Wascomat Washer-Dryer Error Code 78: Machine Overheated
Code 78 on the Selecta II dryer program unit means one of the protection thermostats opened because of overheating. This is E 08 in the Selecta II manual. Let the dryer cool, clean the lint filter, and call us if it returns.
High: overheating is a safety condition, and the dryer should not run until it is checked.
What does Wascomat error 078 / machine overheated mean?
The dryer section of the Wascomat WD4130 and WD4240 has protection thermostats that open when the temperature in the machine gets too high. When the Selecta II program unit sees one of them open, it shows ERROR 078 / MACHINE OVERHEATED, which the Selecta II manual lists as E 08. The display does not tell which thermostat opened, so the code is a general overheating alert. The manual gives no further steps and points the reader to the Selecta II service manual. Because a dryer overheats when heat cannot leave, such as when lint blocks the filter or the exhaust is restricted, airflow is a natural first thing to look at. Still, a thermostat can also open from a failed control of the heating, and only measurements show which.
Affected models and control systems
The dryer program unit (Selecta II) of Wascomat washer-dryers WD4130 and WD4240 only.
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 078 / MACHINE OVERHEATED appears on the dryer display
- The dryer stops and the cabinet feels very hot
- Drying times were getting longer before the code
- The dryer restarts after it has cooled and stops again
Possible causes
Likely causes — what usually sits behind error 078 / machine overheated on this control. A technician confirms which one it is before any part is replaced.
- Lint buildup in the filter or exhaust duct that traps heat in the drum
- A heating control that stays on too long and pushes the temperature past a thermostat limit
Safe checks before calling for service
- Switch the dryer off and let it cool completely.
- Empty and clean the lint filter, and check that the exhaust duct is not crushed or blocked.
- Restart a short program and see whether the code returns.
- If it does, do not keep running it. Note how hot the cabinet felt and how the dryer behaved before the code, then call us.
How a technician diagnoses error 078 / machine overheated
- Read the code and confirm it is E 08 in the Selecta II table.
- Follow the Selecta II service manual for the protection thermostats.
- Check the exhaust airflow and the lint path.
- Measure continuity of each protection thermostat after cooling.
- Check the heating control for sticking on.
- Replace the thermostat or heating control part only after the tests confirm it.
- Overheating in a dryer is a fire-safety matter, so the cause is found before the machine is used again.
- Thermostats and heating controls are tested near heaters and mains wiring.
- Identifying which thermostat opened takes measurements.
How error 078 / machine overheated differs from similar codes
Code 78 is the general overheating alert, while codes 75 and 76 name the fan motor and drum motor protection.
Technical reference
- Maker documentation
- Wascomat owner support
- Edition
- 438 9228-61/EN, 2011.08.25
- Models / control
- Compass Control dryer unit (DLCU dryer program unit)
- Section
- Troubleshooting, Error codes from DRYER PROGRAM UNIT, 'Only for WD4130, WD4240' (manual pp. 110, 138-139)
- 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 run the dryer again right away?
No. Let it cool, clean the lint path and test once. If it repeats, stop and call us.
Which thermostat opened?
The display does not say. A technician measures them after cooling.
Is lint really that important?
Yes, lint in the filter or duct is a common reason a dryer holds heat, so checking it is the first step.
Need help with Wascomat error 078 / machine overheated?
A technician confirms the cause on site and gives you the price in writing before any work starts.