🪵Chainsaw

E20

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

STIHL MS 250 45.4 cc 2-Stroke Gas Chainsaw with 18" Bar and Anti-Vibration System E20 Error Fix: Chain Brake Sensor Fault

The electronic sensor detecting the chain brake position is malfunctioning or disconnected, causing the chainsaw to not start or operate properly.

critical2 fixes available

Quick Answer

Error E20 on the STIHL MS 250 45.4 cc 2-Stroke Gas Chainsaw with 18" Bar and Anti-Vibration System means: Chain Brake Sensor Fault. The top-ranked community fix is “Replace Chain Brake Sensor” (hard difficulty, ~45 min, DIY cost: $40-$60). 2 community-ranked fixes available below.

Published February 2026 · 2 fixes · chainsaw

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

Sensor MalfunctionPrimary

Electrical Fault

When to Call a Professional

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

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: $160-$210.

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

FSA 57 Battery Trimmer

string_trimmer · 2 fixes

MS 180 C-BE Chainsaw

chainsaw · 2 fixes

MS 362 C-M Chainsaw

chainsaw · 2 fixes

MSA 220 C-B Battery

chainsaw · 2 fixes

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

Ignition Failure

Carburetor Flooded

Air Filter Clogged

Fuel Line Cracked

Chain Brake Stuck

Starter Rope Broken

Clutch Slipping

Chain Dull

People Also Ask About STIHL MS 250 45.4 cc 2-Stroke Gas Chainsaw with 18" Bar and Anti-Vibration System Error E20

What does error code E20 mean on a STIHL MS 250 45.4 cc 2-Stroke Gas Chainsaw with 18" Bar and Anti-Vibration System?

Error code E20 on the STIHL MS 250 45.4 cc 2-Stroke Gas Chainsaw with 18" Bar and Anti-Vibration System means: Chain Brake Sensor Fault. The electronic sensor detecting the chain brake position is malfunctioning or disconnected, causing the chainsaw to not start or operate properly.

How do I fix error code E20 on my STIHL MS 250 45.4 cc 2-Stroke Gas Chainsaw with 18" Bar and Anti-Vibration System?

The most successful fix is "Replace Chain Brake Sensor" (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 MS 250 45.4 cc 2-Stroke Gas Chainsaw with 18" Bar and Anti-Vibration System serious?

This error is rated critical severity. It is generally not urgent and can often be resolved with a simple DIY fix.

Can I fix STIHL MS 250 45.4 cc 2-Stroke Gas Chainsaw with 18" Bar and Anti-Vibration System error E20 myself?

Yes — the top-ranked community fix ("Replace Chain Brake Sensor") is rated hard difficulty and takes about 45 minutes. Tools needed: Screwdrivers, Multimeter.

How much does it cost to repair STIHL MS 250 45.4 cc 2-Stroke Gas Chainsaw with 18" Bar and Anti-Vibration System error E20?

DIY cost: $40-$60. Professional repair typically costs $160-$210. Many homeowners save money by trying the top-ranked community fix first.

What other error codes does the STIHL MS 250 45.4 cc 2-Stroke Gas Chainsaw with 18" Bar and Anti-Vibration System have?

The STIHL MS 250 45.4 cc 2-Stroke Gas Chainsaw with 18" Bar and Anti-Vibration System has 8 other known error codes, including: E01 (Ignition Failure), E02 (Carburetor Flooded), E03 (Air Filter Clogged), E04 (Fuel Line Cracked), E05 (Chain Brake Stuck), 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, FSA 57 Battery Trimmer, MS 180 C-BE Chainsaw, 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 MS 250 45.4 cc 2-Stroke Gas Chainsaw with 18" Bar and Anti-Vibration System have?

The STIHL MS 250 45.4 cc 2-Stroke Gas Chainsaw with 18" Bar and Anti-Vibration System has 8 other known error codes:

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
FSA 57 Battery Trimmer (string trimmer) · 2 fixes
MS 180 C-BE Chainsaw (chainsaw) · 2 fixes
MS 362 C-M Chainsaw (chainsaw) · 2 fixes
MSA 220 C-B Battery (chainsaw) · 2 fixes

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