Siemens E03 washing machine: 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 E03 actually means

The machine tried to pump the water out, didn't manage it in the time allowed, and stopped with a drum still full.

E03 is the drain fault on older Siemens washers — the same problem that later machines report as E18 or E36-10. The control board gives the pump a set window to empty the tub and checks the water level afterwards; if the level hasn't dropped enough, it abandons the cycle rather than carry on washing in dirty water. You'll usually find the door locked, water sitting in the drum, and often a cycle that stalled before the spin.

What E03 looks like on a Siemens washing machine

Most people find this page having searched for what the machine is doing rather than the code itself. On a Siemens 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

A blocked pump filter — coins, hair grips, buttons, threads off a fleece
The drain hose kinked, crushed behind the machine or pushed too far down the standpipe
A blockage in the sink trap or standpipe the hose empties into
A failed or seized drain pump
Debris caught in the pump impeller stopping it turning freely

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 programme dial to off, leave the machine switched off at the socket for a minute, then try a drain or spin programme on its own — that clears the code if it was a one-off.
Open the flap at the bottom front and clean out the pump filter. Have towels and a shallow tray ready; a full drum's worth of water comes out and it comes out fast. Screw the filter back in firmly afterwards.
Pull the machine out gently and look along the drain hose for kinks, or a crush where it's been trapped against the wall.
If the hose empties into a sink waste or standpipe, check that isn't blocked — a slow-draining sink alongside the fault is a strong hint.
Check you're not over-dosing detergent; heavy foam can stop the pump shifting water properly.

Common questions about Siemens E03

What does E03 mean on a Siemens washing machine?

The machine tried to pump the water out, didn't manage it in the time allowed, and stopped with a drum still full. E03 is the drain fault on older Siemens washers — the same problem that later machines report as E18 or E36-10. The control board gives the pump a set window to empty the tub and checks the water level afterwards; if the level hasn't dropped enough, it abandons the cycle rather than carry on washing in dirty water. You'll usually find the door locked, water sitting in the drum, and often a cycle that stalled before the spin.

Can I fix Siemens E03 myself?

There are 5 checks you can safely do yourself first.

Turn the programme dial to off, leave the machine switched off at the socket for a minute, then try a drain or spin programme on its own — that clears the code if it was a one-off.
Open the flap at the bottom front and clean out the pump filter. Have towels and a shallow tray ready; a full drum's worth of water comes out and it comes out fast. Screw the filter back in firmly afterwards.
Pull the machine out gently and look along the drain hose for kinks, or a crush where it's been trapped against the wall.
If the hose empties into a sink waste or standpipe, check that isn't blocked — a slow-draining sink alongside the fault is a strong hint.
Check you're not over-dosing detergent; heavy foam can stop the pump shifting water properly.

This sometimes clears with those checks. If it comes back, it needs looking at properly.

How much does it cost to repair Siemens 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 Siemens washing machine codes

All Siemens 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.

Siemens E03 error — washing machine