Wascomat Washer Error Code 32: Motor Too Hot
Code 32 means the motor control calculated that the motor winding temperature is above its maximum, for example 150 C. Let the machine cool and check that the drum turns freely. If the code returns, a technician should test the motor, its cable and the control.
High: the motor protection stops the drum, and repeated overheating can damage the motor.
What does Wascomat error code 32 mean?
The Compass motor control does not use a separate temperature sensor for this check. At each start it measures the resistance of the motor winding, which rises with temperature, and converts it to a temperature. It averages the last four readings. If that average exceeds the maximum motor temperature, for example 150 C, it sets ERROR 032 / MOTOR TOO HOT. The manual names five causes. A stiff drum with intensive use and high ambient temperature loads the motor. A motor problem such as sticking bearings or a short in the windings does the same. A contact error in the connectors between motor control and motor, a problem in the motor cable, or a problem in the motor control's temperature measurement circuits can all make the resistance reading look too high, even if the motor itself is not hot.
Affected models and control systems
Wascomat washer-extractors W465H-W4300H, W475S-W4330S and W475N-W4330N with the Compass Control and its motor control (MCU).
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
- ERROR 032 / MOTOR TOO HOT appears and the drum stops
- The motor housing is hot after repeated loads
- The code appears at start, before the drum has run long
- The washer restarts after cooling but trips again under load
Possible causes
Listed in Wascomat's documentation
- Stiff drum, intensive use, high ambient temperature
- Motor problem (sticking bearings, short in windings)
- Contact error in connectors between motor control and motor
- Problem in the motor cable
- Problem in the motor control temperature measurement circuits
Other likely causes — what usually sits behind error code 32 on this control. A technician confirms which one it is before any part is replaced.
- A drive belt or bearing drag that makes the motor work harder on every start
- A ventilation grille behind the machine blocked by lint or stacked supplies
Safe checks before calling for service
- Switch the machine off and let it cool for at least 30 minutes.
- Check that the load is within the washer's rated capacity.
- Clear lint and stored items from around the machine so the motor can ventilate.
- Restart with a lighter load. If the code returns, note how many loads ran before it and the room temperature, then call us.
How a technician diagnoses error code 32
- Read the code and check the code 32 counter and the last 8 error codes.
- Make sure the drum turns easily and check bearings and belts.
- Compare the three phase resistances at the motor connector.
- Run a 90 C program under load and measure motor and motor control temperatures.
- Inspect the connectors and motor cable between the motor control and the motor.
- Replace the defective motor, cable or motor control based on the results.
- Measuring phase resistance at the motor connector and running a loaded test happen near hot parts and moving machinery.
- The motor control and its mains supply are inside the cabinet.
- Telling a real overheat from a bad connector reading needs measurements at temperature.
How error code 32 differs from similar codes
Code 09 KLIXON reports a thermal breaker in the motor opening, while code 32 is calculated from the winding resistance measured at each start.
Technical reference
- Maker documentation
- Wascomat owner support
- Edition
- 438 9228-61/EN, 2011.08.25
- Models / control
- Compass Control W-series washer-extractors (MCU motor control)
- Section
- Troubleshooting, Description of error codes and causes (manual pp. 108-138)
- 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 Wascomat washer error codes
Does code 32 mean the motor is burned out?
Not always. It may be a hot motor, a bad connector or a measurement circuit that reads wrongly. Tests show which.
Can I restart it once it cools?
Yes, with a lighter load. If it trips again quickly, stop and call us.
How is it different from code 31?
Code 31 is the motor control's cooling flange over 90 C. Code 32 is the motor winding temperature derived from its resistance.
Need help with Wascomat error code 32?
A technician confirms the cause on site and gives you the price in writing before any work starts.