Wascomat Washer Error Code 35: Motor Short Circuit
Code 35 means the motor control saw excessive motor current again after an automatic restart. Do not keep restarting the washer. A technician should locate the short in the motor, cables, connector or motor control.
High: a persistent short can damage the motor or motor control, and the washer will not run.
What does Wascomat error code 35 mean?
When the motor control detects excessive motor current, it first protects itself, stops, and tries one automatic restart. If the current is still excessive after that restart, it sets ERROR 035 / MOTOR SHORT CIRCUIT. The two-step behavior separates a one-time spike from a real short. The manual lists five causes: a short circuit in the motor or a motor winding, a short in the motor cables or connectors, water drops in the motor connector, a short in the motor control's output transistors, and bad contact in the tacho or interlock signal. Its approach is to find the defective unit by resistance measurement and by tests in the service program, and to study the motor control error logger: the short circuit 1 and 2 counters, the last 8 codes and the tacho cut-out counters.
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 035 / MOTOR SHORT CIRCUIT appears right after the drum starts to turn
- The drum jerks or stops abruptly at start
- The code returns after the automatic restart
- The motor control may click or trip a breaker
Possible causes
Listed in Wascomat's documentation
- Short circuit in motor or motor winding
- Short circuit in motor cables or connectors
- Water drops in the motor connector
- Short circuit in the motor control output transistors
- 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.
- A leak near the motor that lets water reach the connector
- A motor cable chafed against a moving part, leaving bare conductor
Safe checks before calling for service
- Switch the machine off at the disconnect and leave it off.
- Look for water on the floor around the machine, without touching the motor area.
- Do not restart repeatedly, since each attempt sends current into the short.
- Write down when the code appeared and whether there was a leak or spill, then call us.
How a technician diagnoses error code 35
- Read the code and review the error logger counters: short circuit 1 and 2, last 8 codes and tacho cut-out.
- Measure resistance of the motor windings and between phases and ground.
- Inspect the motor cable and connectors for damage and for moisture.
- Check the tacho and interlock signal contacts.
- Run the service program tests to isolate the motor from the motor control.
- Replace the motor, cable or motor control based on which unit fails.
- A short circuit in the drive can damage the motor control, so power is kept off until it is traced.
- Resistance and insulation measurements need the machine isolated and opened.
- Water at the connector means checking for the leak source as well as the electrical part.
How error code 35 differs from similar codes
Code 35 differs from code 32 MOTOR TOO HOT: this is excessive current that persists after an automatic restart, not a temperature reading.
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
Can I reset it and keep going?
No. The motor control already retried once, so another try can damage the drive.
Could water cause it?
Yes, the manual lists water drops in the motor connector.
What do the counters show?
The short circuit 1 and 2 counters and the last 8 codes show how often and how the problem has occurred, which helps find the failing unit.
Need help with Wascomat error code 35?
A technician confirms the cause on site and gives you the price in writing before any work starts.