Error Code C2

The C2 Error Code displayed on your AEG, Electrolux, Quelle, or Privileg dishwasher indicates a critical problem with water drainage. This means the appliance is unable to successfully pump the water out of the tub during or at the end of a cycle.

This error is a serious fault that prevents the dishwasher from continuing operation, usually due to a blockage in the drainage system or a mechanical failure of the drain pump.

C2 Error Code Meaning

The C2 code signals a “Drain Cycle Timeout” error. The dishwasher monitors the water level using a pressure sensor or float switch. When the control board activates the drain pump, it expects the sensor to signal an “empty” status within a specific timeframe (typically 90 to 120 seconds). If residual water remains in the sump after this time limit, the control board interprets this as a drain failure and locks out operation, displaying the C2 code.

Possible Causes for C2 Error

The C2 error is almost always related to a physical obstruction or a component failure along the path water travels out of the machine.

• Clogged Filter Assembly: The coarse and fine mesh filters in the bottom of the tub are completely blocked by food debris, glass shards, or foreign objects, preventing water from reaching the sump pump inlet.
• Blocked Drain Pump Impeller: Small foreign objects (e.g., bone fragments, broken glass, plastic pieces, seeds) have passed through the filters and are jamming the drain pump impeller, preventing it from spinning.
• Kinked or Crushed Drain Hose: The flexible drain hose connecting the dishwasher to the household plumbing may be pinched, bent, or compressed, severely restricting water flow. This often happens if the dishwasher is pushed too far back into the cabinet space.
• Drain Hose Blockage: Grease buildup, sediment, or internal debris accumulation within the drain hose itself, especially near the high loop or connection point.
• Blocked Air Gap or Standpipe: If your drain hose connects to an air gap device on the counter or directly into a garbage disposal/sink drain, that external plumbing point may be clogged.
• Failed Drain Pump: The drain pump motor has failed electrically, or the rotor/impeller assembly is mechanically defective and needs replacement.
• Faulty Check Valve (Non-Return Valve): A check valve located near the pump exit may be stuck closed, preventing water from exiting the appliance.

Troubleshooting Steps

Safety First: Always unplug the dishwasher from the electrical outlet before accessing internal components, especially the sump area, to prevent shock hazards.

1. Clear Standing Water and Check Filters

1. Disconnect Power: Unplug the appliance or turn off the circuit breaker dedicated to the dishwasher.
2. Remove Standing Water: Use a towel or cup to manually bail out any water remaining in the tub before proceeding.
3. Clean the Filter Assembly: Locate the filter assembly (usually twist-locked in the bottom center of the tub). Remove the coarse and fine filters completely. Rinse them thoroughly under running water, scrubbing any stubborn residue. Ensure the area beneath the filters (the sump) is free of debris.

2. Inspect the Drain Pump Sump

4. Access the Sump Area: After removing the filters, you can usually see the drain pump inlet, sometimes covered by a screen or cap. Use a flashlight to inspect this area for foreign objects (like labels, broken utensils, or shattered glass).
5. Clear the Impeller: Carefully reach into the sump opening (or remove the sump cover, if applicable) and attempt to turn the drain pump impeller manually with a finger or blunt object. It should spin freely. If it is jammed, remove the obstruction.

3. Check the Drain Hose and Connections

6. Inspect the Hose for Kinks: Pull the dishwasher slightly away from the wall (if possible) and inspect the entire length of the flexible drain hose running behind it. Straighten any kinks or tight bends.
7. Verify External Plumbing: Disconnect the drain hose from the sink plumbing, air gap, or garbage disposal. Place the end of the hose in a bucket. Plug the dishwasher back in (carefully, ensuring the exposed electrical components are dry) and run a short cycle or the drain function. If water pumps strongly into the bucket, the blockage is in your house plumbing, not the dishwasher.

4. Test the Drain Pump (If Accessible)

8. Verify Pump Function (Advanced): If the pump impeller is clear and the hose is unblocked, the pump itself may be faulty. If you have a multimeter, you can check the pump’s resistance (continuity) while the machine is unplugged. Consult your manual for the expected ohmic values. If the motor shows no continuity, it needs replacement.

5. Reset the Appliance

9. Perform a Hard Reset: Once you have addressed potential blockages, plug the dishwasher back in. Run a diagnostics cycle or perform a hard reset by briefly turning the appliance off and on, or by holding the start button for five seconds (check your specific model’s reset procedure). Attempt to run a short cycle to confirm the C2 error is cleared.

When to Call a Professional Technician

While many C2 errors are solved by clearing a simple blockage, professional assistance is required if:

• Pump Replacement is Necessary: Replacing the drain pump involves tilting or pulling out the machine, dealing with water lines, and handling electrical connections. If you are not comfortable performing this repair, call a certified technician.
• The Issue is Intermittent or Electrical: If the drain pump appears functional but the control board still throws the C2 code, the issue might be a faulty pressure sensor, a wiring harness problem, or a main control board malfunction. These electronic faults require specialized diagnostic tools.
• The Error Persists: If you have diligently performed all troubleshooting steps (clearing filters, checking the hose, and verifying the impeller spins) and the C2 error immediately returns, the underlying problem requires expert diagnosis.