Understanding Washing Machine Error Codes
Modern washing machines use electronic fault codes to identify problems. When something goes wrong, the machine stops and displays a code on its display panel (or flashes its indicator lights in a specific sequence on machines without a display). These codes can save you significant time and money by pointing an engineer directly to the faulty component.
Bosch / Siemens / Neff Error Codes
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| Code | Meaning | Action |
|---|---|---|
| E18 / F18 | Pump/drain fault | Clean filter; check drain hose |
| E17 / F17 | Water inlet fault | Check water supply and inlet hose |
| E23 | Leakage / Aquastop triggered | Engineer required — check for leak |
| E27 | Voltage fault | Check socket and power supply |
| E3 / F3 | Heating fault | Engineer required — likely element |
Samsung Error Codes
| Code | Meaning | Action |
|---|---|---|
| 4E / 4C | Water not filling | Check water supply and inlet valve |
| 5E / 5C | Drain fault | Clean filter; check drain hose |
| 3E / 3C | Motor fault | Engineer required |
| UE / Ub | Unbalanced load | Redistribute load and retry |
| LE / LC | Leak detected | Check under machine; engineer required |
Hotpoint / Indesit Error Codes
| Code | Meaning | Action |
|---|---|---|
| F-01 | Door lock fault | Check door is closed; may need new lock |
| F-05 | Drain fault | Clean filter; check pump |
| F-07 / F-08 | Heating fault | Engineer required — element or sensor |
| F-11 | Pump circuit fault | Engineer required |
| F-12 / F-13 | Control module fault | Engineer required |
LG Error Codes
| Code | Meaning | Action |
|---|---|---|
| OE | Drain fault | Clean filter and drain hose |
| IE | Inlet fault | Check water supply |
| UE | Unbalanced load | Redistribute and retry |
| PE | Pressure sensor fault | Engineer required |
| LE | Motor fault | Engineer required |
What to Do With an Error Code
Note the code down and try the simple checks suggested above. If the simple checks do not resolve it, share the code with your engineer when booking — it can significantly reduce diagnostic time and therefore cost. An engineer who knows exactly what they are dealing with before arriving can often bring the right part with them and complete the repair on the first visit.
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