Wascomat Washer-Dryer Error Code 79: Filter Lid Open
Code 79 on the Selecta II dryer program unit means the machine started with the lint drawer open, or has run more than 40 hours without the lint drawer being emptied. Close the drawer and clean the filter. The manual marks this code as not relevant for the machine.
Low: it is a lint drawer reminder, and the dryer works again once the drawer is closed and cleaned.
What does Wascomat error 079 / filter lid open mean?
The Selecta II program unit in the Wascomat WD4130 and WD4240 keeps track of the lint drawer. It shows ERROR 079 / FILTER LID OPEN in two cases: if a start is attempted with the lint drawer open, and if the machine has run more than 40 hours without the drawer being emptied. The second case works as a cleaning reminder, so the code is not a failure of the machine. The manual's remedy is to close the lint drawer if it is open and to clean the filter. The same manual marks this code as not relevant for this machine, so it may never appear on some units, and it is listed on this page because the code number appears in the table for the washer-dryers.
Affected models and control systems
The dryer program unit (Selecta II) of Wascomat washer-dryers WD4130 and WD4240. The manual marks this code as not relevant for this machine.
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 079 / FILTER LID OPEN appears when you try to start the dryer
- The dryer will not start until the lint drawer is closed
- The message returns after many hours of running
- The lint drawer looks full
Possible causes
Likely causes — what usually sits behind error 079 / filter lid open on this control. A technician confirms which one it is before any part is replaced.
- Machine started with the lint drawer open
- More than 40 hours of running without the lint drawer being emptied
- A drawer that does not seat fully because lint has packed around its edge
- A drawer switch that is not pressed by the drawer when it is closed
Safe checks before calling for service
- Pull out the lint drawer, empty it and wipe lint from the filter.
- Push the drawer in until it seats fully.
- Start the dryer again and check that the message is gone.
- If the drawer is closed and clean but the code stays, note that and call us.
How a technician diagnoses error 079 / filter lid open
- Read the code and confirm it is code 79 in the Selecta II table.
- Check the lint drawer position and the switch that detects it.
- Confirm the drawer is empty and that the 40-hour reminder was reset.
- Inspect the switch wiring for a loose connection.
- Test the switch operation with the drawer closed.
- Replace the switch or wiring only if it fails the test.
- The drawer switch and its wiring are inside the cabinet near mains parts.
- Resetting the hours counter belongs to the service settings.
- A drawer switch that reads wrongly needs a meter to confirm.
How error 079 / filter lid open differs from similar codes
Unlike code 78 MACHINE OVERHEATED, code 79 is a lint drawer reminder and an open drawer check, not a temperature alert.
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
Does code 79 mean the dryer is broken?
No. It means the lint drawer is open or has not been emptied in over 40 hours of running.
How often should I empty the lint drawer?
Empty it regularly, well before 40 hours of running, because lint also affects airflow.
What if the drawer is closed and the code stays?
Then the switch that detects the drawer or its wiring may be defective, and a technician should check it.
Need help with Wascomat error 079 / filter lid open?
A technician confirms the cause on site and gives you the price in writing before any work starts.