Magic Chef Washer E2 — What It Means & How to Fix It
Your Magic Chef washer shows E2 when the lid has been opened while a program or the delay timer is running — close the lid and the alarm stops.
What this code means
Magic Chef's manual calls E2 the open lid alarm. It is raised by opening the lid after starting the delay function, or opening it while the washer is running a program. The washer buzzes for 10 seconds every 16 minutes until the lid is closed.
Magic Chef's user manual for the MCSTCW21W2 2.1 cu. ft. washer lists E2 as the open lid alarm. Other Magic Chef washers number their codes differently, so check the code table in the manual for your own model number.
Most likely causes
| Cause | How likely | DIY-fixable? |
|---|---|---|
| Lid left open or not fully closed | Very common | Yes — no tools |
| Laundry or an object caught under the lid rim | Common | Yes — no tools |
| Lid opened part-way through a cycle | Common | Yes — close and restart |
| Failed lid switch | Less common | No — technician job |
What you can try yourself
- Close the lid and press it down until it sits flat all the way round.
- Check the rim for clothing or anything else holding the lid up, and clear it.
- The alarm stops and the washer returns to what it was doing before the alarm.
- If E2 stays with the lid clearly closed, unplug the washer for a minute and try again.
- If it still shows, stop there — the lid switch needs a technician.
Seeing the symptom rather than the code? Washer door or lid trouble: checks that apply across brands.
When to call a technician
- E2 stays on with the lid fully closed and nothing caught under it.
- The lid or its hinge is damaged and no longer sits flat.
- The alarm returns every cycle even when the lid is never opened.
Typical professional repair cost: Usually $0 — closing the lid clears it. Lid switch replacement on a Magic Chef washer typically runs $90—$180 including labor.
Frequently asked questions
What is the open lid alarm (E2) on a Magic Chef washer?
On the MCSTCW21W2 it means the lid was opened after the delay function was started, or while a program was running. Close the lid to stop the alarm.
Can I add clothes mid-cycle without triggering E2?
Opening the lid while a program is running is what raises E2 on this model. Close the lid again and the washer returns to its previous status.
Sources checked
Error meanings can vary by model. This guide was checked against the documentation above; use the manual for the model number on your own appliance when it differs.
Related Magic Chef codes
- Magic Chef Washer E1 Your Magic Chef washer can't fill in time — E1 is the 'water hose' alarm, usually a tap not fully open, a kinked inlet hose, or low water pressure.
- Magic Chef Washer E3 Your Magic Chef washer can't balance the load to spin — E3 is the imbalance alarm, cleared by redistributing the wet laundry and levelling the machine.
- Magic Chef Washer E4 Your Magic Chef washer couldn't drain in time — E4 is the drain alarm, raised when the tub doesn't empty within about four minutes, usually a kinked or badly placed drain hose.
- Magic Chef Washer E5 Your Magic Chef washer shows E5 for the overflow alarm — the drain valve stays open until you step in, so turn off the water tap first.
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