🌿String Trimmer

E20

STIHL · FSA 57 Battery Trimmer

STIHL FSA 57 Battery Trimmer E20 Error Fix: Line Feed Motor Failure

The small motor responsible for advancing the cutting line has failed, preventing automatic line feed functionality.

High severity2 fixes available

Quick Answer

Error E20 on the STIHL FSA 57 Battery Trimmer means: Line Feed Motor Failure. The top-ranked community fix is “Replace Line Feed Motor” (hard difficulty, ~45 min, DIY cost: $40-$60). 2 community-ranked fixes available below.

Published February 2026 · 2 fixes · string trimmer

Content is based on manufacturer service documentation, community repair experience, and OEM technical bulletins. Always verify with your owner's manual.Learn about our editorial standards.

Root Cause Analysis

Motor FailurePrimary

When to Call a Professional

While many string trimmer repairs can be done safely at home, consider hiring a qualified technician if:

This is a high severity error — continued use may cause damage or a safety hazard
The repair involves electrical wiring, gas lines, or refrigerant
You've tried the top-ranked fix and the error persists
You smell gas, see sparking, or notice water leaking
The repair requires specialized tools you don't have
Your appliance is still under manufacturer warranty

Average professional repair cost for this issue: $150-$220.

Other STIHL Models with Error E20

BG 86 C-E Blower

leaf_blower · 2 fixes

BGA 57 Battery Blower

leaf_blower · 2 fixes

BR 600 Backpack Blower

leaf_blower · 2 fixes

FS 56 RC-E Trimmer

string_trimmer · 2 fixes

MS 180 C-BE Chainsaw

chainsaw · 2 fixes

MS 250 45.4 cc 2-Stroke Gas Chainsaw with 18" Bar and Anti-Vibration System

chainsaw · 2 fixes

MS 362 C-M Chainsaw

chainsaw · 2 fixes

MSA 220 C-B Battery

chainsaw · 2 fixes

Other STIHL FSA 57 Battery Trimmer Error Codes

E01

Battery Communication Error

2 fixes

E02

Motor Overload Protection Triggered

2 fixes

E03

Line Feed Malfunction

Speed Sensor Fault

Control Board Failure

2 fixes

E06

Charging Circuit Failure

2 fixes

E07

Thermal Cutoff Activated

2 fixes

E08

Line Sensor Fault

2 fixes

People Also Ask About STIHL FSA 57 Battery Trimmer Error E20

What does error code E20 mean on a STIHL FSA 57 Battery Trimmer?

Error code E20 on the STIHL FSA 57 Battery Trimmer means: Line Feed Motor Failure. The small motor responsible for advancing the cutting line has failed, preventing automatic line feed functionality.

How do I fix error code E20 on my STIHL FSA 57 Battery Trimmer?

The most successful fix is "Replace Line Feed Motor" (hard difficulty, ~45 minutes). Estimated DIY cost: $40-$60. HomeMD has 2 community-ranked fixes for this error.

Is error code E20 on a STIHL FSA 57 Battery Trimmer serious?

This error is rated high severity. You should address it promptly — continued use could cause damage or safety concerns.

Can I fix STIHL FSA 57 Battery Trimmer error E20 myself?

Yes — the top-ranked community fix ("Replace Line Feed Motor") is rated hard difficulty and takes about 45 minutes. Tools needed: Phillips screwdriver, Needle nose pliers.

How much does it cost to repair STIHL FSA 57 Battery Trimmer error E20?

DIY cost: $40-$60. Professional repair typically costs $150-$220. Many homeowners save money by trying the top-ranked community fix first.

What other error codes does the STIHL FSA 57 Battery Trimmer have?

The STIHL FSA 57 Battery Trimmer has 8 other known error codes, including: E01 (Battery Communication Error), E02 (Motor Overload Protection Triggered), E03 (Line Feed Malfunction), E04 (Speed Sensor Fault), E05 (Control Board Failure), and 3 more.

Which other STIHL models have the E20 error?

Error code E20 also appears on 8 other STIHL models: BG 86 C-E Blower, BGA 57 Battery Blower, BR 600 Backpack Blower, FS 56 RC-E Trimmer, MS 180 C-BE Chainsaw, MS 250 45.4 cc 2-Stroke Gas Chainsaw with 18" Bar and Anti-Vibration System, and 2 more. The fix may vary by model, so check each model's specific page for tailored repair steps.

What other error codes does the STIHL FSA 57 Battery Trimmer have?

The STIHL FSA 57 Battery Trimmer has 8 other known error codes:

E01 — Battery Communication Error (2 fixes)
E02 — Motor Overload Protection Triggered (2 fixes)
E03 — Line Feed Malfunction (2 fixes)
E04 — Speed Sensor Fault (2 fixes)
E05 — Control Board Failure (2 fixes)
E06 — Charging Circuit Failure (2 fixes)
E07 — Thermal Cutoff Activated (2 fixes)
E08 — Line Sensor Fault (2 fixes)

Which other STIHL models have the E20 error?

Error code E20 also appears on 8 other STIHL models:

BG 86 C-E Blower (leaf blower) · 2 fixes
BGA 57 Battery Blower (leaf blower) · 2 fixes
BR 600 Backpack Blower (leaf blower) · 2 fixes
FS 56 RC-E Trimmer (string trimmer) · 2 fixes
MS 180 C-BE Chainsaw (chainsaw) · 2 fixes
MS 250 45.4 cc 2-Stroke Gas Chainsaw with 18" Bar and Anti-Vibration System (chainsaw) · 2 fixes
MS 362 C-M Chainsaw (chainsaw) · 2 fixes
MSA 220 C-B Battery (chainsaw) · 2 fixes

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