E12 Arçelik washing machine E12 error: Aquastop triggered

What it means

According to Arçelik, error E12 means the water level has reached the Aquastop level — the leak protection system. In other words, the machine suspects a leak and stops so that it does not flood your home.

Do not ignore this error: unplug the machine first and check whether there is water under it.

Likely causes

Possible causes:

• a leak inside the machine — from a hose, a connector, the pump or the tub;
• water in the machine's base tray;
• a loose inlet or drain hose connection;
• a pump filter not screwed back properly after cleaning;
• less often, a faulty water level sensor or Aquastop sensor.

Safe steps you can try

1. Unplug the machine.
2. Check the floor under and around the machine. If there is water, dry it and look for where it comes from: hose connections, the pump filter, the detergent drawer.
3. Tighten any loose hose connections and screw the pump filter in firmly.
4. Switch the machine on and start the programme again — see whether the error has cleared.
5. If E12 appears again, turn off the water tap and call a technician — this is what Arçelik advises.

When to call a technician

Call a technician if the error comes back or water appears under the machine again. Keep the water tap closed and do not use the machine until it is repaired.

The technician will find the leak (hoses, connectors, pump, tub), check the level sensor and the Aquastop system and fix the fault.