What E03 actually means
The dryer thinks its water container is full, so it has stopped drying until the water is emptied.
A condenser dryer collects the moisture it pulls out of your washing in a tank rather than venting it outside. A pressure switch (float) watches the water level, and if it reads "full" for around ten seconds the machine halts the drying cycle and shows E03 — often with a light blinking alongside it. Once the tank is genuinely empty and the switch resets, it should carry on normally.
What E03 looks like on a Hoover tumble dryer
Most people find this page having searched for what the machine is doing rather than the code itself. On a Hoover tumble dryer, E03 usually shows up as one or more of these:
- Machine not draining
- Water left in the drum at the end of the cycle
- Stops mid-cycle full of water
- Standing water in the bottom
- Overfilling, or won't stop filling
- Stops with water still inside
- Fills and drains over and over
- Not drying properly
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
- Water tank simply full and needing emptying
- Tank not pushed fully back into place after being emptied
- The float or pressure switch sticking and reading "full" when the tank is empty
- Blocked or dirty air trap upsetting the pressure switch reading
- Faulty wiring to the pressure switch, or a failed control board
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.
- Pull out the water container, empty it, and push it firmly back until it seats properly
- If your dryer is plumbed to drain away, check the drain hose isn't kinked or trapped behind the machine
- Switch off at the wall for a minute, then power back on to clear the alarm
- Clean the fluff filters while you're there — a clogged dryer struggles and throws other codes
Which Hoover models show E03
E03 means the same thing on all 3 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.
DMCD1013B · VHC680C · VTV590NC
Common questions about Hoover E03
What does E03 mean on a Hoover tumble dryer?
The dryer thinks its water container is full, so it has stopped drying until the water is emptied. A condenser dryer collects the moisture it pulls out of your washing in a tank rather than venting it outside. A pressure switch (float) watches the water level, and if it reads "full" for around ten seconds the machine halts the drying cycle and shows E03 — often with a light blinking alongside it. Once the tank is genuinely empty and the switch resets, it should carry on normally.
Can I fix Hoover E03 myself?
There are 4 checks you can safely do yourself first.
- Pull out the water container, empty it, and push it firmly back until it seats properly.
- If your dryer is plumbed to drain away, check the drain hose isn't kinked or trapped behind the machine.
- Switch off at the wall for a minute, then power back on to clear the alarm.
- Clean the fluff filters while you're there — a clogged dryer struggles and throws other codes.
This sometimes clears with those checks. If it comes back, it needs looking at properly.
How much does it cost to repair Hoover 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 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 Hoover tumble dryer codes
- Hoover E04 — The dryer has lost a sensible signal from its programme sele…
- Hoover E05 — The dryer has lost a sensible reading from the temperature s…
- Hoover E06 — The dryer's main circuit board has failed its own internal m…
- Hoover E07 — The dryer isn't getting enough air through it, and it's blam…
- Hoover E08 — The dryer has overheated and a one-shot safety fuse on the h…
- Hoover E09 — The dryer has spotted a problem with its thermal cut-out — t…
- Hoover E10 — The dryer has stopped because it isn't sensing a normal load…
- Hoover E11 — The dryer has detected that it's getting too hot at the back…
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