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 E03 looks like on a Altimo washing machine
Most people find this page having searched for what the machine is doing rather than the code itself. On a Altimo washing machine, E03 usually shows up as one or more of these:
- Machine door won't open
- Door won't lock or click shut
- Door lock light flashing
- Door stuck shut with the load inside
- Won't start even with the door closed
- Machine not draining
- Water left in the drum at the end of the cycle
- Stops mid-cycle full of water
Recognise any of those? That is this fault, and the rest of this page explains what causes it and what you can check yourself.
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.
Common questions about Altimo E03
What does E03 mean on a Altimo washing machine?
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.
Can I fix Altimo E03 myself?
There are 5 checks you can safely do yourself first.
- 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.
This sometimes clears with those checks. If it comes back, it needs looking at properly.
How much does it cost to repair Altimo E03?
£66 including VAT for an engineer to come out and diagnose it, or £84 in total including VAT if it is put right on the visit and no parts are needed. Any parts needed are quoted on site before we fit them — you decide. Every repair carries a 90-day workmanship guarantee.
Tried the checks and it's still showing E03?
This sometimes clears with the checks above. If it comes back, it needs looking at properly. Then it wants someone who can open it up.
What it costs, before you call: the price is the same whatever the fault turns out to be — £66 including VAT for an engineer to come out and diagnose it, or £84 in total including VAT if it is put right on the visit and no parts are needed. Any parts needed are quoted on site before we fit them — you decide. Every repair carries a 90-day workmanship guarantee.
Our own engineers, not a call centre. We cover Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire and Leicestershire — most washing machine faults are seen same day or next day.
Call 0115 648 0929 Book online — postcode and number is all we need
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.
Other Altimo washing machine codes
- Altimo E01 — The machine can't confirm the door is shut and locked, so it…
- Altimo E02 — The machine isn't getting enough water in the time it expect…
All Altimo fault codes and repairs →
What this looks like when it happens
- washing machine not draining
- washing machine making a loud noise
- washing machine door will not open
- washing machine will not turn on