The E17 error on your Hoover Washing means the heating element circuit has failed or is not functioning correctly. This prevents your machine from heating water to the required temperature for your selected wash cycle.
| Error code | E17 |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Heating element fault or heating circuit malfunction |
| Severity | Medium — machine may still wash with cold water but won't complete hot wash cycles |
| Time to fix | 30–90 minutes |
| Tools needed | Multimeter, screwdriver set, pliers, towels |
What the E17 error means
The E17 error code indicates that your Hoover washing machine has detected a problem with the heating system. This could mean the heating element itself has failed, the wiring connections are faulty, or the control board is not receiving proper feedback from the heating circuit. When this error appears, the machine typically stops mid-cycle because it cannot reach the temperature required for your selected program. The heating element is responsible for warming the water to temperatures ranging from 30°C to 90°C depending on your wash settings.
Common causes
- Failed or burnt-out heating element that no longer conducts electricity properly
- Loose or corroded wiring connections to the heating element or thermistor
- Faulty NTC thermistor that cannot accurately measure water temperature
- Damaged heating element due to limescale buildup in hard water areas
- Tripped thermal cutout switch on the heating element from overheating
- Control board fault affecting the heating circuit relay or control signals
How to fix the E17 error
- Reset the machine and check for temporary faults: Turn off the washing machine and unplug it from the mains for at least five minutes. This allows the control board to reset and any thermal cutout switches to cool down. Plug the machine back in and run a hot wash cycle to see if the error returns. If the error was caused by a temporary glitch or thermal trip, this may resolve it.
- Test the heating element resistance: Unplug the machine and turn off the water supply. Remove the back or front panel to access the heating element, typically located at the bottom of the drum. Disconnect the wires from the heating element terminals and use a multimeter set to ohms. A working Hoover heating element should read between 20 and 50 ohms. An infinite reading means the element is open circuit and needs replacing. Also check for continuity between each terminal and the metal body of the element - there should be no connection, as this indicates a short to earth.
- Inspect and clean the thermistor: Locate the NTC thermistor, usually mounted near or on the heating element. Disconnect it and check the resistance with a multimeter at room temperature - it should read approximately 10,000 to 50,000 ohms depending on the exact temperature. Clean any limescale or debris from the sensor tip. If the reading is infinite or zero, replace the thermistor. Check all wiring connections for corrosion, burns, or loose terminals.
- Check for limescale damage and descale if necessary: If you live in a hard water area, limescale can coat the heating element and cause it to overheat and fail. Carefully inspect the element for white crusty deposits. Run an empty hot wash cycle with a washing machine descaler product or 500ml of white vinegar to remove buildup. Heavy limescale damage may have already destroyed the element, requiring replacement.
- Replace the heating element: If testing confirms the element is faulty, order a genuine Hoover replacement part using your model number. Drain any remaining water from the machine using the drain filter. Disconnect the wiring and unbolt the heating element from the drum housing. Remove the old element, clean the mounting area, and install the new element with a new gasket or seal. Reconnect the wiring, reassemble the machine, and run a test cycle.
- Contact a qualified engineer for control board issues: If the heating element, thermistor, and all wiring connections test correctly, the fault likely lies with the main control board. The heating relay on the board may have failed, or the control circuitry is not sending proper signals. Control board diagnosis and repair requires specialist knowledge and equipment, so contact Hoover customer service or a qualified appliance engineer for further assistance.
FAQ
Can I still use my Hoover washing machine with the E17 error?
You may be able to use cold wash cycles only, but the machine will likely display the error and stop during any program requiring heated water. Running the machine with a faulty heating element is not recommended as it may cause further damage to electrical components or create a safety hazard. It is best to resolve the error before continued use.
How much does it cost to replace a Hoover washing machine heating element?
A genuine Hoover heating element typically costs between £20 and £50 depending on your model. If you hire a professional engineer, expect to pay an additional £60 to £120 for labour, bringing the total repair cost to approximately £80 to £170. DIY replacement can save on labour costs if you are confident working with appliances.
Why does the E17 error appear only on hot washes?
The E17 error specifically relates to the heating circuit, which is only activated during wash programs that require heated water. Cold wash cycles do not engage the heating element, so the fault goes undetected. If your machine works fine on cold washes but fails on warm or hot cycles, this confirms a heating system fault rather than other mechanical or drainage issues.
