- Replace the control only after a good device fails to link.
- The control board is on live 208-240 V supply, so checking its infra-red receiver is not an operator job.
- Deciding between a bad window and a bad external device means testing with known-good equipment.
- Service-menu programming has to be done with the machine's own settings data.
How error code EI01 differs from similar codes
EI01 is a transmission that did not complete. EI02, EI09 and EI0C report a time-out, a CRC-16 mismatch and an exceeded time limit on the same infra-red link.
Technical reference
- Document
- Commercial Frontload Washers Troubleshooting FLW1535C, Part No. 803402R2, March 2016, Section 4 Table 3 (pp. 18-20)
- Edition
- Part No. 803402R2, March 2016
- Models / control
- Quantum frontload (FLW1535C family) electronic control; Quantum topload (TLW13C family) electronic control
- Section
- Section 4 Electronic Control Troubleshooting - 8. Error Code Listing, Table 3, printed pp. 18-20 (PDF pp. 20-22)
- 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
Is EI01 a machine problem?
Not usually. It reports the data link used with the external device, not the wash itself.
Can customers still use the washer with EI01 showing?
Yes, the cycles are not what the code describes. Only the programming or audit exchange is affected.
What if EI01 returns after cleaning the window?
Try a different external device, and if it still fails, call us to check the control.
Need help with Speed Queen error code EI01?
A technician confirms the cause on site and gives you the price in writing before any work starts.