What E03 actually means
The machine can't get the water out — it's flagging a problem with the drain pump.
Altimo lists E03 on washing machines as a pump failure. The control board has told the pump to empty the drum and hasn't seen the water level drop as expected, so it halts the programme rather than carry on with a full tub. It's usually a blockage or restriction in the drain path, though the pump itself can fail.
What usually causes it
- Blocked pump filter — coins, hair grips, lint, buttons
- Kinked, trapped or badly routed drain hose
- Blockage in the household waste pipe or standpipe
- Drain hose pushed too far into the waste pipe or sitting too low
- Worn-out or seized drain pump
What you can safely check yourself
Work through these in order. Anything beyond this — panels off, testing parts, anything to do with the wiring — is an engineer's job, and not one to attempt with the machine plugged in.
- Turn the machine off at the wall for a minute, then power back on and try a drain or spin cycle.
- Clean the pump filter behind the small door at the bottom front — have a towel and shallow tray ready, the drum may still hold water.
- Check the drain hose isn't kinked, crushed behind the machine or trapped against the wall.
- Make sure the hose end isn't pushed deep into the waste pipe and that the waste isn't blocked or slow — a sink draining slowly nearby is a clue.
- Check the machine isn't overloaded and hasn't been pushed too tight against the wall.
When to call someone
This sometimes clears with the checks above. If it comes back, it needs looking at properly. We cover Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire and Leicestershire, and it's £66 including VAT for an engineer to come out and diagnose it — £84 in total if it's repaired on the visit with no parts needed. Any parts needed are quoted on site before we fit them — you decide. Every repair carries a 90-day workmanship guarantee.
Outside our area? The explanation above still stands — take it to a local engineer and tell them the code. Knowing it saves them time and you money.