Electrolux E23 tumble dryer: what it means & what to check

Stop using it for now. Carrying on with this fault risks further damage or a leak. Switch it off at the wall until it has been looked at.

What E23 actually means

On Electrolux heat pump dryers (the Sahara HP platform), this alarm is logged when the fan that cools the compressor stops working \,. Owners usually see E20 on the display first, with E23 appearing behind it in service diagnostic mode. On other Electrolux dryer boards the same code is used for a capacitive level sensor reading outside its normal range, which relates to the condensed water tank rather than the compressor. Either way the machine halts the drying cycle rather than let the heat pump overheat.

What E23 looks like on a Electrolux tumble dryer

Most people find this page having searched for what the machine is doing rather than the code itself. On a Electrolux tumble dryer, E23 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

Failed compressor cooling fan on heat pump models
Damage to the fan control circuit (triac) on the main electronic board, often alongside the fan
Water level sensor in the condensate tank out of range
Loose or damaged connection to the level sensor

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 dryer off at the wall for a minute, then switch back on and restart a cycle to see if the code returns
Empty the condensate water tank and push it fully home until it clicks
Clean the door filter and the fluff filters, and check the heat pump condenser filter is clear and seated correctly
If the dryer is plumbed to a drain, check the hose isn't kinked or trapped behind the machine

Which Electrolux models show E23

E23 means the same thing on all 2 of these models. If yours is not listed, the explanation above still applies — the code is set by the control board, not the model number.

EDH803J5WCR · TWGLES7000

Common questions about Electrolux E23

What does E23 mean on a Electrolux tumble dryer?

The dryer has stopped because it can't run its heat pump safely " most often a failed compressor cooling fan, though on some models the same code points to the water level sensor in the condensate tank. On Electrolux heat pump dryers (the Sahara HP platform), this alarm is logged when the fan that cools the compressor stops working \,. Owners usually see E20 on the display first, with E23 appearing behind it in service diagnostic mode. On other Electrolux dryer boards the same code is used for a capacitive level sensor reading outside its normal range, which relates to the condensed water tank rather than the compressor. Either way the machine halts the drying cycle rather than let the heat pump overheat.

Can I fix Electrolux E23 myself?

There are 4 checks you can safely do yourself first.

Turn the dryer off at the wall for a minute, then switch back on and restart a cycle to see if the code returns.
Empty the condensate water tank and push it fully home until it clicks.
Clean the door filter and the fluff filters, and check the heat pump condenser filter is clear and seated correctly.
If the dryer is plumbed to a drain, check the hose isn't kinked or trapped behind the machine.

This one usually needs an engineer once you have tried them.

How much does it cost to repair Electrolux E23?

£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 E23?

This one usually needs an engineer once you have tried the checks above. 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 tumble dryer 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 Electrolux tumble dryer codes

All Electrolux fault codes and repairs →

What this looks like when it happens

Repairs we cover near you

Written by the engineers at ASAP Repairs, 0115 648 0929. We repair these machines for a living in Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire and Leicestershire.

Electrolux E23 error — tumble dryer