Magic Chef Washer E5 — What It Means & How to Fix It
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.
What this code means
Magic Chef's manual calls E5 the overflow alarm and names the water inlet hose as the cause. It adds a note: during an overflow alarm the washer's drain valve remains opened until manual intervention, meaning the washer keeps draining until you shut it off.
Magic Chef's user manual for the MCSTCW21W2 2.1 cu. ft. washer lists E5 as the overflow 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? |
|---|---|---|
| Water still entering through the inlet hose | Common | Yes — turn off the tap |
| Water inlet valve not closing fully | Common | No — technician job |
| Water level sensor or its air hose faulty | Common | No — technician job |
What you can try yourself
- Turn off the water tap the inlet hose is connected to.
- Let the washer finish draining, then switch it off and unplug it.
- Check that the inlet hose is connected correctly and not damaged.
- Restore power and start a short program while you watch the fill.
- If the tub overfills again, turn the water off and call a technician.
Seeing the symptom rather than the code? Washer won't drain: checks that apply across brands.
When to call a technician
- E5 returns on the next fill.
- Water keeps entering the tub with the washer switched off.
- Water has spilled onto the floor.
Typical professional repair cost: Inlet valve or water-level sensor repairs on a compact washer typically run $100—$200 including labor.
Frequently asked questions
What is the overflow alarm (E5) on a Magic Chef washer?
On the MCSTCW21W2 it means too much water has entered the tub. The manual names the water inlet hose as the cause and notes that the drain valve stays open until you shut the washer off.
Why does the washer keep draining with E5 showing?
That is by design: the manual says the drain valve remains opened during an overflow alarm until manual intervention. Turn off the water tap, then switch the washer off.
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 E2 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.
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