Speed Queen Washer Er, BS Error Code: What It Means & What to Check
Q: My Speed Queen washer is showing Er, BS. What does it mean, and what should I check?
A: On many Speed Queen washers, Er, BS indicates a drive board shorted / hardware fault. In plain English: the washer detected a serious problem in the motor-drive electronics (often called the drive board or inverter). This is more than a “try again” message—many times it means the drive system detected a fault condition that requires professional diagnosis and repair.
You can do a couple of safe steps to rule out a one-time glitch after a power event, but if the code returns, the washer should be serviced.
What you might notice
- The washer stops and displays Er, BS
- The washer won’t start a cycle, or stops when the motor should begin moving
- The error may appear during agitation or spin
- You may notice a brief electrical smell, unusual noise, or the washer “tries” to start and then quits (not always)
- The issue may begin after a surge, outage, or power flicker (sometimes)
Safety first
- Stop using the washer if the code repeats. A hardware/short fault is not something to “push through.”
- If you smell burning, see scorch marks, or the outlet/plug feels hot, unplug the washer and do not use it until inspected.
- Do not remove panels or attempt electrical testing—motor-drive circuits can involve stored energy and higher voltages.
- Avoid repeated resets if the code comes right back.
Step-by-step quick checks (safe homeowner checks)
1) Perform one clean power reset
- Press Power to stop/clear the display.
- Unplug the washer for 2 minutes.
- Plug it back in and try a short test cycle.
2) Confirm the washer is on stable power
- Plug directly into a proper wall outlet (no extension cords or power strips).
- If you recently had a storm/outage, wait 10–30 minutes for power to stabilize before retesting.
- If lights are flickering or other electronics are rebooting, avoid running the washer until power is steady.
3) If the code returns, stop troubleshooting and schedule service
- Because Er, BS points to a hardware fault, repeated attempts can increase the chance of additional damage.
- At this point, the safest next move is a professional diagnosis.
Common causes (and likely parts)
- Drive board / inverter hardware failure (shorted components)
- Motor or motor wiring issue that causes the drive board to fault (service-level diagnosis)
- Wiring harness/connector damage causing a short or abnormal load
- Surge/power event that damaged drive electronics
- Main control board involvement (less common, but possible depending on model)
When to call Beacon
If Er, BS comes back after a single reset—or if you notice any burning smell, heat, or repeated shutdowns—call our friendly technicians in yellow. We can safely test the drive system, check wiring connections, and confirm whether the drive board/inverter, motor, or harness is the root cause so the repair is done right the first time.
Request service online or call (352) 726-7530. You can also visit www.BeaconSaves.com.
Content Update & Editorial Review
Date: February 21, 2026
Reviewed by: Chris
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Er, BS a serious error?
Yes. It typically indicates a hardware fault in the drive system. If it repeats, the washer should be serviced to prevent further damage.
Can a power surge cause Er, BS?
It can. Surges or electrical events can damage sensitive electronics like the drive board/inverter. If the code started after a storm or outage, that’s an important clue.
Is the drive board the same as the main control board?
No. The main control manages the overall cycle. The drive board (inverter) specifically controls the motor. They communicate, and either one (or the wiring between them) can contribute to faults.
Will unplugging the washer fix Er, BS?
A reset may clear a one-time glitch, but a true hardware fault usually returns. If it comes back after one reset, schedule service.
Should I keep trying to restart the washer?
No. If Er, BS returns quickly, stop repeated attempts. That’s the best way to protect the electronics and avoid additional damage.
What should I tell Beacon when I call?
Tell us the code (Er, BS), when it happens (start vs spin), whether it began after a power event, and whether you noticed any smell/heat/noise. That helps our friendly technicians in yellow diagnose faster.