The error code EC18 on your Speed Queen washer indicates a No Communication issue. This means the washer's control board couldn't establish communication with the card reader you use for payment or cycle selection (if applicable to your model). This is similar to the EC11 error code, but EC18 suggests a complete loss of communication after initialisation, whereas EC11 suggests a problem during the initial startup process.
Here's a breakdown of the problem, potential causes, and troubleshooting steps you can try.
No Communication (EC18)
- Communication Breakdown: The error code suggests a failure in the communication link between the control board (the washer's brain) and the card reader. This could prevent the washer from reading card data or receiving instructions from it.
Potential Causes
- Loose Connection: The most likely cause is a loose connection between the card reader and the control board within the washer. Vibrations during wash cycles can sometimes cause these connections to loosen.
- Faulty Card Reader (Less Likely): In less frequent cases, the card reader itself might be malfunctioning and unable to communicate with the control board.
- Faulty Control Board (Less Likely): In rare cases, the issue might originate from a malfunction within the washer's control board, affecting its ability to communicate with peripherals like the card reader.
The troubleshooting steps for EC18 involve checking connections within the washer, which can be delicate and require technical expertise. Since the error code can point to a loose connection, faulty card reader, or even a control board issue, user troubleshooting is not recommended.
Recommended Course of Action
- Contact Speed Queen Support: Contact Speed Queen's customer support for assistance. They can answer your questions and guide you through any basic troubleshooting steps they recommend for your washer model.
- Schedule a Technician Visit: In most cases, they will likely recommend scheduling a visit from a qualified technician to diagnose the exact cause of the communication failure (EC18) and perform any necessary repairs (e.g., tightening connections, replacing the card reader, or troubleshooting the control board).
By understanding the EC18 error code, you can recognize when there's a communication issue between the card reader and the control board in your Speed Queen washer. Consulting Speed Queen support and potentially scheduling a technician's visit will ensure a proper diagnosis and repair of the communication failure.